Would a Chinese Norton be that bad ?

I had a few reasons for buying my 961, all have been listed in this thread but for me it was always about patriotism at the heart of it. The iconic Norton brand most definitely but British made and exclusive, without a doubt. This is what makes what has happened at Norton all the worse for me. Where is that history and reputation now as Truimph soars ever higher; I suppose only time will tell.

Made in China, NOT LIKELY! I still like to think of them being assembled by grubby oil stained men wearing flat caps on the back of their heads with a cigarette hanging out the side of the mouth. Not forgetting the half drank cup of luke warm tea in an oil stained mug.
 
If HD every made a bike that was appealing to me I would too. But I’ll die before they ever do that.

There are a few HDs that I almost like, but whenever I start to look close / seriously, I realise I don’t actually like ‘em that much!

The biggest thing about them for me is the weight, it’s an impressive feat (that’s sarcasm BTW) to make a motorcycle that heavy, I don’t know how they do it, fill the frame tubes with lead perhaps?! However they do it, it ain’t for me.
 
Show me anything that’s China engineered that’s worth a damn.
They design no cars worth having that would bring me excitement to drive or own.

They design no motorcycles worth having that would bring me excitement to ride or own.

I can honestly say practically everything I own or buy is NOT China designed or engineered.
Yes I know my iPhone, my TV’s, my computer are all China made. But they are not China designed.

All my furniture, appliances kitchen utensil, cookware, diner ware, and home goods are American made. I’m aware that some of the parts in my appliances are probably made in China.

But. It makes me feel better knowing I’m helping support workers of my country.

When I have a choice, when buying something, I always check to see if it’s made in China or not.
Do I feel other countries make a better product than China?
Yes I do.

I also disagree with corporations that send business to China. Sorry but that’s how I feel. I’m happy to pay more for something just because it says made in xxxxxx and not China.

I bought my Norton’s because they are British built / assembled. I wasn’t aware at the time China made parts were used.
Now that I know, it does somewhat upset me. But not enough to want to get rid of them.

How does one know if the parts on our bikes are China made or not.
Tony you mentioned the replacement parts that you have are of better quality. How do you know where they were actually made?
At this point it could be anywhere. Including Timbuktu.

I pretty much agree with all you say, I certainly don't mind paying more for decent quality instead of the shite we have to put up with here. I also try to hunt out specifically not Chinese stuff. It was okay when they were just making junks instead of just junk.
 
There are a few HDs that I almost like, but whenever I start to look close / seriously, I realise I don’t actually like ‘em that much!

The biggest thing about them for me is the weight, it’s an impressive feat (that’s sarcasm BTW) to make a motorcycle that heavy, I don’t know how they do it, fill the frame tubes with lead perhaps?! However they do it, it ain’t for me.

HD is so behind the times it’s pathetic. They wonder why their sales keep dropping and constantly blame it on poor baby boomer sales.
They fail to realize it’s the style and performance (lack of) their bikes. They offer over 30 bikes that all look alike and perform alike. They have absolutely no sporty or performance bike.

I’m not talking about crotch rocket performance, I’m talking about something that is under 500 pounds. With performance suspension and brakes, that is attractive and
Appealing. They are to stuck on the truck engine cruiser line. Enough already.
 
This is the HD I am probably going to buy :
Would a Chinese Norton be that bad ?
 
I would have considered the FTR1200/750. Unfortunately the finished product falls a little flat compared to the race/custom models. Still, the best looking widely available American bike around IMO.

Would a Chinese Norton be that bad ?


Would a Chinese Norton be that bad ?
Would a Chinese Norton be that bad ?
 
The Indian is nice no doubt ! But I don't like the Scouts too much . And I want a belt drive . HD dislike runs pretty deep in this forum ! They must be doing something right then . ;)
 
There are a few HDs that I almost like, but whenever I start to look close / seriously, I realise I don’t actually like ‘em that much!

The biggest thing about them for me is the weight, it’s an impressive feat (that’s sarcasm BTW) to make a motorcycle that heavy, I don’t know how they do it, fill the frame tubes with lead perhaps?! However they do it, it ain’t for me.


I thought you really enjoyed riding the rented Harley on your US tour?

It's Ok to like them.
I've been a closet Harley admirer for many years, nodded my head when my Vincent buddies were slagging them.
That's all over now.
I'm saying it out Loud and Proud
I like Harleys
Goddam heavy things though:)

Glen
 
That’s the trouble Glen, I did like it, in fact I came home wanting to buy one.

But when I went to the local dealership, back here in little old England, with our narrow roads and busy streets, it all seemed very different!

The bike I road was a Road King... it weighs more than two of my bikes combined. I just don’t think I could get one up the side of the house and in / out of the shed!
 
I thought you really enjoyed riding the rented Harley on your US tour?

It's Ok to like them.
I've been a closet Harley admirer for many years, nodded my head when my Vincent buddies were slagging them.
That's all over now.
I'm saying it out Loud and Proud
I like Harleys
Goddam heavy things though:)

Glen
The only reason why they are heavy is that fat bert who stepped onto their scales 52 years ago and broke them , they never replaced them! :)
 
That’s the trouble Glen, I did like it, in fact I came home wanting to buy one.

But when I went to the local dealership, back here in little old England, with our narrow roads and busy streets, it all seemed very different!

The bike I road was a Road King... it weighs more than two of my bikes combined. I just don’t think I could get one up the side of the house and in / out of the shed!

I've ridden your roads and see what you mean. A Harley cruiser would be awful there just as a 650 Bonneville is quite a horrid ride on a US Interstate run.
A 650 Bonny, built after Doug Hele fixed the handling, would be a fine thing on your B roads.
 
That’s the trouble Glen, I did like it, in fact I came home wanting to buy one.

But when I went to the local dealership, back here in little old England, with our narrow roads and busy streets, it all seemed very different!

The bike I road was a Road King... it weighs more than two of my bikes combined. I just don’t think I could get one up the side of the house and in / out of the shed!


But think of the cost per pound of heft. A bargain really.
The big slug Road Kings are designed for 2-up cruising on the super slab.
As a forum member stated on another thread, "You won't find a Harley at the IoM"
Well, unless they create a Harley only class.
 
This is the HD I am probably going to buy :
View attachment 14557

This is the streetfighter 998cc.
I like the basic concept modern suspension, 4 valve, DOHC, V-60 motor, 120HP
Borrows a bit from Buell designs.
Was supposed to be out for 2020, but was delayed according to dealer I spoke with.
Also, this image is of a prototype bike, Harley says the actual final configuration of bike had not been finalized.

When it's introduced I'll definitely test ride it.
 
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