Here we go.!!

BritTwit said:
I wouldn't be so quick to make that assumption.

Yes, these new models are a statement about their modern design philosophy, but their past design and engineering heads clearly said that the "commando" would reappear in the future.

We've just seen 4 new "modern" models, and soon 2 others will appear.
None are Commands, clearly.
I take that to mean the Commando will be positioned differently, not associated directly as a "modern" design, but as a retro, or modern classic.
TVS currently has no 750, 900 or 1000cc engines, and I think if they introduce a new Commando, it will be a big bore model.
Designing a new large bore engine will take time and money. It's obviously worth it though. Triumph sell a lot of 900 and 1200cc modern classic vertical twins. BMW sell Nine Ts. Royal Enfield does pretty good too. I'm sure this segment of motorcycles will be attractive to TVS too.

I want to see a new Commando too, but it may take years to appear if at all.
First TVS/Norton have to find some reasonable success with their first new offerings.
Click to expand...
Between the Manx and commando model names, they made the Manx, the modern futuristic version. Even though the Manx is the older name.

Not so sure the commando, if they decide to even offer it, that it’ll be retro or classic looking.

450 pounds for the Manx. That’s 30 pounds more than the base panigale v4
 
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Personally I think they need something really different in their lineup, quirky in a good way which will have people come up to take a look and see the name. And lets be honest we all like a car/bike/boat which attracts admiration from bikers and non-bikers . Like what I get with the 961. Maybe it's really my rugged good looks but it's probably the bike. :rolleyes: So with the current interest in smaller engine bikes what about something that pays homage to the 'real' Manx. Shapely tank, café racer seat, a simple 400/500 engine lots of shiny bits and an attractive price/ finance deal. CRM and DOT nearly had it - maybe the Norton brand might have made it for bikes like that.

The 961 is attractive and it's different. And it has the name. I think a Norton needs all three.
 
NorTriDuc said:
Between the Manx and commando model names, they made the Manx, the modern futuristic version. Even though the Manx is the older name.

Not so sure the commando, if they decide to even offer it, that it’ll be retro or classic looking.

450 pounds for the Manx. That’s 30 pounds more than the base panigale v4
Click to expand...

Ducati specs tend to be a little.. optimistic. Is the Manx wet or dry weight, ditto for the Pani? With 200 plus hp, your not going to notice a difference of a few lbs.. certainly not on the road.

Even with more models to be announced in the next few months, Norton have a range with around 60bhp and one with 200 plus hp. IMO they are certain to launch something that sits somewhere between the two. Their most famous model name is the Commando...

Given that TVS is a private company that sells 7 million vehicles a year, and they've committed £200 million plus to Norton. TVS aren't about to walk away anytime soon.
 
Bevelheadmhr said:
Ducati specs tend to be a little.. optimistic. Is the Manx wet or dry weight, ditto for the Pani? With 200 plus hp, your not going to notice a difference of a few lbs.. certainly not on the road.

Even with more models to be announced in the next few months, Norton have a range with around 60bhp and one with 200 plus hp. IMO they are certain to launch something that sits somewhere between the two. Their most famous model name is the Commando...

Given that TVS is a private company that sells 7 million vehicles a year, and they've committed £200 million plus to Norton. TVS aren't about to walk away anytime soon.
Click to expand...
Ducati weight is wet without fuel.
The Manx R is 204 kg “dry”
 
NorTriDuc said:
Norton doesn’t want to be retro. It’s obvious
Click to expand...
They have said that they might release one or more retro bikes in future. Looking at the retro sales successes of Triumph, Royal Enfield and BSA, BMW plus Jap retro offerings, I think Norton will be missing a trick if they don’t get into that “market segment”.
 
Elfix said:
Yes that’s so…. But retro isn’t entirely necessary to maintain an identity.

Many auto brands maintain enough design language to be recognizable over many iterations and model changes. A new Mustang still looks…. Mustangy. Well, not so much the new EV, but I hope you see my point.

I can see how Norton might not want to be bound by any design ties to the past or the possible constraints that might present. A clean sheet design can be a wonderful thing.

I don’t mean to knock these new bikes- I hope they turn out to be absolutely amazing and wonderful. I just want to know what now makes a Norton a Norton.
Click to expand...
Last year, their CTO Brian Gillen asked the same question about what makes a Norton a Norton. He talked about "Norton-ness”. His talk is on Yootoob:
 
Bevelheadmhr said:
IMO the new Commando range will be announced at the 2026 EICMA.
Click to expand...
That would be nice, but the New Norton Company is still in a building phase, with models, if they do sell, that will have to be supported. That means supply chains, on-boarding new dealers, and providing repair, warranty and service that flushes the Donington experience from the minds of the M/C public.
That is job one I think. Introducing any new models beyond the 6 that have been announced, will just add to the company's burdens at this time
They need to start selling motorcycles, and proving that Norton is back.

I wouldn't expect a new big bore Commando to appear for at least a few years. They would have to design/engineer/R&D a new powerplant, larger than any existing TVS unit in existence. One thing they don't want to do is introduce another Commando with "issues" like the 961.
If they do rollout a Commando at some point, I do hope that they make it as beautiful as the 961. Wearing the classic Norton logo, not the new kindergarten version they used on the modern machines just introduced.
 

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