Norton Dealer Network?

caldwelp

caldwelp

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Aug 25, 2014
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Has anyone else noticed that Norton is losing dealers here in NA. From 8 just last year (that's at least on the Norton UK web site) to 4 today. And of the 4 if you go to their web sites only 2 even mention the Norton Brand and show some inventory! Anyone heard anything about why this is happening?
Also, I heard a rumor that Norton is planning on dropping the 961 from it's lineup? Anyone heard anything about that?
Peter
 
Depends what you mean by ‘planning’ to drop the 961...

It’s inevtiable that in many big markets, it will become unsaleable due to ever increasing emissions targets at some point in the not too distant future.

When this happens, it’s likely that it will be uneconomical to continue to produce in very low numbers for the smaller markets.

Having the V4 range and 650s must be a part of the plan to survive the above scenario.

There’s a few years left in the old dog yet though I think, it’s now Euro 4 compliant, so is safe for the next few years at least, maybe Euro 6 will be the death sentence?
 
Splendid.

Now then, it’s been stated the 650 will come in a supercharged version. When this is ironed out, I’m sure it’ll be easy to transfer to the 961 motor...

Supercharged Dominator Naked...? Where do I sign...?
 
Its seems the Norton brand has to almost start from scratch in NA. The earlier bikes got a rocky start with the flaws they arrived with and no parts available in a timely fashion. I think that spooked the consumer and the dealerships were at the receiving end of the complaints. They, after all, are the front line representatives of the brands they sell AND its not a mass produced bike. Hopefully, the new line ups and technologies will spark interest in NA again. Lets face it, there's a Harley dealer every ten miles in the US.
 
I have a feeling in 5 yrs there will be no spare parts for older 961’s. Based on tje fact its hard to get parts now.
 
I was at my dealer (Gold Coast Motorsports) yesterday to order parts.
Found out that they are no loner a Norton dealer, and will no longer work on Nortons either.
We are now down to 4 dealers in the US.
The closest dealer to me is MCC in Illinois, some 1100 miles or so as the crow files.
This really sucks.
 
That's the spirit Rich.....

Nearly every part of a 2018 961 is interchangeable with older bikes. If its not we can supply parts as groups that can be fitted. This is perfectly normal in the automotive industry.

We are working hard to re-structure the USA dealer network and are in the process of appointing a new distributor. As you can imagine it is not a 5 minute job to do throughout the USA.

If you need parts you can order direct from the UK, we ship parts daily. Now you have access to the workshop manual it should be a little easier for you guys.

HTH
 
When Kevin left we were told that it would no longer be possible to order parts direct from Norton.
We would have to go through a dealer.
If the parts-direct policy is back, that's very good news.:)

Thanks.
 
AF1 Racing is one of the four US dealers and have been quite responsive for me on parts orders.
 
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I too have found AF1 to be responsive when ordering parts. It is sad though that some of the dealers who used to be big british iron dealers and are still in business have shunned the reborn Norton. Even Triumph has to contend with being the 3rd or 4th brand offered at most dealerships. I hope Norton lives forever or at least for the next few years I'm on the planet.
 
skinthespin said:
That's the spirit Rich.....

Nearly every part of a 2018 961 is interchangeable with older bikes. If its not we can supply parts as groups that can be fitted. This is perfectly normal in the automotive industry.

We are working hard to re-structure the USA dealer network and are in the process of appointing a new distributor. As you can imagine it is not a 5 minute job to do throughout the USA.

If you need parts you can order direct from the UK, we ship parts daily. Now you have access to the workshop manual it should be a little easier for you guys.

HTH
Click to expand...

How do we in the USA order parts direct? I can't find anything about it on your web site. Do I need to call direct to order parts, and can I do so with no part numbers, or are you going to make the parts list available? I've been told that the dealers have online access to some sort of parts listing. Could you also make that available to owners? What did you mean about access to the workshop manual? I've ordered one from AF1 Racing, who seem to be the only dealer in the US that has online ordering and will ship, and it is supposed to show up today. But unless it has parts numbers in it, it won't help in ordering parts. The older workshop manual I have doesn't include part numbers. Thanks for any clarification you can provide.

Another thing that would be useful to us owners would be a list of updated parts, and when they entered the production line. I've heard mention of things like improved oil pumps, updated clutch assemblies, etc., and it would be helpful to have a list with a description of the changes. I'm sure a lot of us would like to fit some of the updated bits, but we need to know what they are, and whether our bikes already have them.

EDIT - Right after I sent this I read the post from Simon about making the manual available, and downloaded it. It's a real help, and it does include some part numbers, but not many.

Ken
 
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In the last few weeks I have been refused warrant on my SF on a component that had an obvious manufacturing fault as I have self serviced it myself a Chartered Mechanical (automotive) engineer with over fifty years experience international manufacturers and end users, established my own 2, 3 and 4 wheel vehicle now restoration,maintenance and repair business and now maintain our own 35 plus bikes including 4 Norton both old and new by the factory. I was not amused! If this is now Norton policy it will affect many owners that have no dealers within a reasonable commuting distance. Perhaps Simon can advise us on this as a matter of extreme urgency.
 
Depending on what country you are in, and the laws therein, you should take legal advice on this.

My understanding is that maintenance MUST be performed according to the OEM standards and instructions. Failure to do THIS can invalidate the warranty.

As far as I know, in Europe at least, an OEM cannot legally reject a warranty claim on the grounds you state. They would have to demonstrate that the maintenance / servicing was sub standard.

Although it’s technically not relevant, it would also add to your argument if your in an area with no authorised / competent dealership in the locality.
 
This manual for downloading, where is it on the site. I can find the workshop manual but already have that.
Living in Australia, my experience with dealing with Norton UK is abysmal in they do not respond to numerous emails re spare parts. I have the situation where I order parts etc from AF1 in USA so parts are sent from UK to USA then to Australia. What a frigging joke.
Nice bike though, once you iron the problems out yourself.
Simon
 
Nopdog, the manual being refered to is in a a link, in a thread, entitled ‘workshop manual download’.

It was posted by Simon Skinner, or Norton, so is quite ‘kosher’. It is different to the official manual I have only just bought in a number of areas, especially with regards to Euro 4 differences. So is very much worth downloading if you have a newer bike.

Regarding spares, have you tried dealing with Phil at Krazy Horse in the U.K.? They get very good feedback from their customers. I know it’s not fixing the real issue of poor delearship support, but it might be one step better than your current situation?
 
Thanks Fast Eddie,
Found the link after I posted, I know typical.

Thanks for the info on Phil at Krazy Horse and will keep for future reference as am waiting for lot of parts/upgrades to arrive from AF1 Racing.
Simon
 
Hi,

I am not sure we would refuse a warranty for an obvious manufacturing fault. I am happy to look at it of course, if we have a fault on a component I want to know. Please send details to Matt who is now looking after warranty and spares.

warranty@nortonmotorcycles.com

This is also the address to use to order spares.

Thanks

Simon
 
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Hi Simon,
Have sent a long email to your quoted above address for Matt confirming the full story how We were refused warranty for a part with a manufacturing fault because the SF had been self serviced in the UK during it's still low 1150 miles.
We await with very great interest your reply as if this is now Norton policy UK and worldwide.
 
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