Bevelheadmhr
MEMBER
- Joined
- May 2013
- Messages
- 312
The new Sports bike range is to be priced between £20 and £40K, a lot, but comparable to the Ducati V4s. I was surprised that Norton went to the trouble and expense of redesigning the V4 to sell only into the UK, given the small volumes. Though I have read that TVS originally intended to modify both the 961 and V4 to meet Euro 6 standards. But alas they soon found that would be impossible without major changes.. the 961 would need a new, much bigger airbox for example. However, the V4 could be made to meet the Euro 6 standards when housed in a new frame, so I wonder if the new sports bike range will use this updated V4 in a frame which would be cheaper when made in higher volumes?
The small bikes will be built in India, no surprise, which leaves the middle weight range.. maybe the new Commando... to compete with the Triumph twins etc.
The current bikes are built with small batch production, maybe ten 961s, followed by 10 V4s as required, all made to order it seems. The Trans Atlantic special edition I saw last week was sold, and they said they had sold a few this summer, when they came available. Though the Yellow version hadn't sold any yet. That Trans Atlantic had a frame number in the mid 500s, while my bike is low 300's bought in June this year. Therefore its fair to assume that at least 500 have already been made, not bad as I've read on here that in the ten years of the previous era, only between 1000 and 2000 bikes were built. The MD has stated that in 2023 they made around 260 bikes, and he expected to make a few more than that in 2024, before the new range arrives. So they are on target if not exceeding it.
As for the buyers, well lets say they are mature riders lol. Not many young riders buying 961s or V4s. Many V4s are bought as Garage Art or as investments by the wealthy enthusiast, while the 961s seem to be bought to ride. Maybe only as sunny Sunday only bikes, but that's ok, a lot of top end bikes are only ridden in good weather, not many miles being clocked up each year. So when they appear for sale, its no surprise many have very low milage. From the updates on my dealers FB page most buyers are in their 60's or older.
Finally, I recently spoke to a chap whose son works for Norton, no new information, but he did say his son is very positive about the company and is enjoying his job.
The small bikes will be built in India, no surprise, which leaves the middle weight range.. maybe the new Commando... to compete with the Triumph twins etc.
The current bikes are built with small batch production, maybe ten 961s, followed by 10 V4s as required, all made to order it seems. The Trans Atlantic special edition I saw last week was sold, and they said they had sold a few this summer, when they came available. Though the Yellow version hadn't sold any yet. That Trans Atlantic had a frame number in the mid 500s, while my bike is low 300's bought in June this year. Therefore its fair to assume that at least 500 have already been made, not bad as I've read on here that in the ten years of the previous era, only between 1000 and 2000 bikes were built. The MD has stated that in 2023 they made around 260 bikes, and he expected to make a few more than that in 2024, before the new range arrives. So they are on target if not exceeding it.
As for the buyers, well lets say they are mature riders lol. Not many young riders buying 961s or V4s. Many V4s are bought as Garage Art or as investments by the wealthy enthusiast, while the 961s seem to be bought to ride. Maybe only as sunny Sunday only bikes, but that's ok, a lot of top end bikes are only ridden in good weather, not many miles being clocked up each year. So when they appear for sale, its no surprise many have very low milage. From the updates on my dealers FB page most buyers are in their 60's or older.
Finally, I recently spoke to a chap whose son works for Norton, no new information, but he did say his son is very positive about the company and is enjoying his job.
Harsh mate!
