visit to factory and test run

Just did the factory visit. It s every Friday. Very friendly and open staff. Feels like a small family. Vrry recommended. Incredible to see the guys building the bikes in the 5 bays. They aim for 12 a week. The aim is to remain a small exclusive brand for the foreseeable future. A guy was building a Domiracer in one of the bays. Will post photos.
Also got a great test run on an SF 2 seater with loud pipes. I have a short video to post.
So, what s the verdict?
Well. It s amazing to buy a bike assembled by hand in 2 man teams. Great for pride. The doubts I m left with are the power the suppliers have. For example. The faulty starter motors that leakec oil were due to the supplier changing abolt without permission. They didnt compensate Norton and Norton is a slave to them due to the bespoke part and neecing montbs to find new suppliers to build a repkacement and then get it right. In sum, they are locked in to many parts suppliers. Due to the small numbers of specific parts i d be worried about lead times for replacements. Lead times for new orders are now 6 months. The total production per year target is 550 bikes. I tnink tbey could charge more for them.
After riding one, i m also not 100% convinced. I loved riding it and it handles and stops great and the engine has enough power and torque to satisfy the target buyer. More than a Thruxton. However, the engine felt a bit "agricultural"and underdevelopped and it wasnt smooth overall. While cruising at B road speeds neither 3rd nor 4th felt right. 3rd too revvy, 4th not enough. Strange. 5th was ok. And 1st and 2nd are fine from stop. I wonder how the engine would fare over time. The pipes sound great. The riding position was comfy with the single raised bar and my wife said the passenger position is comfy. I dont like the plastic tank. The Domiracer aluminium tanks will be available ine future, and I d prefer tubeless tyres. I got Alpina wheels for my Thruxton.
Overall the bike is very desirable. The above doubts regarding the engine and parts availability and servicing mean I m going to mull it over before buying. My brain says "dont buy for now"!
Hope that helps.

anybody ever notice about the only test rider for the magazine article was alan cathart ? kind of makes you wonder if he is a shrill for the brand... i too have heard people say the handling is so so , the power not to impressive. i know it’s not a super bike, just quoting what i have heard.

huskyfrk said:

anybody ever notice about the only test rider for the magazine article was alan cathart ? kind of makes you wonder if he is a shrill for the brand... i too have heard people say the handling is so so , the power not to impressive. i know it’s not a super bike, just quoting what i have heard.

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To be honest, as said, the engine power won t let you down. It s right for this type of bike. I d be ok with it on a small circuit for fun. The days of massive top speeds are over. In Spain, as in most countries, doing silly speeds will get you a loss of licence and even prison. The Norton is capable of this. Forget performance. It has enough. Our worries should be focussed on reliability and getting parts in a reasonable time. If you are happy to wait for spares then this is your bike. Looks and performance and handling are fine for an exclusive cafe racer replica. Even the price is "ok" for the exclusivity,
So, now you have it from an objective source!

I agree the power is way more them sufficient for any kind of sane stree use. Add freer flowing exhaust and de-cat and you have 90+ HP and 440 lbs. There are many bikes on the road with far less power/ weight ratio that no one is calling underpowered! And the brakes and suspension will go one on one with anything out there. You are only limited by the tires which again for street use are more then decent!

While not dis-agreeing with Mrsimon's concerns because I share some of them, my friends have needed a gas tank, clutch lever, a throttle assembly, a brake lever, an oil filter kit and a fastener of some sort. All parts were delivered in 3-5 days. This is in the US!

BPHORSEGUY said:

While not dis-agreeing with Mrsimon's concerns because I share some of them, my friends have needed a gas tank, clutch lever, a throttle assembly, a brake lever, an oil filter kit and a fastener of some sort. All parts were delivered in 3-5 days. This is in the US!

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That s encouraging info. And good news!

Some photos

Here are some photos from the visit:

THANKS FOR THE PHOTOS, AWSOME!

NIce pics and write up thanks, good to see the next generation is in training as well.