Tag Archives: norton motorcycles

Norton Motorcycles NOT going bust!

A British notice that Norton will be struck off the Register of Companies and dissolved is no cause for alarm, says Norton Motorcycles.

“It’s a standard late-filing notice,” a company spokesperson told us.

“We’re not going bust or indeed going anywhere.”

Only last week the company posted the above social media photo of a beautiful  Commando Street.

Unfortunately, they are only making 50 which are limited to the UK due to homologation. Click here to make an enquiry.

“We are currently delivering more bikes than ever and investing millions in a larger production facility along with new model launches.

Norton Motorcycles NOT going bust!
Donnington Hall where Norton continues to build motorcycles

“We have a very strong future ahead.”

The Companies House notice was published by UK website Visordown.

“We have contacted Visordown but sadly they will not respond,” thge Norton spokesperson says.

Big year ahead

We recently published an article saying Norton Motorcycles will have a big year ahead.

Here is that article:

Norton Motorcycles is expected to improve reliability and spare parts availability as well as delivering important new models this year after two major cash injections.

Australian importer James Mutton of Brisbane Motorcycles says he is expecting a big year from the handbuilt British brand.

Some £4m in government funding has now flowed through to the company who have also concluded a £20m deal with Japan.

The deal involves delivering an extra 1000 motorcycles worth £5m to Japanese riders over the next five years.

The extra money will allow Norton Motorcycles to revamp their plant in Castle Donington and hire 200 new workers.

“It’s an amazing place with carpet on the floor and technicians hand assembling the bike at little work benches,” James says.

New Norton Motorcycles models

Norton Atlas Ranger Nomad wait
Norton Atlas Ranger Nomad

The big new models coming from Norton this year are the flagship V4 and the affordable Atlas Nomad and Ranger.

James says he has already presold 15 V4 models and seven Atlas models.

“Because they are all handmade, getting them out here is difficult,” James says.

“Parts are now good with a two-week from UK, but the bikes are taking a long time.”

He says the V4 will be manufactured in March and the Atlas later this year probably arriving here in 2020.

The Atlas is expected to be the big seller because of its relatively low price.

In the UK they cost £9995 for the Nomad and £11,995 for the Ranger.

James says they will cost $20,000 to $25,000 here.

“That’s a lot more achievable for a lot of people,” he says.

The Superlight uses same engine at the Atlas, but James says it is just for racing in the 650 TT class, not for public sale.

Norton Motorcycles Superlight wait
Norton Superlight

Exclusivity

James says the V4 will be offered in limited numbers.

“Volume is low because they are expensive top 1% of market can afford them,” he says.

“It’s all part of the exclusivity of the brand, like Aston Martin.”

Norton Motorcycles V4 RR British atlas
Norton V4 RR

“The V4 will be second to none. They don’t plan to get into volume.”

James says he sold 20 Nortons last year with 10 more landed last month and sold eight already.

The typical Norton customer is aged over 45, affluent and male, he says.

Norton sells 80% of their production outside the UK and 83% of their motorcycle components are built in the UK.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Norton Motorcycles headed for big year

Norton Motorcycles is expected to improve reliability and spare parts availability as well as delivering important new models this year after two major cash injections.

Australian importer James Mutton of Brisbane Motorcycles says he is expecting a big year from the handbuilt British brand.

Some £4m in government funding has now flowed through to the company who have also concluded a £20m deal with Japan.

The deal involves delivering an extra 1000 motorcycles worth £5m to Japanese riders over the next five years.

The extra money will allow Norton Motorcycles to revamp their plant in Castle Donington and hire 200 new workers.

“It’s an amazing place with carpet on the floor and technicians hand assembling the bike at little work benches,” James says.

New Norton Motorcycles models

Norton Atlas Ranger Nomad wait
Norton Atlas Ranger Nomad

The big new models coming from Norton this year are the flagship V4 and the affordable Atlas Nomad and Ranger.

James says he has already presold 15 V4 models and seven Atlas models.

“Because they are all handmade, getting them out here is difficult,” James says.

“Parts are now good with a two-week from UK, but the bikes are taking a long time.”

He says the V4 will be manufactured in March and the Atlas later this year probably arriving here in 2020.

The Atlas is expected to be the big seller because of its relatively low price.

In the UK they cost £9995 for the Nomad and £11,995 for the Ranger.

James says they will cost $20,000 to $25,000 here.

“That’s a lot more achievable for a lot of people,” he says.

The Superlight uses same engine at the Atlas, but James says it is just for racing in the 650 TT class, not for public sale.

Norton Motorcycles Superlight wait
Norton Superlight

Exclusivity

James says the V4 will be offered in limited numbers.

“Volume is low because they are expensive top 1% of market can afford them,” he says.

“It’s all part of the exclusivity of the brand, like Aston Martin.”

Norton Motorcycles V4 RR British atlas
Norton V4 RR

“The V4 will be second to none. They don’t plan to get into volume.”

James says he sold 20 Nortons last year with 10 more landed last month and sold eight already.

The typical Norton customer is aged over 45, affluent and male, he says.

Norton sells 80% of their production outside the UK and 83% of their motorcycle components are built in the UK.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Is a Norton Commando 961 Sport really worth it?

Over the past five years, the Norton Commando 961 Mk II range has only had a minor upgrade to the ECU and ABS as required by law.

While other brands have progressed with hi-tech rider aids such as traction control, engine modes and more, the Norton has retained its simplicity.

Perhaps that is what is so charming about this bike.

It captures that basic formula of motorcycling that many of us love. No distracting electronic wizardry here.

Also, the fact that there have been no upgrades doesn’t leave the buyer with a bike that has been devalued by this year’s new model.

Test ride

Norton Commando 961 Sport Mk II James Mutton
James and his demo Nortons

Australian importer James Mutton of Brisbane Motorcycles invited me to try the Commando 961 Sport model on a short blast from the city into the hills and back.

Lust stretching right back to my teenage years was enough to convince me to accept his offer.

But I was also interested to see if the hefty price tag of $32,990 plus on-road costs is justified.

Before departing, James tells me the ECU update has taken some of the lumpiness and grumpiness out of the engine, particularly when cold or ridden at low speeds.Norton Commando 961 Sport Mk II

However, we let it idle for a few minutes to warm up, just in case.

As we head out into busy morning traffic I am pleasantly surprised at how tame and manageable it feels.

However, when we turn the Commando 961 forks toward Mt Glorious, it lets rip with a maniacal yelp and plenty of bite from the 961cc parallel twin pushrod engine with 60kW of power and 80Nm of torque.

They are not world-leading figures, but there is a tone and character to this engine that is absolutely delightful and infectious.

The engine throbs and purrs with the best induction roar since Samson slayed that recalcitrant lion.

At idle, the twin pipes burble delightfully but their note is lost in the induction roar as you power on. So it entertains the rider, rather than alarming the general public.

Tingling rideNorton Commando 961 Sport Mk II

We press on into the hills and the Commando 961 tingles my fingers, my feet and the antennae-like wing mirrors — if I could afford one, the first thing I would do is ditch those mirrors for bar-end units.

Handling duties are managed by Ohlins forks and shocks, so it’s predictable, sharp, precise and firm, but with a compliant ride over the harsh bumps.

A perfect, neutral handling bike with light steering and a joy to throw around S-bends.

However, I feel a strange disconnect with the bike. Not emotionally, but physically … in the seat of my pants!

I soon realise it’s due to the shape and design of the narrow-fronted seat and scalloped tank.Norton Commando 961 Sport Mk II

The seat is comfortable and fits me well, but my knees are too far forward and underneath the indents on the tank.

Consequently my knees are hanging out in the breeze rather than gripping the tank.

I move my rear rearward and it feels better, but still a little strange.

As we slice through the corners, I tap-dance on the gearshift and find the gears as slick as many Japanese motorcycles.Norton Commando 961 Sport Mk II

In fact, unless you watch the green neutral light flick off, you wouldn’t know you had selected first gear it is that smooth and quiet.

There are only five gears but with hefty midrange torque, you don’t really need to mess around with a lot of cog swapping.

In fact, I use only three gears up and down Mt Glorious.

Yet you can also short shift and cruise around in top gear even on city roads.

The Commando 961 is a bike that will accommodate any style of riding and reward in a responsive and entertaining way.

But don’t think of this like an original Commando with its lightweight featherbed frame.

This feels a bulkier and more substantial bike.Norton Commando 961 Sport Mk II

I was a little surprised to find the instruments only included an odometer, one trip, a clock and a volt meter with the toggle button between the two analogue dials, not on a switchblock on the bars.

But then, this is supposed to be a neo-classic.

Some of the current neo-classics are a little too hi-tech, defeating the whole purpose of getting back into the retro feel.

Is it worth it?

Norton Commando 961 Sport Mk II
Sport and Cafe Racer models

After a delightful romp through the hills we are back at Brisbane Motorcycles and I am still pondering why anyone would pay so much for a fairly basic motorcycle.

Yet I’m still wanting one and wondering how I can finance it.

Why is that?

There’s no lavish paint, hi-tech wizardry, spec sheet bragging rights or acres of chrome to admire.Norton Commando 961 Sport Mk II

In fact, the casings are a lightly polished alloy that is already developing an oxidised patina.

Then it hits me. That’s exactly what I like.

It feels authentic. It feels hand-built. It feels like quality without any unnecessary trimmings, except for those hand-painted gold pin stripes.

There is a certain intrinsic value to this bike that does not translate to the bank balance.

I know I could afford two Japanese bikes for the same price, but I don’t know that I would feel the same level of pride in ownership.

Norton Commando 961 Sport Mk IINorton Commando 961 Sport Mk II

Price: $32,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 961cc push-rod valve actuation, 3 bearing crank and balancer shaft.
Power: 58.4kW @ 6500rpm
Torque: 90Nm @ 5200rpm
Compression: 10.0:1
Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 79.0 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches)
Valves per cylinder: 2
Fuel system: Injection
Ignition: Digital
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-plate hydraulic lifter
Driveline: Constant mesh
Emissions: 3 way catalytic converter.
Exhaust: Stainless steel

Norton Commando 961 Sport Mk II

Frame: Steel tubular with integral oil tank.
Rake (fork angle): 24.5°
Trail: 99mm (3.9 inches)
Front suspension: 43mm Ohlins RWU – adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping
Front wheel travel: 115mm
Rear suspension: Twin-sided steel swing arm. Ohlins reservoir-style twin shocks – Adjustable ride height, preload, compression
Rear wheel travel: 100mm
Front tyre: 120/70-17
Rear tyre: 180/55-17
Front brakes: Double disc. Brembo system, twin semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston “Gold Line” axial callipers
Front brakes diameter: 320mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Brembo system, 2 piston “Gold Line” calliper
Rear brakes diameter: 220mm
Wheels: Polished aluminium rims
Seat: 813mm (adjustable)
Dry weight: 188kg
Power/weight ratio: 0.4255HP/kg
Fuel tank: 17 litres
Wheelbase: 1,420mm

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Big business discounting is ‘hurting motorcycling’

Big business pushing sales through discounting is hurting the motorcycle industry in Australia, says a motorcycle importer and multi-dealership owner.

James Mutton is the dealer principal of two multiple-franchise dealerships (Brisbane Motorcycles in Windsor and Caboolture), the Australian importer of Norton Motorcycles and a former British Superbike racer.

Most notably, he is the son of veteran industry identity Brett who put the cat among the pigeons with his 2017 broadside at big businesses for forcing “mum and dad dealerships out of business”.

Brett Mutton Brisbane Motorcycles mum and dad dealer conglomerate
Brett Mutton of Brisbane Motorcycles

Two-year slump

Two years later, much of what Brett said is happening and the industry continues to spiral downward.

James took over the business when brain cancer forced Brett into retirement.

He has similar outspoken views to his father about the motorcycle industry, so we thought it worthwhile sounding him out.

James says the industry is in a two-year slump because of a “multitude of factors that all hit at the same time”.

They include:

  • Tighter finance requirements that prevented many riders from securing finance to buy a motorcycle;
  • Young people did not want to take up the lifestyle. “It’s not an image they want to be a part of,” James says. “The whole VLAD consorting laws and anti-bikies PR couldn’t have helped, even though that’s not what 99% of riders are about.”; and 
  • With a decrease in sales, dealerships could not attract the right staff, which affected customers’ dealership experiences.

Discounting war

James Mutton Brisbane Motorcycles discounting
James in his Windsor dealership

James says the result of the drop in new bike sales volume was that big dealership groups, such as MotorCycle Holdings (a publicly listed company that owns TeamMoto and many other dealerships), began aggressively discounting to increase sales turnover.

While that may sound like a boon for riders, James says it is devaluing their bikes and hurting the industry.

“The MotorCycle Holdings business model revolves around sales volume, finance and discounts,” James says.

“Customers are now able to buy a new bike at a really good price but it has no value on resale.

“So there is now a stack of cheap second-hand bikes on the market. Used bike sales are doing well, but at the expense of new bike sales.

“Customers now expect discounts on all new bikes which is a bubble that will eventually burst.”

James says even some of the prestige brands that never used to discount, such as Harley-Davidson, BMW and Ducati, are now discounting.

“Through no fault of their own they are forced by the rest of the industry into running aggressive sales campaigns,” he says.

For example, BMW is currently running a campaign through TeamMoto offering five free years of servicing.

James says the depreciation in the value of new prestige bikes is eroding the loyalty of riders to these brands and is causing long-term damage to the brand image.

He claims customers are now rebelling against the big dealership conglomerates.

“This is a passion-based industry and not big business,” he says.

He could be right. When MotorCycle Holdings went public in 2016, their share price started at $2.53 and reached a peak of $5.22 at the end of 2017. It is now down to just $1.46.

MotorCycle Holdings Ltd share price history Discounting
MotorCycle Holdings Ltd share price history

Solutions

Just as there were many reasons for the slump, James says there are many facets to solving the problem.

“We need a 10-year plan; that’s the amount of damage that’s been done to the industry,” he says.

James suggests that manufacturers, distributors and motorcycle industry organisations collectively fund motorcycle promotion.

“Everyone is scrapping over the last dollar and won’t put their hands in their pockets to pay to promote riding,” he says.

“More needs to be done at a higher level to make more people want to ride.

“The manufacturers are fighting over their share of a diminishing pie rather than trying to grow the pie.

“No one is actively marketing motorcycling in general to make the pie bigger.

“The whole industry is losing with everyone focussing on losing the least amount. We need to build value back into motorcycles.”

Dealers

James Mutton Brisbane Motorcycles discounting Norton
James with his two demo Norton Commandos

James says the problem is too big for just dealers to solve.

“Dealers don’t control the market,” he says.

“All we can do is make the experience good for the customer so they tell other people.

“People want to be remembered when they come back to a dealership.”

James says a key ingredient for dealer success is to offer demo rides.

His dealership even has two expensive Nortons on demo.

“There are some things about bikes you can’t appreciate until you’ve ridden it and feel it,” he says.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Long wait for new Norton Atlas models

Customers who have put in orders for the two new hand-built Norton Atlas 650cc models are set for a long wait for delivery.

The Atlas Nomad cafe racer and Ranger scrambler will not hit the assembly line until early Northern Hemisphere summer 2019.

And even then they will only be built for the UK market, says Norton International Dealer Manager Lee Frankish.

“During late 2019 we will start to plan for international markets with the plan to start building early 2020.”

Meanwhile, Australian distributor, Brisbane Motorcycles, tells us they already have one pre-order and will announce pricing “in the next couple of months”. In the UK they cost £9995 for the Nomad and £11,995 for the Ranger.

Since the Norton Commando 961 starts at £15,995 in the UK and $A29,990 in Australia, we can expect the pricing to be just under $20,000 for the Nomad and just over for the Ranger.

All Nortons are handmade in the Donington Hall factory in the UK, so it will be some time before they are exported in significant volumes.

Norton Motorcycles Donington Hall factory
Donington Hall factory

The Aussie distributors are expecting the bikes at the end of next year. However, that would be difficult since Norton says they won’t be built until 2020 for international markets.

It will be an even longer wait for the Superlight racer version of the Atlas which was unveiled a couple of weeks after the Nomad and Ranger.

Norton Superlight wait
Norton Superlight

TT legend John McGuinness will race one in the Superlight class at the Isle of Man TT next year.

All Atlas models are powered by a 650cc twin engine which is basically half of their coming 1200cc V4.

Long wait as usual

Speaking of which, the Norton V4RR and V4SS were announced more than two years ago yet the first V4SS has only just rolled out of the factory.

All 200 of the limited edition bike were sold at £44,000 each (about $A74,000, $US55,000) when they were revealed two years ago.

None is coming to Australia.

Meanwhile the V4RR will cost £28,000 each in the UK (about $A47,000, $US35,000) and $59,990 in Australia plus on-road costs.

There is no word on when they will arrive, but as usual it should be a long wait.

Norton V4 RR British atlas
Norton V4 RR

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Norton reveals Atlas Nomad and Ranger

Norton has unveiled a surprise with not one, but two Atlas 650cc models – the cafe racer Nomad and the Ranger scrambler.

The bikes go on sale as early as this weekend in the UK for £9995 (Nomad) and £11,995 (Ranger).

There is no word of export schedules or overseas pricing yet.

Since the Norton Commando 961 starts at £15,995 in the UK and $A29,990 in Australia, we can expect the pricing to be just under $20,000 for the Nomad and just over for the Ranger.

All Nortons are handmade in the UK and these will only be available in small numbers in the UK. So it might be some time before they are exported in significant volumes.

They draw inspiration from Norton’s original 750cc Atlas of the 1960s.

Both new Atlas models are powered by a 650cc twin engine. It is basically half of the 1200cc V4 they are working on for their flagship V4 model expected to be released next year.

Norton V4 RR British atlas
Norton V4 RR

The liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine in the Atlas models has a 270-degree firing order like the new Triumph Bonnevilles.

It has 62kW of power at 11,000 revs and 64Nm of torque.

In cafe racer form, the Nomad features an 18-inch front wheel, 180mm rear tyre, wire wheels, straight bars, suede and vinyl bench seat, single headlight and twin pod instruments.

The scrambleresque Ranger has a 19-inch front wheel, high front guard, 50mm higher suspension, a 43mm higher seat (867mm), sport screen, headlight protection and dual-sport tyres.

Both come in a choice of grey, light blue, maroon, black or white.

Norton Atlas RangerNorton Atlas Ranger

Engine: Norton Designed 650cc parallel twin. 270 degree firing order. Chain driven double overhead cams with idler gear.

Bore & stroke: 82mm x 61.5mm

Compression ratio: 11.5:1

Fuel injection: Electronic fuel injection system. 4 fuel injectors. Full drive-by-wire system.

Euro 4: Full compliance including secondary air injection and EVAP

Power: 62kW (84bhp) @ 11,000rpm

Torque: 64Nm

Lighting: Full LED lighting system including super bright high and low beam, daytime running lights, rear lamp and indicators.

Chassis: Twin tube seamless steel perimeter chassis with aluminium swingarm mount.

Swingarm: Braced twin spar cast aluminium.

Wheelbase: 1470mm

Dry weight: 178kg

Headstock angle: 24.2 degrees

Fuel tank: Composite fuel tank with 15L capacity.

Yokes: Forged top and bottom.

Wheels: 19-inch front spoke wheel with Titanium coloured aluminium rim and 120/70 R19 Avon Trekrider tyre; 17-inch rear spoke wheel with Titanium coloured aluminium rim and 170/60 R17 Avon Trekrider tyre.

Bodywork: High mudguard, brushed aluminium rear panels.

Others: Factory fit sump guard, screen kit, headlamp guard. Braced handle bars.

Seat: 867mm

Brakes: 2 x 320mm full floating Brembo discs. Radially mounted twin Brembo monoblock callipers with ABS. Brembo master cylinder; Single 245mm Brembo disc. Brembo twin piston rear calliper with ABS. Brembo master cylinder.

Suspension: 50mm Roadholder USD forks, preload, compression and rebound adjustable. 200mm wheel travel;  Roadholder monoshock with rising rate linkage and piggyback reservoir. Adjustable preload. 200mm wheel travel.

Norton Atlas NomadNorton Atlas Nomad

Engine: Norton Designed 650cc parallel twin. 270 degree firing order. Chain driven double overhead cams with idler gear.

Bore & stroke: 82mm x 61.5mm Compression ratio: 11.5:1

Fuel injection: Electronic fuel injection system. 4 fuel injectors. Full drive-by-wire system.

Euro 4: Full compliance including secondary air injection and EVAP.

Power: 62kW (84bhp) @ 11,000 rpm Torque: 64Nm

Lighting: Full LED lighting system including super bright high and low beam, daytime running lights, rear lamp and indicators.

Chassis: Twin tube seamless steel perimeter chassis with aluminium swingarm mount.

Swingarm: Braced twin spar cast aluminium.

Wheelbase: 1446mm

Dry weight: 178kg

Headstock angle: 24.2 degrees.

Fuel tank: Composite fuel tank with 15L capacity.

Yokes: Forged top and bottom

Wheels: 18-inch front spoke wheel with polished aluminium rim and 110/80 R18 Avon Trekrider tyre; 17-inch rear spoke wheel with polished aluminium rim and 180/55 R17 Avon Trekrider tyre.

Bodywork: Aluminium polished low front mudguard. Polished aluminium rear panels.

Seat height: 824mm

Brakes: 2 x 320mm full floating Brembo discs. Radially mounted twin Brembo monoblock callipers with ABS. Brembo master cylinder; single 245mm Brembo disc. Brembo twin piston rear calliper with ABS. Brembo master cylinder.

Suspension: 50mm diameter Roadholder USD forks. Preload, compression and rebound adjustable. 150mm wheel travel; Roadholder monoshock with rising rate linkage and piggyback reservoir. Adjustable preload. 150mm wheel travel.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com