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Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: Gypsyjon on November 07, 2013, 01:29:25 pm

Title: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Gypsyjon on November 07, 2013, 01:29:25 pm
Norton Motorcycles are Finally Shipping to the U.S.

10/29/2013 10:01:00 AM

MC staff (from a Norton press release)

Tags: norton motorcycles, norton commando, café racer, hasting house, norton dealer, british roadsters, hand built, quality materials, bulletin board

2013 Norton Sport

The first shipment of Norton Motorcycles for the U.S. was loaded aboard ship, October 24, 2013. The arrival of the 2013 Norton Commando models brings to an end the nearly 4-decade-old drought for new Nortons built in Britain by British hands.

The first of the continuing small shipments includes Commando 961 Sport, Café Racer and SF models. The bikes built for the U.S. have the distinction of being some of the first out of the new production facility, Hasting House. Hastings House is a new, modern facility and provides more room for expansion of production. In addition to future growth, the layout of the Hastings House production area was designed from the beginning to enhance quality control, Norton's "no. 1 priority."

The building of each Norton is unique in this world of mass produced products. Each Norton Commando model is built by two technicians from start to finish. This time-consuming process is part of why shipments to each country are in such small batches, usually 10 to 20 at a time.

With the current number of riders who have placed deposits with a Norton dealer beyond expectations, Norton estimates that it will be well into the Spring of 2014 before the current orders are filled.

Many who have inquired about buying a new Norton have been surprised and frustrated to find that dealers have yet to be assigned in their regions. The time required to catch up with the current demand is Norton's primary reason for not adding more new dealers in the U.S. Norton is cautious to add dealers and frustrate more future owners with long wait times when it will be months before they fulfill current demand. However, they plan to expand with a conservative long term approach, and currently have a long list of dealers seeking to add Norton to their offerings.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: High On Octane on November 07, 2013, 01:36:53 pm
Interesting.  Cool read, thanks!

Scottie
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: i.candide on November 07, 2013, 02:40:34 pm
I understand the msrp is 25k+
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: GreenMachine on November 07, 2013, 04:44:07 pm
25k, different customer base that's for sure..Jump over tonight and see what they are offering...









Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: barenekd on November 07, 2013, 05:25:51 pm
there are three level of bikes. The last I heard the cheapest one was about $17K. these beasts have been shown at the IMS shows for about 4 years now. They are really nice and but, like the Triumphs twins, are much bigger than their predecessors. The $25K version uses a lot of carbon fiber. For whatever reasons, they have just taken forever to get here. I'm sure US smog crap has something to do with it. Their production rate is very low, too. Four years ago, Matt Capri of South Bay Triumph, was supposed to be their importer, but I don't know whether he is still the man, or not.
Bare
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on November 07, 2013, 05:27:59 pm
I think they want a super premium collectors market at those prices.
Also, they have ZERO dealer network in the US from what I can see.
My next bike might be another Royal Enfield or maybe even a Harley or Honda. But I know it won't be a Norton. To me its an exotic bike, not a mass market motorcycle.

But who knows from what I gather Royal Enfield imports less than 3000 motorcycles a year to the United States. So its very possible that Norton will import more motorcycles than Royal Enfield.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Ducati Scotty on November 07, 2013, 05:52:04 pm
I've seen pics of the bikes at the shows.  They do look amazing.  $17-25k for what is basically a hand built custom isn't really that bad, and one of the few you can get that doesn't look like a chopper ;)  It's definitely up market but I think they'll sell just fine.  There are plenty of enthusiasts out there who will pay for the name and heritage, and the bike looks totally killed to boot.

Scott
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: D the D on November 07, 2013, 08:04:34 pm
It'll provide a high end product for people who otherwise can only get a new triumph.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Craig McClure on November 07, 2013, 10:15:34 pm
PLEASE POST A LINK SOMEONE. Curious how different & overweight, & what % Asian bits assembled in England?
But I am a jaded pessimist, after being disappointed by the Hinkley Triumph.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: no bs on November 08, 2013, 12:39:40 am
the only thing wrong with my 06 bonneville was that it did not leak! not really a proper piece of brit iron.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Ducati Scotty on November 08, 2013, 12:44:33 am
http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/
http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/news/norton-into-the-usa/
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Arizoni on November 08, 2013, 12:47:19 am
Your saying the 06 Bonnie actually sounded like a Brit motorcycle as it came from the factory?

The '12 Bonnie I test rode sounded like my mothers old Singer sewing machine.  A powerful sewing machine but a sewing machine none the less.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: shamelin on November 08, 2013, 03:43:43 am
Nice to see they're shipping to the US, but it's not for me.  You could offer me a new Norton for the same price as a 1975 Commando barn find, and I'd still take the Commando.  Something about turning a wrench on a old brit that makes me happy.

An Enfield for the fun,
a Bonneville for the commute,
and a Norton for the wrenching.

That's my idea of the perfect bike garage.  And maybe a Vincent Black Shadow, as long as I'm wishing.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: barenekd on November 08, 2013, 05:48:09 pm
Quote
But who knows from what I gather Royal Enfield imports less than 3000 motorcycles a year to the United States.

CMW imports well under 1000 bikes a year to the US. Enfield's total exports to the world are about 3600 bikes. They sell upwards of 100,000 bikes in India though, and they are a far bigger producer than Triumph or Ducati (and Moto Guzzi) amongst may others. In the US, Enfields are barely a blip on the map.
Bare
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Craig McClure on November 08, 2013, 09:52:02 pm
http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/
http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/news/norton-into-the-usa/

I like their looks better than I like the newer Bonneville's. I'd have liked taller wheels, but imagine they do well with what's on them. The Tanks are Beautiful, The engine looks similar to the original at first glance, But it is not. different transmission also, & finally well placed pegs, I give them Very High Marks for design, Now if they perform also.....
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: GreenMachine on November 08, 2013, 10:24:16 pm
Got to look at the website,  Duc - thanks for the link, I'm such a cheap bastard. You think I break down and just buy one of them...I don't even think my better half would even care if I did..Looks to me like you're riding beautiful craftsmanship propelled by a
961 push rod twin ( weird displacement) ...I never rode one bit it sure sounds like fun..I would think they would hold their value especially if they are special order...few dealers here - Well we all pretty much been there and back.. 8)
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Ducati Scotty on November 08, 2013, 11:05:13 pm
I'm sure they'll hold value.  Heck, the Vespa 946 is arriving at the corner shop later today.  That's $10k for a scooter.  I'm sure that will hold it's value for the same reason: quirky niche bike in limited numbers.  They're only making 250 of those ever.  Still, $10k is a LOT for a scooter.

Scott
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: single on November 09, 2013, 03:53:07 pm
The name on the tank is what I actually like the most.
Norton always did outsource a lot,but tried to get the best parts for the money,not just the cheapest parts.
This bike,for me,is a lotto winner buy.Way up on the list of things to get when my number hits.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: High On Octane on November 09, 2013, 04:01:00 pm
Wow!  That new Commando is RAZOR SHARP!  Beautiful bike.

Scottie
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: D the D on November 09, 2013, 11:20:36 pm
Don't beat me up, but all three models on the website look the same to me.  I'm not into the Café Racer look either.  Not knocking those who are anymore than liking blondes over brunettes, but I like the looks of the oversized Triumphs better. 
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Roeland on November 10, 2013, 12:16:57 pm
I cannot believe they are not in the US yet. There're already 2 in South Africa and one I saw in person at the Classic Motorcycle club in Cape Town. Fantastic machine; the engine does look Norton but overall the bike looks very contemporary.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: no bs on November 10, 2013, 06:25:46 pm
Your saying the 06 Bonnie actually sounded like a Brit motorcycle as it came from the factory?

The '12 Bonnie I test rode sounded like my mothers old Singer sewing machine.  A powerful sewing machine but a sewing machine none the less.
well, i did install the louder, more aurally satisfying pipes due to the stock mufflers muffling qualities. but, other than that...
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: barenekd on November 10, 2013, 07:40:23 pm
I have never heard a Hinckley Triumph that sounded anything like a Meriden. Not even close!
I don't think any of the Hinckleys have a 360 crank. They just don't sound the same. Bloor, for whatever reason is trying to get them to sound like a Hardley, ferchrissake!
Bare
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Ducati Scotty on November 10, 2013, 10:03:32 pm
Doesn't the America model have a 270 crank or something to make it sound like a Harley?  Ugliest bike in the lineup.

Scott
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: boggy on November 11, 2013, 04:09:25 pm
The word from the UK is that Norton has totally screwed up how they've handled these bikes as far delivering to customers;  Down payments leading to very long waits and continuous delays of delivery and very poor communication from the factory and dealers.  It's been quite a mess from what I've read.

I think the bikes are gorgeous.  I've seen some Triumph comparison vids.  And for what it's worth, those new Triumph's sound fantastic with aftermarket exhausts like Arrow.  Sure, add another grand and maybe they don't sound like your old fashioned scoot, but they sound good.  The 2 into 1 Arrow on the Scrambler sounds fantastic.  What bike sounds great with factory pipes?
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Norm on November 11, 2013, 04:27:01 pm
I think the new Indian at $19k is more interesting.  But still WAY above what I would pay for a motorcycle.  For that money, I would get a Fiat 500 convertible.   ;)
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Ducati Scotty on November 11, 2013, 06:17:34 pm
The Ducati GT1000 had that same large gap between the rear fender and tire.  I guess it happens when you try to use a modern frame in a bike that's supposed to look vintage.  I think the three different bikes look remarkably similar too, but I still like them.  Motot Guzzi did a better job making their standard and café look different, even though they're pretty much the same bike. 

Regardless, I like the look of the new bikes.  Are they perfect replicas of the old ones?  No, it's a modern interpretation, but I still like it. 

Scott
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: barenekd on November 11, 2013, 06:23:06 pm
Quote
I guess it happens when you try to use a modern frame in a bike that's supposed to look vintage.

Actually it's using a vintage frame with a modern tire. The low aspect tires of today are a much smaller diameter than those of yesteryear!
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: Ducati Scotty on November 11, 2013, 06:44:23 pm
Ah!  That makes sense.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: D the D on November 12, 2013, 05:43:34 am
I guess they could grow on me, but I would have expected the cylinders tilted forward a little more to look more "Nortonish" if that's descriptive.  They'd be a bit rakier looking.
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: heloego on November 16, 2013, 06:44:48 am
Quote
I think the new Indian at $19k is more interesting.  But still WAY above what I would pay for a motorcycle.  For that money, I would get a Fiat 500 convertible.   ;)

+1
Title: Re: I had not heard about this before, re. Norton
Post by: barenekd on November 16, 2013, 05:23:39 pm
Quote
I think the new Indian at $19k is more interesting.  But still WAY above what I would pay for a motorcycle.  For that money, I would get a Fiat 500 convertible.   ;)

That's like comparing a Norton to a Hardley. Where's the comparison. Like comparing a Hummer to a Miata.
Bare