What's happening at Norton? Sale to TVS, massive investment, new bikes...

Norton's 1200cc V4 Flagship is Finally Here | Manx R Full Walkaround | OVERDRIVE​


Norton has launched the Manx R, its new flagship superbike, and we got a full walkaround. The bike runs a 1200cc 72-degree liquid-cooled V4 making 206 hp at 11,500rpm and 130 Nm at 9,000rpm. The frame is a five-piece die-cast aluminium twin spar unit, suspension is Marzocchi front and rear with full manual adjustment, and brakes are Brembo Hypure four piston calipers on 320mm discs.

(check recent dates)
 
First thing i am thinking - everybody going on about hte bodywork having no visable fastners - i wonder once you inevitably have to remove it - how you do that and how well it goes back together... i think it will be interesting to see how this bike fairs over time as far as reliabilty and support from TVS.
 
Beetleything said:
First thing i am thinking - everybody going on about hte bodywork having no visable fastners - i wonder once you inevitably have to remove it - how you do that and how well it goes back together... i think it will be interesting to see how this bike fairs over time as far as reliabilty and support from TVS.
Click to expand...
I’m not sure if it’s TVS that will be the entire problem.
 
NorTriDuc said:
Many post are being made that everything is pretty much made in India on this bike. That’s a downer.
Click to expand...
I would consider buying one IF :
The bike looks good and is well built .
The engine has the power and torque they claim .
The chassis has the handling characteristics I want.
The reliability is good or excellent.
The parts and service are up to standards of the other brands I can buy.
The price is what I am willing to pay for.
 
TonyA said:
I would consider buying one IF :
The bike looks good and is well built .
The engine has the power and torque they claim .
The chassis has the handling characteristics I want.
The reliability is good or excellent.
The parts and service are up to standards of the other brands I can buy.
The price is what I am willing to pay for.
Click to expand...
I tend to agree with you Tony, although it is disappointing that Norton is now less of a quintessential British product.:(
 
TonyA said:
I would consider buying one IF :
The bike looks good and is well built .
The engine has the power and torque they claim .
The chassis has the handling characteristics I want.
The reliability is good or excellent.
The parts and service are up to standards of the other brands I can buy.
The price is what I am willing to pay for.
Click to expand...
I hear you. But what’s the point of “Norton” if it’s a made in India product?
I get the atlas models are made in India, but the Manx R? Their halo bike?!
I’ll pass.
 
Of course it would be ideal (and certainly my strong preference) that the engines were assembled in the UK however, if the bike was 5-10K more expensive the criticism would have been all about a lack of affordability. It appears we can’t have it both ways.

The bikes were designed and are still ‘built’ in the UK - yes I know we’ve had the ‘made in England’ debate before!😆 Plenty of manufacturers (including Triumph) have engines/ bikes built overseas - Norton need to compete in the same market I guess.

The focus now is surely on just how good a bike Norton has built. If it’s a great bike then no doubt it will sell. Will the majority of those buyers give a toss if the engine was assembled in Honsur? Certainly wouldn’t stop me buying one.
 
Last edited:
Stephen_Spencer said:
Of course it would be ideal (and certainly my strong preference) that the engines were assembled in the UK however, if the bike was 5-10K more expensive the criticism would have been all about a lack of affordability. It appears we can’t have it both ways.

The bikes were designed and are still ‘built’ in the UK - yes I know we’ve had the ‘made in England’ debate before!😆 Plenty of manufacturers (including Triumph) have engines/ bikes built overseas - Norton need to compete in the same market I guess.

The focus now is surely on just how good a bike Norton has built. If it’s a great bike then no doubt it will sell. Will the majority of those buyers give a toss if the engine was assembled in Honsur? Certainly wouldn’t stop me buying one.
Click to expand...
And what makes us think that the UK assembled engine would be better ? After seeing some of the issues in the recent past I would go for the TVS factory this time with the engine.
 
Bevelheadmhr said:
So tell me what parts are made in India.. and where's the proof?
Click to expand...
You find it hard to believe that one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufactures, based in India, makes its premium models there?
Then they sell that premium model in their lineup for 20k?
You’re a Ducati guy, you should know better.
 
But lets face it, honestly, if TVS hadn't bought Norton, the brand would once again exist only in the history books.
God willing, and the river don't rise, I'll wait to see the new Commando.
There it is, I'm officially starting a New Commando rumor.:p
 
NorTriDuc said:
Engineered in UK
Made in India.
Some assembly in UK
Some assembly in India
Click to expand...
I’ve read that the frame castings are welded together and machined in UK. Also does anybody know what the fuel tank is made of and where it is located ? I would like the base model to be as low price as possible so I can afford it.
NorTriDuc said:
Engineered in UK
Made in India.
Some assembly in UK
Some assembly in India
Click to expand...
 
BritTwit said:
But lets face it, honestly, if TVS hadn't bought Norton, the brand would once again exist only in the history books.
God willing, and the river don't rise, I'll wait to see the new Commando.
There it is, I'm officially starting a New Commando rumor.:p
Click to expand...
I think they need to sell a bunch of these Manx’s first. Also if the Commando is going to look like Kawasaki versys , an Africa twin or like the Atlas , I don’t want it. It needs to look like a British roadster not an adventure bike.
 
TonyA said:
I think they need to sell a bunch of these Manx’s first. Also if the Commando is going to look like Kawasaki versys , an Africa twin or like the Atlas , I don’t want it. It needs to look like a British roadster not an adventure bike.
Click to expand...
Me too.
If TVS actually introduce a new Commando, I hope there are enough geezers like me left who appreciate the British roadster design.
Copy the 961 style, delete the problems, done!
 
TonyA said:
I’ve read that the frame castings are welded together and machined in UK. Also does anybody know what the fuel tank is made of and where it is located ? I would like the base model to be as low price as possible so I can afford it.
Click to expand...
I’ve seen reports of the frame also being casted in India and machine working in UK.
Also that the engines are made in India.

Norton could of shed some additional weight by eliminating the frame and using the engine as a stress member
 
Back
Top