It starts....

Sigh.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2010-NOR ... ca8761468'

Can't say it holds the slightest attaction for me.

If I wanted a modern bike, there's plenty available.

To me, this is not a Norton. They MAY own the trademark - not sure that's even clear - but I ain't buyin'.

Good, Lord! Is that a crotch-rocket wannabe? Might be an incredible bike... probably is... but the rear end isn't for me. Like (most of) the forward half, though.
Say... anyone know if there's a gonna be interchangeable parts? How different is that engine, how it mounts, etc?

The new Norton is what it is. Don't think the new company would last long trying to sell Commandos that we love. After all if Commandos were competitive the company wouldn't have gone down in the first place. Taken for what it is, I see competition being Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Triple. I've ridden the Ducati and Triumph and between those two I prefer the twin although moving to another category, I like the Sprint ST more still. Production Nortons are supposed to be in the $17K range which is high, but not out of the ball park. If they perform and don't have many quality issues, I could see the new company making a go of it. Will be interesting to see if they can bring the rotory into the US. Last time Norton tried it couldn't pass US emissions.