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.
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.
