That’s all Folks 2

If Triumph can dress up the new Speed Twin as nice as the 951....
The Speed Twin is brilliant- mine, now it is run in, accelerates eye poppingly quickly, the brakes are more than up to the task of slowing and stopping and the roll on between gears is phenomenal. It is really comfortable and above all reliable. Only niggle is the fairly basic suspension so I have an upgrade booked.
 
Hey...I still like the bike. Got 11k on it. But since this is the 5th summer of 6 that its down, I get a bit bitchy. Side by side with most bikes out there, the Norton is a tank. You can justify it all you want with the contracted components failing, but time off the road is just that. Combine that with parts and service....
Maybe it's just that hand built isn't all that its cracked up to be.



When I first saw mine after waiting FOREVER for one to show up, I was concerned about funky anodizing on one of the passenger foot pegs and a little punched in scar on the primary cover. The place on the primary cover had been circled with a marker like someone had marked it as a flaw, but never addressed the problem. I thought a quality high dollar hand built machine wouldn't have those little flaws. Here I was paying more for this "quality" than I had previously paid for my new limited edition Ducati S4rs and my one year old HD Roadglide Ultra that had 416 miles on it. I was pretty clueless in those early days of ownership.
Those type of problems are nothing when I consider loosing several Norton dealerships, oil in the airbox problem, all the sensor replacement, exhaust breaking THREE times, gas tank paint peeling by the oil fill tube and bubbles now appearing to pop up on top of the gas tank (the tank, not the paint), oil cooler hitting the CARBON FIBER front fender, rear shock hitting the CARBON FIBER chain guard, rear wheel cush drive bushings etc.. I'm surprised by nothing now. While travelling distance on the Norton, I find myself always looking for sixth gear and always wondering where is that other gallon of gas. While riding on the track I was running out of ground clearance and lacking a little oomph. But gosh, it looks good.
I'm patient and stubborn. When I was young I had a 1966 XLCH Sportster. High compression, magneto fire and the most hard starting, noisy, hairy a$$ed bit.. you can imagine. I rode that bike for NINE YEARS. I acquired several doctor bills for foot, leg and knee problems from starting the thing. but I stayed with it until it was easy starting (relatively), good running and sharp to look at. I've got to admit, the Norton is pretty. Everyone who sees it will tell me how good looking it is. I'm not going to try and change what it is. I'm just going to make it what it should be. I'm not selling mine. You guys better not try to hold your breath until I buy another "hand built" motorcycle though. Life's too short to dance with ugly women.

Charlie
 
The Speed Twin is brilliant- mine, now it is run in, accelerates eye poppingly quickly, the brakes are more than up to the task of slowing and stopping and the roll on between gears is phenomenal. It is really comfortable and above all reliable. Only niggle is the fairly basic suspension so I have an upgrade booked.
The bits sold me. CF fender, the dials are beautiful. Its simplicity compared to the Beemer's massive use of cheap metals and plastics as well at that time, the Triumphs. The Norton looks, feels, sounds, vibrates, has the power of everything I want in a bike. I wish I were more well equipped to deal with its downfalls. Wish I had known what I was in store for. It was 2014....Can't the UK produce a reliable dry machine on home turf yet? Lord knows just about everything they've produced is mega cool.
 
It was exactly the same for me, the bike looks the mutts nuts, is engaging and exciting to ride and sounds like a motorcycle should.... I really enjoy riding it as well
Like you, just wish I were able to sort the issues without having to get it transported across the country but will do so whilst it is still under warranty...after that??....
 
You guys in England are fortunate to have the factory to fall back on . There are lots of owners not so fortunate and lack the necessary resources to deal with the problems. You can dress it up any way you like , but in the end the bikes need to work well.
I would re-phrase that Tony to "You guys in England are a little more fortunate...".
1. the local bikes are easier to get sent back to the factory but the turnaround time is pretty dire.
2. In the past when I have had to phone Norton it is 50/50 whether anyone answers the phone (1st point to address in any business is a communication line so that folk see you are OPEN FOR BUSINESS!).
3. We have to contact the same people at the factory and the turnover of staff means none of us are quite sure who we should be talking to.
4. Local bikes appear to be braking down just as frequently as those sent overseas.
 
It was exactly the same for me, the bike looks the mutts nuts, is engaging and exciting to ride and sounds like a motorcycle should.... I really enjoy riding it as well
Like you, just wish I were able to sort the issues without having to get it transported across the country but will do so whilst it is still under warranty...after that??....

I am now in the unfortunate position of having to decide which of the 3 bikes I own and love to sell. All 3 are 'keepers' but 1 will go. The 961 is no longer 'safe', especially after reading The Times write-up on Garner that was posted recently on Facebook.
 
I would re-phrase that Tony to "You guys in England are a little more fortunate...".
1. the local bikes are easier to get sent back to the factory but the turnaround time is pretty dire.
2. In the past when I have had to phone Norton it is 50/50 whether anyone answers the phone (1st point to address in any business is a communication line so that folk see you are OPEN FOR BUSINESS!).
3. We have to contact the same people at the factory and the turnover of staff means none of us are quite sure who we should be talking to.
4. Local bikes appear to be braking down just as frequently as those sent overseas.

I totally agree Mark, especially the communication. My bike has had to be transported back to Norton twice in the last few weeks and despite asking to be informed when it arrived I had to phone to confirm. As to your point 4 - it is frustrating (understatement) to collect the bike following warranty work AND A SERVICE only to break down halfway home -the people are not helping!
What is the SG news?
John
 
Thats the one.... ok so the new plant is being built bricks and mortar, it has been seen, but they still haven't financed the ability to actually build these new bikes that they have full order books for??? Then there is the bit about seeing a tiny profit for the first time year ending March 2018... wtf? Will they be around before my warranty runs out?
 
Well, The T100 was a great first step for Triumph coming off the 1998 Thunderbird flop.
And I have improved it a bit, in power, suspension, etc.
But the T100 lacks sporty chassis, has a single disk up front, on a 19" wheel.

The new Commando should be a sporty modern classic, like the 1200cc Triumph Thrux, or Speed Twin.
Just lightweight, maneuverable, and use the existing 650 engine as a starting point.
Keep all the internals the same, just bore it to 750.
750 Commando II DOHC.
 
Thats the one.... ok so the new plant is being built bricks and mortar, it has been seen, but they still haven't financed the ability to actually build these new bikes that they have full order books for??? Then there is the bit about seeing a tiny profit for the first time year ending March 2018... wtf? Will they be around before my warranty runs out?

£33k profit on £6.7m of sales is a rather poor show isn’t it? Although one has to wonder how much ‘profit’ has been ‘accounted away’ in order to reduce tax liabilities, etc (don’t get excited, they ALL do this).

I’ve said it before though, I just do not see how an enterprise the size of Norton can be financed by the sale of such low numbers of such expensive to build machines as the 961. And that’s even before the ‘cost of poor quality’ is factored in (ie warranty costs).

Personally, I believe Garners real business acumen lies in his ability to exploit the government grant system. Without this ‘income stream’ Norton would surely have sunk years ago.

The Times article isn’t a good picture though is it, these bikes were supposed to be on sale 4 - 5 months ago... here we are 4 - 5 months later and not only is there still no factory... there’s not even the finance in place to get building the bikes.

As someone with one on order, it does worry me if, after all this, the bikes that actually do start rolling off the line will be devoid of design / assembly / supplier related issues... in my experience, this will not be easy to ensure.
 
Well, The T100 was a great first step for Triumph coming off the 1998 Thunderbird flop.
And I have improved it a bit, in power, suspension, etc.
But the T100 lacks sporty chassis, has a single disk up front, on a 19" wheel.

The new Commando should be a sporty modern classic, like the 1200cc Triumph Thrux, or Speed Twin.
Just lightweight, maneuverable, and use the existing 650 engine as a starting point.
Keep all the internals the same, just bore it to 750.
750 Commando II DOHC.

Hmmm, that’s not how I see it to be honest. I think Norton would be crazy to go head to head with Triumph in that market niche because Triumph will wipe the floor with Norton!

Triumph have got that whole niche perfected, they have the size to produce bikes at low cost, they have the brand recognition in the market place, and they have the global dealership network to both sell and support.

Messers Garner and Skinner along with a handful of temporary workers (sorry, but that’s what it sometimes seems like) ain’t gonna compete with that!
 
After having my 2017 Norton for a couple of months now I thoroughly enjoy the ride, the attention it gets and the brilliant handling. The problem is I am now always waiting for it to go wrong and every little hiccup is a worry. I don’t expect that from a bike that cost £13k used. The quality of some bits is piss poor - my tank has a small depression which looks to be under the paint and the way someone has drilled a hole in the tabs under the seat to fasten it is like it was done by a 5 year old with a toy drill.

To be honest the worry makes me regret buying it but looking at those for sale now I would lose a lot if I try to sell. And then what would I replace it with? Not a Triumph, they are far too common and nothing Japanese appeals these days...
 
To be honest the worry makes me regret buying it but looking at those for sale now I would lose a lot if I try to sell. And then what would I replace it with? Not a Triumph, they are far too common and nothing Japanese appeals these days...

As a confirmed autohypercondriac I know exactly what you mean and it just gets worse as the end of the warranty looms. The engines seem pretty solid now so the worst will probably be a cracked bracket, relay or sensor issue. All easily sorted. Just keep that AA membership going and get out to the Cotswolds/ Peak district/ Coast for an early Sunday bacon sarnie and enjoy, as you say, a totally unique and very special bike.

And whatever you do don't change helmets - you start to hear different noises and the autohypercondria kicks in.
 
Another one here with no issues apart from a blowing left hand exhaust which was changed, 2018 model, 1400 miles so far.
I am 65 and had always planned to build a Commando with all the latest upgrades (I had a 1972 combat roadster which was my personal transport in the 70’s for a few years). When I looked at the cost and time required to build one and realised that I would still be left with an engine that could still shake itself to bits, produce 60 bhp and a frame that was in my mind still an engineering comprimise in terms of controlling vibration, I started to look at these beauties.
With a bottom end built like a brick outhouse, a single balance shaft, nikasilled alloy barrels, 70 bhp+, a proper tubular frame with Ohlins and Brembos, I justified the cost to myself.
Having become bored with all the major manufacturer’s bikes that were becoming less like bikes with their seamless power delivery (read boring), bits of plastic tacked on everywhere and electronics and quick shifts that not all of us need.
Where else in the world can you buy a hand built bike to this spec where you can choose polished billet alloy, carbon fibre and chrome bits, any colour you want with no unecessary plastic bits and NO seam welds.
This bike rocks, especially if you have the Clive long opens. At 4,000 it changes note and picks up its skirts. Yes it vibrates but nothing like the old days. Yes it has too many sensors but life ain’t perfect.
But this to me is a proper bike. End of rant.
 
I was with you there Mr Fredvincent, you were making a very profound and eloquent case.

Seriously you make make a strong point about the very point of owning, and joys of riding these things, that perhaps those who have suffered problems have (understandably) forgotten.

Actually, whenever I read comments like “I sometimes want to sell it, but it just looks too gorgeous” I have to disagree. Yes, these bikes do look gorgeous, but their real purpose, their real value, is the way they stir the soul and cause a very broad smile when RIDING them.

Sadly, despite agreeing with you so strongly, I reached the point about the Clive long pipes and realised you’re obviously just a nut job... and / or Clive under a pseudonym...
 
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Mine’s still fun!
That’s all Folks 2
 
Chris, Clive, Fred, Nigel, I agree with everything stated... which leaves me in a conundrum, I want to ride it, I thoroughly enjoy riding it, I routinely admire it, I get a lot of satisfaction from cleaning it.... but I am sick in the hind teeth of STILL hearing new owners here and on FB have the same failures.... "300 miles from new and it ticks over at 2k+ rpm" (Street owner)... or "ride back from factory 1st service and eml lights up and refuses to start". I haven't had mine fail yet but I am half-expecting it to each time I take her out, that does take the edge off of ownership, I haven't been stuck at the side of a road since the 70's when I borrowed my girlfriends Tiger Cub lol

Chris, yes those seat pan holes are a marvel aren't they, I said the same thing 18mths ago, all 3 of my seat bases have been cut the same way, a 3 yr old with a dremel could do a better job lol
 
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