It would cost them such a lot, and their focus is on looking forwards, not backwards. We can argue as much as we like about how nice it would be, but I’d be staggered if TVS concluded that would be a sensible proposition.Yes it will! (removes rose tinted specs) oh wait......
I totally agree. And it’s been going on for a very long time.well, allegedly they remove all the nasty stuff from the exhaust, like carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide and Hydrocarbons...hence the term '3 way catalytic converter'..and turn it into not so nasty stuff. The MOT test will measure Carbon Monoxide and HC's (hydrocarbons....essentially partially or unburnt fuel), so not everything that the cat should deal with. In short, the MOT standards are less rigorous vs the test manufacturers have to meet for type approval. I think it's all BS. Not that reducing emissions is a bad thing, but you set up very specific tests that manufacturers will have to pass..and they will design their vehicles to pass them. I've seen air fuel ratio plots where the fuel ratio leans right out at a certain RPM. Right at where the emissions are checked to pass regulations. Coincidence? the most extreme version of this was the VW emissions scandal. I guess my argument is that the vehicles are designed to pass a specific test and not reduce real world emissions under normal driving/riding conditions. There was one very interesting article where a reporters dad was thinking of changing his old car for a newer car almost purely based on emissions and 'doing the right thing'. They were able to get an emission tester (and it was tough...most suppliers didn't want to lend kit as they said 'our main customers are the manufacturers and this could really upset them'). This thing literally had to be strapped to the back of the car and collected everything from the exhaust, so almost a closed system. They tested the dads 10 year old car and then a brand new version of the same car, several euro levels higher. They drove the same route, so stop start, town and faster roads...so a real world test..for both cars. Surprisingly, the older car was cleaner than the new car. I've not seen the test repeated, but I'd be very interested if it was. This all just seems to be giving lip service to emissions, brow beating us into accepting ever tighter regulations and pointing to flawed tests that 'prove' the emissions are lower, while precious metals are being mined, consumerism is king and this is all meant to protect the planet when in reality it's not...it actually could be the opposite
HD are doing it with twins over 1800cc FFS !
I think number 1 is unlikely, since SG sold the rights for the 961 to Jinlang. TVS would have to spend cash to fix the plethora of problems plaguing the 961. TVS/Norton would then have to do some form of licensing with Jinlang to continue producing the 961. I don't see this being attractive to, or working for TVS.
I would not like to be in the room when TVS have to admit the SG 961 sold to Jinlang was a pile of poo and please can we have some more loot as we have fixed all the issues.
Jinlang made the deal with SG. Jinlang must have done their due diligence....and if they didn't...well, that's tough. If they didn't know then, then they must know by now what they bought. They can't legitimately bare any grudge against TVS. Jinlang bought the engine from SG, TVS bought the rest of the business. TVS inherited their own set of issues with the V4 and by the looks of it, they had to re engineer it. At least Jinlang had bought something that had seen production and was sold in quantity.
OR.. What would present 961 owners do if Norton totally revised the bike to make it Euro 6 compliant with 'bulletproof' reliability... then offered the present owners a part exchange and discount against a new one.. ala the V4...?
I can’t even imagine a future for Norton that does not lean heavily on it’s classic heritage. Dyed in the wool Norton fans (aka us old farts) who remember the heritage and maybe own/owned the iconic models demand it surely - well engineered of course. Generally we old farts can afford it too. As we know, other heritage British bike manufacturers have had stellar success in flogging classic designs to the younger biker. For TVS not to take advantage of the classic, racing pedigree of Norton would surely be madness. I purchased the 961 because of its nod to this era.
Fascinating idea!
Russell said that the Commando would return, "in some form" in the future. What form - was left undefined.
Why would it need to be a 750? Todays 650cc make more power than the 961.
Probably for a bit more torque. Did you see the DOT motorcycle ? That looks good.
DOT motorcycle?
Just as a product differentiation from the "modern" 650 twin models. The Commando 750 would be pushed as homage to the old 750/850 Commandos of the past. However the new 750 would have the power of the modern 650's, with a longer stroke and better torque, and classic styling. Norton could use old 1970's Commando adverts in their publicity for the new 750, especially with scantily cad young ladies.
Look up DOT Motorcycle at NEC 2021 . DOT stands for (Devoid Of Trouble) There is pictures and a video , looks great Kawi twin 650 engine .
“ scantily cad” ... surely “scantily CAD”...I can put in the critical dimensions almost without thinking about it!