What’s the best none Norton Norton ?

Clive said:
Part of a Government master plan - start making petrol bikes look like electric bikes so we're more willing to accept them. Begin by getting rid of those big exhausts we used to love then hiding the engine components.......
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or passing noise regs??
 
Good grief, that is awful. What’s the point in having an iconic V Twin engine and literally covering it in plastic like that?! Not to mention the frame topic...

Personally Scott, I think you’ve insulted Honda! It looks like one of the awful Chinese made unpronounceable cheap and nasties to me. I honestly had to double check the picture to see it had Ducati on the tank. That says it all to me.

I‘m kinda with you Scott, KTMs are growing on me to these days. Maybe they should employ the designer that Ducati appear to have fired?! Seriously, if they could just tone down the ‘way out there’ styling a tad, I’m sure it’d be good for sales!
 
Clive said:
Part of a Government master plan - start making petrol bikes look like electric bikes so we're more willing to accept them. Begin by getting rid of those big exhausts we used to love then hiding the engine components.......
Click to expand...
There's a road out of our town with the national speed limit sign straight after a stone railway bridge at the start of a nice sweeping climb, can't imagine how electric transport can ever substitute the noise, vibration and excitement produced as you flick through the gears. Worrying thing being the rush of youthful exuberance, especially with all the Sunday drivers around that look at you with blank expression.
 
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Same old story, I go to the big Motorcycle Show and wander through looking at all of these technically wonderful but hideous motorcycles.
The only stand that has anything of interest is Triumph and I already have the bike.
Incidentally, isn't that the easy answer to the question in the title?
Kids call both the 961 and the Thruxton poser bikes. I don't care, they actually look good.
And the Triumph goes like hell, without vibration.

Plus there's that nifty little fairing for the Triumph…

So if you want something that's quite similar to the Norton in appearance, but different in performance and reliability, I've only seen the one bike at the endless new MC shows.


Glen
 
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I still think the 961 is one of the best looking production motorcycle in years. AND Fast Eddie's is the best looking 961. The monster is....or was an OK looking bike. Had it not been for the 961, that's the bike I would have owned.
 
No doubt, the styling of the 961 is excellent.
Appearance wise, there are some things I would change. Some are easy, some are probably there to stay. I'm pretty sure that the dangly wires and hoses around the engine could be tidied up.

I think a little bit lower stance would look better and a lower cog is always good, until cornering clearance becomes an issue.
It's not an easy thing to change and somehow maintain enough clearance.
For example, the really great looking CNW Norton's are low, but it's a trade off,cornering clearance is reduced. Also, I believe Matt said the lowered bikes aren't great for riders much over 5"9.
I like the Triumph because it has a very low stance, but still won't drag it's parts even when the whole tire is used. And it fits a 6'1" Rider ok.
But this is nitpicking, ( which is much of what we do on forums)


Glen
 
The 1200 Monster for 2021 is unchanged, still has the trellis frame.
It's the smaller Monsters 821, and 797 that have the new Panigale style front frame structure.
But for performance junkies it does make some sense.
The new design and frame changes drops the weight 40lbs, according to Ducati advertisement.
New motor is a 937cc - so more power too.
But it still looks fugly.
 
My across from me neighbour and frequent ride buddy also like mountain bicycles ... he showed me his new to him $7500 carbon fibre framed beauty last weak two cracks in main frame and the already once repaired sub-frame has cracked on other side .... he hopes for warranty coverage .... hope the M/C wheels and frames are better quality ....
 
Craig said:
My across from me neighbour and frequent ride buddy also like mountain bicycles ... he showed me his new to him $7500 carbon fibre framed beauty last weak two cracks in main frame and the already once repaired sub-frame has cracked on other side .... he hopes for warranty coverage .... hope the M/C wheels and frames are better quality ....
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And he still insists on continuing ownership of said mountain bike?
THIS is the type of man that the 961 was built for.
If SG could have found a few thousand of such men, Norton would be flourishing right now.
 
Definitely like the new 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 850. Not sure why they detuned the engine from the V85TT though.

What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 
Nice classic lines.
De-tune was probably for emissions, or better fuel mileage.
Standard street/road bike is not for performance junkies normally,
 
Fast Eddie said:
Good grief, that is awful. What’s the point in having an iconic V Twin engine and literally covering it in plastic like that?! Not to mention the frame topic...

Personally Scott, I think you’ve insulted Honda! It looks like one of the awful Chinese made unpronounceable cheap and nasties to me. I honestly had to double check the picture to see it had Ducati on the tank. That says it all to me.

I‘m kinda with you Scott, KTMs are growing on me to these days. Maybe they should employ the designer that Ducati appear to have fired?! Seriously, if they could just tone down the ‘way out there’ styling a tad, I’m sure it’d be good for sales!
Click to expand...
I waited and waited to see the new monster and when I seen it I threw up in my mouth. You know, the 1200 still looks the same as the years pass like yours, but it’s just a matter of time that they make all the monsters look like this ugly new one.

The KTM super duke 1290R has my vote so far. I know it looks very modern and angular but it’s the only true super naked available. The Ducati Streetfighter is just a Panigale without the fairings. Doesn’t seem much thought went into the Streetfighter.
 
BritTwit said:
The 1200 Monster for 2021 is unchanged, still has the trellis frame.
It's the smaller Monsters 821, and 797 that have the new Panigale style front frame structure.
But for performance junkies it does make some sense.
The new design and frame changes drops the weight 40lbs, according to Ducati advertisement.
New motor is a 937cc - so more power too.
But it still looks fugly.
Click to expand...
Exactly. It’s a good idea for performance but I can’t get past the ugliness.
It’s like talking to a beautiful voice of a woman on the phone. She sounds great and has you thinking.
but when you meet her in person for the first time it’s like what the hell! This can’t be true.
 
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