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

This is an engine bigger than has previously produced in India and there have been quality issues. There is absolutely no reason why a high standard of manufacturing could not taker place anywhere in the world. Look at what Triumph have achieved. If I buy a V4 Ducati I know there are years of experience building these type of engines but I can't help getting a feeling of deja-vu back to Donington when they were ironing out issues with their 'new' 961 engine.....
As always on these matters I really hope to be proven wrong. When TVS took over Norton they took 961s for extensive long distance test rides, which had just not been done before, and I do believe they intend to focus on reliability...
 
Clive said:
This is an engine bigger than has previously produced in India and there have been quality issues. There is absolutely no reason why a high standard of manufacturing could not taker place anywhere in the world. Look at what Triumph have achieved. If I buy a V4 Ducati I know there are years of experience building these type of engines but I can't help getting a feeling of deja-vu back to Donington when they were ironing out issues with their 'new' 961 engine.....
As always on these matters I really hope to be proven wrong. When TVS took over Norton they took 961s for extensive long distance test rides, which had just not been done before, and I do believe they intend to focus on reliability...
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I would think and hope this will be true. I can see myself wanting a V4 Manx (high bars) lowest spec for affordability. Does anyone know where the fuel tank is and what material it is made from ?
 
Clive said:
This is an engine bigger than has previously produced in India and there have been quality issues. There is absolutely no reason why a high standard of manufacturing could not taker place anywhere in the world. Look at what Triumph have achieved. If I buy a V4 Ducati I know there are years of experience building these type of engines but I can't help getting a feeling of deja-vu back to Donington when they were ironing out issues with their 'new' 961 engine.....
As always on these matters I really hope to be proven wrong. When TVS took over Norton they took 961s for extensive long distance test rides, which had just not been done before, and I do believe they intend to focus on reliability...
Click to expand...
Unfortunately TVS 961's seem to be plagued with the same issues as the Donnington bikes, so the extended testing and quality control seems to be a L.O.B. in my eyes. What's even worse is the after sales service, poor in the extreme by all accounts.
 
Yep, plenty of reviews out there following the launch in Iceland. Unusual choice of location? I’ve only watched a few but they generally seem very positive.

Some of the bikes tested appeared to have glitches in the fueling and with some minor elements of the tech. This is (partly) explained away by the that fact these bikes are pre-production models but Norton will need to sort these out pretty quickly.

Styling is gonna continue to be devisive - I think it’s the look that will be the deciding factor for many.- it’s certainly growing on me although I’d need to see it in the flesh.

For the price there’s a lot of bike with lashings of tech, and it certainly stands out from the ubiquitous crowd. This will appeal to some - how many, who knows! Proper road tests and comparison to its competitors will be telling.





 
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Stephen_Spencer said:
Styling is gonna continue to be devisive - I think it’s the look that will be the deciding factor for many.- it’s certainly growing on me although I’d need to see it in the flesh.
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Same thoughts here, although as someone who owned an aircooled Multistrada "unusual" looks aren't necessarily a stopper :).
The lack of a GPS mounting bar and the minimal gravel rash protection are a detraction. The aftermarket may cure those?
 
Here she is..
No fancy digital displays, quickshifters, riding modes here, just pure grunt for real men..

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


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


What's happening at Norton? Sale to TVS, massive investment, new bikes...
 
I seen this last week. No thanks.
I’ll pass, I prefer to deal with companies that support their brand and customers.

No way in hell I’m falling for this trap again.


powersportsbusiness.com

Norton unveils new global dealership retail concept

According to Norton, the concept can be adapted to dealerships with as little as 50 square meters (538 sq.ft.) of retail space and is designed to work in everything from smaller showrooms to flagship stores.
powersportsbusiness.com
 
I’ve seen this kind of marketing strategy many times in my 40 yrs in HiFi retail:

“This initiative is designed to elevate the retail experience while supporting the commercial success of our retailers,” Norton said, noting the flexible showroom concept is intended to provide consistent brand presentation across multiple dealership formats.

No, this initiative is designed to secure retail space in dealerships usually at the expense of competing brands. As business builds, pressure is put on dealers for more space until something gives. Either said brand totally dominates or there is a falling out, other dealers are offered the brand in an expansion move or the business struggles as other brands withdraw. This is more applicable to department stores I’d suggest not small, often family businesses.

Alternatively Norton bikes sell so well the dealerships become sole dealers and Norton build themselves like BMW Motorrad, yeah right.
 
They've gone first division with their choice of Architect, will be interesting to see the whole fit out package - sorry, retired building structures designer here. Still keen to see the bikes too. :)
 
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