- Joined
- Feb 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1,015
I commented on a few of the posts they made a few months back about them needing to take a good look at Norton's history n the bikes like the big 4 16h etc and What Pa did with the Model 1 big 4 a bike for the masses which is pretty much how it was described in the original sales stuff in the 20s.
It's interesting to see a few months on they bought Ian Loram's collection so maybe they are listening I would have loved that big 4 of his!
As a younger rider in my early 30s who rides a 1927 16H flat tanker n did in winter till I had to send the mag off n 3 other Norton's inc a 650ss that gets used year round as well as a few other more modern bikes inc an ADV by Suzuki now while I'm unable to kick start a bike properly with an intermittent neck injury unless its the flat tanker.
I think they are majorly missing a trick at the moment there's a huge swing towards lightweight ADV away from the heavyweight GSA's from the insurance cost of running and actual usability of the bikes for what they are intended for.
The Himalayan is a case in point most of my friends my age are riding a Himmy and lots of older people are to it sits in a class of 1, closest in the UK is the 300 Rally by CRF which is much more off road focused.
I've got mates who have beemers and are ditching them for the Scram n Himalayan.
Lot's of younger riders are riding Chinese bikes to as that's what alot learnt on in the UK.
I'd love them to produce an affordable 16H and big 4 single in the respective cc's of 500 and 633. Could use the same chassis and bottom end design similar to what Norton used to do make the weight very light 150 wet or less basic suspension good chassis but with better fit and finish.
That's my take on how to get some youngsters onto them leave as much tech off give it a rugged look and make it usable with an accessible seat height 6 speed with the extra squirt that the Himalayan misses.
so to sum up id say 500 -633 single 150kg wet, 40hp ish, 20l fuel tank 80-100mpg like the new Honda's 820mm seat height tubeless wheels, single headlight an some stylish rugged looks with racks n retro styled luggage.
With bikes like the DR650 not being available in the UK and RE doing a 450 the opportunity is there to slot the 500 and 633 into the range.
It's interesting to see a few months on they bought Ian Loram's collection so maybe they are listening I would have loved that big 4 of his!
As a younger rider in my early 30s who rides a 1927 16H flat tanker n did in winter till I had to send the mag off n 3 other Norton's inc a 650ss that gets used year round as well as a few other more modern bikes inc an ADV by Suzuki now while I'm unable to kick start a bike properly with an intermittent neck injury unless its the flat tanker.
I think they are majorly missing a trick at the moment there's a huge swing towards lightweight ADV away from the heavyweight GSA's from the insurance cost of running and actual usability of the bikes for what they are intended for.
The Himalayan is a case in point most of my friends my age are riding a Himmy and lots of older people are to it sits in a class of 1, closest in the UK is the 300 Rally by CRF which is much more off road focused.
I've got mates who have beemers and are ditching them for the Scram n Himalayan.
Lot's of younger riders are riding Chinese bikes to as that's what alot learnt on in the UK.
I'd love them to produce an affordable 16H and big 4 single in the respective cc's of 500 and 633. Could use the same chassis and bottom end design similar to what Norton used to do make the weight very light 150 wet or less basic suspension good chassis but with better fit and finish.
That's my take on how to get some youngsters onto them leave as much tech off give it a rugged look and make it usable with an accessible seat height 6 speed with the extra squirt that the Himalayan misses.
so to sum up id say 500 -633 single 150kg wet, 40hp ish, 20l fuel tank 80-100mpg like the new Honda's 820mm seat height tubeless wheels, single headlight an some stylish rugged looks with racks n retro styled luggage.
With bikes like the DR650 not being available in the UK and RE doing a 450 the opportunity is there to slot the 500 and 633 into the range.
