What’s the best none Norton Norton ?

Cafe Racer debate aside - it is a great looking bike. Lots of images and tech detail in this promo video for a proper look. Worth the extra money? Definitely in the eye of the buyer.

I don’t think ya buy a Triumph for less, if you want one of these. In the same way as the Norton is selling. Really well done I think - love to ride it.

(Not) ironically titled ‘BMW’s answer to the modern Cafe Racer’.



Where that high price comes from - Moto Bob

 
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Out of interest I rang my closest BMW dealer (400km away!!) at the Sunshine Coast.
They confirmed the price will be about $35K AUD and don't expect to see them until March.
They have a demo R 12 nineT to test ride (same engine/chassis)
 
robs ss said:
Out of interest I rang my closest BMW dealer (400km away!!) at the Sunshine Coast.
They confirmed the price will be about $35K AUD and don't expect to see them until March.
They have a demo R 12 nineT to test ride (same engine/chassis)
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It is a nice looking machine that will definitely appeal to some, although having looked at several videos now, I realise the orange paint job jus’ ain’t for me anyway !

Shame that dealer is so far away coz riding the stock R12 9T would tell you EXACTLY what this is like because frankly it is the same bike, it has the same engine, chassis (inc forks and suspension which I’m surprised about), even the same seat, bars and riding position!

It’s basically an existing model with many options ticked and a new paint job.

And it is over £4k more that the stock bikes RRP. Plus, currently there are some great offers and deals on the R12 range and you can get a new one for a LOT less than RRP.

Yes, as SS points out, they will be worth it to actual buyers… (that’s true by definition) ! The question is, how many buyers will there be ? Some people will want it, Period. But many will compare it to the competition, which there is a LOT of in this sector with other bikes of comparable capabilities being substantially cheaper.

I like the bike and admire BMW for doing it, but I stand by my prediction that this is too similar to the existing model to be worth the extra cost for many, many people. It therefore won’t sell well, and will be discounted (or discontinued?) later on.

Only time will tell…
 
Just been talking to a friend who has a mixture of old & newish bikes about this BM. He said a mutual friend has a '23 R12 nineT which he has ridden. Said he was disappointed with the lack of low-down torque, to the point he thought it was going to stall. Said he would not buy one.
I haven't ridden one yet so don't actually know.
Anyone with knowledge care to comment?
I don't want to drive 4 hours to find it's a flop - then 4 hours home.
 
robs ss said:
Just been talking to a friend who has a mixture of old & newish bikes about this BM. He said a mutual friend has a '23 R12 nineT which he has ridden. Said he was disappointed with the lack of low-down torque, to the point he thought it was going to stall. Said he would not buy one.
I haven't ridden one yet so don't actually know.
Anyone with knowledge care to comment?
I don't want to drive 4 hours to find it's a flop - then 4 hours home.
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Ridden the R9T - got it as a loaner whilst Brisbane Motorcycles were servicing the Norton. Remember cos I got a damn speeding fine on the motorway whilst taking it back! My guess, the R12 ain’t short of torque - does your mate normally ride a H2?😂

I live a few Km from that dealer Rob - have the car serviced there. If you’re up for it, drop in at mine and I’ll arrange for us both to ride the R12. Bonus - I know where all the best roads are👍.
 
robs ss said:
Just been talking to a friend who has a mixture of old & newish bikes about this BM. He said a mutual friend has a '23 R12 nineT which he has ridden. Said he was disappointed with the lack of low-down torque, to the point he thought it was going to stall. Said he would not buy one.
I haven't ridden one yet so don't actually know.
Anyone with knowledge care to comment?
I don't want to drive 4 hours to find it's a flop - then 4 hours home.
Click to expand...
The R12/9 actually has a lot of torque. BUT… and it’s a big but… it does not produce it low down, peak torque is at 6,500rpm which is only 500rpm below peak power!

So it is going to feel like quite a sporty ride, that needs revs in order to make haste, especially when compared to a 1200 Triumph twin for example.

It’s also an old skool engine that’s had to be squeezed through the latest emissions, so it’s most likely uncomfortably lean just off idle / at low throttle openings, which won’t help instant pick up. This, combined with the above, is probably your mates issue. This leanness is easily fixable with pipe mods and a re-map tho.

I had a cat-less titanium Akropvic system on mine and it sounded very nice indeed! I found the power delivery to be nice, and very linear, but it certainly wasn’t an off the line torque monster kinds bike, and it needed riding accordingly.

The boxer engines low CoG did make the bike feel a LOT lighter than it was in reality. The downside to handling on mine (which was a 2016 model I think) was that the stock forks and shock were utter shite. I fitted K-Tech fork internals and an Ohlins shock, which absolutely transformed both the ride quality and the overall handling.
 
I've gone cold on the R12S for 2 reasons:
1. I've only got one bum and that bike is competition for the Interstate.
2. Spend $35K (AUD) then need a new, non-cat exhaust ($2.5K) plus have it dydno'd and chip remapped in order to get decent low-down grunt. I've recently ridden a mate-of-a-mate's newish R-nineT and don't like it in stock form.
Looks like no non-Norton Norton for me. (notice the correct spelling FE?)
Cheers
 
robs ss said:
I've gone cold on the R12S for 2 reasons:
1. I've only got one bum and that bike is competition for the Interstate.
2. Spend $35K (AUD) then need a new, non-cat exhaust ($2.5K) plus have it dydno'd and chip remapped in order to get decent low-down grunt. I've recently ridden a mate-of-a-mate's newish R-nineT and don't like it in stock form.
Looks like no non-Norton Norton for me. (notice the correct spelling FE?)
Cheers
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Which was basically my point… simply too expensive for what it is.

Spelling correction accepted… even if it is nearly 5 years late !!
 
Not a huge Beemer fan (despite recent posts) and definitely not a cruiser fan but hey, I’ve always liked the look of this beasty! Saw one today which put it front of mind.

Those ridiculous pipes would have to go for some straight throughs, but with 5k off currently it looks like a great deal for anyone looking for a classy cruiser with a big donk! That engine looks all class.

What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Not a huge Beemer fan (despite recent posts) and definitely not a cruiser fan but hey, I’ve always liked the look of this beasty! Saw one today which put it front of mind.

Those ridiculous pipes would have to go for some straight throughs, but with 5k off currently it looks like a great deal for anyone looking for a classy cruiser with a big donk! That engine looks all class.

View attachment 118033
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Pipes are somewhat reminiscent of Norton’s “ pear drop “ silencers
from the mid 1950’s .
 
Fast Eddie said:
Similar to the R18 ?!

Better I’d say.

How dya like it ?
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Its good , but I have altered it a bit since then. I am trying to make it a better touring bike. I have added the windshield , pulled back the bars , put on a larger seat/back rest and added side cases . I will post a picture of it soon.
 
TonyA said:
Its good , but I have altered it a bit since then. I am trying to make it a better touring bike. I have added the windshield , pulled back the bars , put on a larger seat/back rest and added side cases . I will post a picture of it soon.
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Oh no… sounds like you’ve made it worse Tony !!

I likes my HD minimalist …

What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 
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