New Hi-Rider?

Not really fair to compare it to the original Hi-Rider, which had much taller bars and the world's funkiest seat style, not to mention the tiny fuel tank capacity. The bars on this new model are only slightly taller than the standard Commando bars as delivered in the US. Can't say I'm wild about the styling, though. I'd go for the regular Sport model if I could afford it, and then maybe fit some 1" or 2" bar risers to suit my aging body.

Ken
 
I've said it before, since this has been posted already. I don't hate it, (its still MOSTLY a 961) but it looks confused. The 961 is designed to look like a wicked café racer and it does. If your going to tame it, do it right. Put a more standard tank like the roadster (never liked the Interstate. Too generic Japanese) and put a proper two up seat on it. The rear cowl has café racer all over it. (one of the selling points for me of the Sport) Maybe a decent grab rail with a small rack on it. It could still look cool but at least focused. This is just, "throw some high bars for the old dudes and a commemorative sticker". You would think Norton would throw out a picture of a prototype first and listen to a little feedback. Then tweak it. A bit presumptuous.
 
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It appears to still have rear sets too, which to say the least, is a tad strange.
 
I think Norton did the California with the concept of minimum investment risk. It cost them very little to produce above the cost of a standard 961, and it affords them the possibility of attracting new customers with a different sense of style. I may think the styling is questionable, but remember back in the 70's people bought the Norton HiRiders. There will probably be a customer or 2 for the California too. It's not like Norton have to sell lots of them to make a return on investment.
 
Just referring to the fact that I am following through with the purchase ...
 
I think that one needs to drive the 961 California to truly appreciate the riding position .
 
I’m unlikely to do that, but the international motorcycle show at the NEC is on the week after next in the UK, so at least I’ll get chance to look at the Cali up close and sit on it, so I’ll report back afterwards...
 
I thought you were going for the California, Fast Eddie. Darn. Norton is gonna take a hit already. Why make a good handling bike, then diminish that handling by throwing nice relaxing high bars on it?
 
Britfan60 said:
I thought you were going for the California, Fast Eddie. Darn. Norton is gonna take a hit already. Why make a good handling bike, then diminish that handling by throwing nice relaxing high bars on it?
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I’m a frayed knot old chap.

Far too West Coast and Free Love and Easy Rider for a stuffy, English traditionalist like me !!

Head down, arse up.

For as long as I still can at least !
 
Homely bike, but clever marketing.


Vincent held bankruptcy at bay with some black paint, a big 150 mph speedo and a name ( Black Shadow) . This type of marketing can be quite effective and the cost of model development is zilch, as mentioned.
Garner might not be the best man to build motorcycles, but he seems to be a clever guy and a very good salesman. His sale of engine design to the Chinese ( while still figuring out the 961) boggles the mind.

Glen
 
True Worntorn, its great business sense to revitalise a product with minimal capital. However this can only be done a couple of times.

I was so relieved when Norton announced the V4. There is no other bike on the market that has the label 'developed from Road Racing on the Isle of Mann'. I think it will guarantee the future of Norton for a few years to come.

Now the company is focusing on the new sports edged V4, I wouldn't be surprised if the Norton starts marketing the 961 with a more relaxed/cruiser style bias.
 
worntorn said:
Garner might not be the best man to build motorcycles, but he seems to be a clever guy and a very good salesman. His sale of engine design to the Chinese ( while still figuring out the 961) boggles the mind.
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Yeah, Garner definitely dances to a different beat.
I just hope he doesn't orphan the 961 once the new V4 and 650 bikes are moving out the door.
The 961 needs further development.
 
I don’t think the 961 is gonna get much meaningful further development myself. It’s either gonna die out, or change radically.

In its current form, it can only have a few years left before its unable to meet emissions demands. So he ain’t gonna want to spend much on it in its current form if the production lifespan is limited.

To survive longer term, it will need to become 4 valves per cylinder and liquid cooled. Whether or not he has the willingness to sink the required cash into a program like that, I don’t know.
 
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BritTwit said:
Yeah, Garner definitely dances to a different beat.
I just hope he doesn't orphan the 961 once the new V4 and 650 bikes are moving out the door.
The 961 needs further development.
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I don't think they'll abandon it. Its just way too cool. Everybody is hopping on the retro/standard bandwagon. I think they did a good job with the 961 in looks fit and finish. Its just those damned PIA niggles. I do wish them success with the V4. I think that will be low production too. The average Joe will spend 16K on an RSV4.
 
Fast Eddie said:
I don’t think the 961 is gonna get much meaningful further development myself. It’s either gonna die out, or change radically.

In its current form, it can only have a few years left before its unable to meet emissions demands. So he ain’t gonna want to spend much on it in its current form if the production lifespan is limited.

To survive longer term, it will need to become 4 valves per cylinder and liquid cooled. Whether or not he has the willingness to sink the required cash into a program like that, I don’t know.
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Once the V4 and 650 are out the door, the 961 or its follow-on unit will need significant changes to meet future regs.
Garner should just give the job to Richardo as he did with the V4 and 650 projects.
Have them get it right from the start.
It would be great if they were able to engineer a liquid cooled engine and actually hide the radiator.
Now that would be thinking outside the box.

Try for:
4 valves (polymorphic valves)
LC
Wetsump common oil supply for engine and gearbox with view window for oil level and ditch oil tank, and dipstick.
With no oil tank, frame can have a lower backbone, and lower frame/bike.
Shift shaft below/behind clutch
Gear driven camshaft.
1100 cc

on and on and on.........
 
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