What’s the best none Norton Norton ?

Last in the game here, but cast an eye (and leg) over a 650 Interceptor today.. I wasn't looking to buy, even though said machine is for sale, just looked out of curiosity. Luckily I know the vendor as a classic bike nut, so wasn't doing the 'time waster' bit, the offer to ride was there so I thought: 'Why not!'
Alas, after having spent a good half hour riding and cursing the Commando's clutch, but revelling in the effortless torque, the Enfield left me cold. Not once did I want to ride it, even after vendor had started it with me astride. First thoughts: 'Hillman Imp!!' Why? All the noise behind (probably exacerbated with the helmet on) but NONE from elsewhere... No tappets, timing chains et al, just booming aftermarket pipes from behind the back seat.
And the 'ignition on' ritual of needles dancing, light flashing on the digital readouts, all alien to this old boy. As much as I decry the Norton on the odd occasion it's let me down, I'm confident in my abilities to fix whatever ails it (the tri spark failure excepted). With all this new gadgetry I reckon I may be out of my depth.
Build quality? Just looked 'cheap' and insubstantial everywhere I looked. Yes, I know it is remarkably priced, but it didn't inspire confidence the way my mates 'new' retro Triumphs do... Whilst 'lightweight' may be de rigeur on modern race replicas, some of the pared down peripherals looked too at odds with the whole ethos of the thing.. I still lust after a 675 Daytona, so not a total luddite bike wise..
Hypercritical? Possibly, but only one man's opinion, plenty do like them...
But thank you Gerry for the time and offer, and I managed to walk away from the P11 'project' too :)
Yep - the only 2 I've seen & heard remind me of a sad cross between a sewing machine and an Insinkerator (Google it!)

Edit: Sorry Nigel - I'll stop it now!
This is meant to be about the "Best" not the "also ran" bikes
 
I’m in love. But can it be true?
What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 
Anyone like the KTM Super duke R?
I have two friends with them. One is a long time KTM fan and the other one chose it over a V4 Aprilia Tuono. I’m not a fan of them. There’s a good recent YouTube review of the Super Duke, V4 Tuono and new Duc V4 Streetfighter
 
I have two friends with them. One is a long time KTM fan and the other one chose it over a V4 Aprilia Tuono. I’m not a fan of them. There’s a good recent YouTube review of the Super Duke, V4 Tuono and new Duc V4 Streetfighter
Seen that.
 
If you want something like that then why not base it around a Buell engine or similar and save yourself a fortune?

Vincent specials need to showcase the Vincent engine IMHO otherwise they kinda defeat the object.

I don’t think anyone does this better than Patrick Godet did (Patrick Godet sadly passed away, but Godet Motorcycles are still building these fine machines / artwork pieces):

What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 
If you want something like that then why not base it around a Buell engine or similar and save yourself a fortune?

Vincent specials need to showcase the Vincent engine IMHO otherwise they kinda defeat the object.

I don’t think anyone does this better than Patrick Godet did (Patrick Godet sadly passed away, but Godet Motorcycles are still building these fine machines / artwork pieces):

View attachment 18539
The engine is always the star along with the Norvins and Elgi-Vincents etc. Undoubtedly they must be the best non-Norton Nortons. I would sell my soul (but keep my 961) for one of these bikes.
 
Can you imagine how much this would cost to buy , if you could buy one ?
Dang Yo!! those are both some beauties , the Irving Vincent looks serious . Kind of reminds me of a Britten! I could see myself on the Godet though...(well, that is if I had enough dough, don't cha know).
 
I wouldn’t hold your breath Tony.

AFAIK CCM don’t have a dealer network as such. Even warranty and servicing is done at the customer house by a man in a van from the factory.

I’d be surprised if that concept was exportable to the US...
 
I don’t think anyone does this better than Patrick Godet did (Patrick Godet sadly passed away, but Godet Motorcycles are still building these fine machines / artwork pieces):

Hells Teeth Nigel I may have to admit that underneath those perverted ideas of yours on bars and exhausts there may just be a man of taste in there.........
 
Hells Teeth Nigel I may have to admit that underneath those perverted ideas of yours on bars and exhausts there may just be a man of taste in there.........

Well thanks you kind sir.

I’m not surprised you like it really... it does have a long silencer...!
 
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