The Prophet

the "new" Norton finally delivers it's first bike to a customer.

Congratulations, and here's for many, many more!!!


Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd: Norton Delivers the First Commando 961SE

Get that MSRP down maybe 10%, and the Torque/Horsepower up maybe 25%, and I'd buy one in a nano-second. Seriously.

Ride Safe!

Bob

Jamie

It's not THE first one, Bob. A dozen or so were sold by a US predecessor (whose engine and chassis drawings and specs etc. have been acquired by the current Brit owner, Cycle World having covered the saga at the time it unfolded), before going belly up.

Regardless. I have mixed emotions about it. Emotions aside, I wonder what the intrinsic bike would be worth without the Norton badge on its tank. Am afraid that out-sourced although admittedly first-class componentry and a glorious finish aside, neither its geriatric engine technology nor its lethargic engine output are exactly fervor-inviting.

Except, perhaps, in some sort of retrospect. But isn't life too short in the first place to indulge in retrospection?

Best. Jamie

The Prophet

Hey Jamie,

I meant the new, new, new Norton, as in... the one out there today, as of CST 5:33 pm.

I like 'em, but must agree that the "Norton" decal on the tank probably accounts for at least a $4.2k mark-up.

Then again, there is no real substantial connection between the "new" Triumph's and the "old" Triumphs either. But we like them as well!

As I said, IF the performance were jacked up 25% or so, then I'd have a look. Otherwise, I'm in agreement that it's at best a nostalgia piece first, an average mid-level performance bike at best, which sort of besmudges the wonderful Norton name. IMHO, it should have been sonmething to challenge today's production Superbikes, not some low-powered arm (seat?) candy for folks with more cash than riding ability.

Remember when Norton's (Commando's) and Triumph (Bonneville's) were all the rage, and were actually considered "fast" bikes, and "high performance"? Ahhh... memories.

Come on... a little "retro" once in a while doesn't hurt. She DOES look purdy though...

Ride Safe(as if it were back in the olden daze...)!

Bob

__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Motorcyles are not my whole life, but they make my life whole. ` me

motowebmaster

Personally, I would refer to this bike as a first in many years. Only because the whole K.D. era seemed like a passage of the years with no results:


Hopefully the new Norton will be something different.

Jamie

She does look purdy, Bob. No question in my mind about her visual appeal. Nor about her outstanding componentry and finish. To a degree, I could even relate to her "born again" image or ... romance.

But, even if money were no object, I honestly don't know what I'd DO with her, short of repeatedly rehashing my first paragraph to whoever might care to read it

Best. Jamie

The Prophet

Let's dissect this a bit...


11,995 British Pounds = USD $18,304. Wow.

I could think of a whole lotta' bikes I'd rather buy than this glorified mild mannered Bonneville with a Norton Badge.

Or... a few minutes with a screwdriver to deftly prise off my "Triumph" badges from the fuel tank sides, a little bondo to patch up the screw holes, the careful application of the "Norton" decal set, available easily via internet resources, and Presto-Change-o, I have the same thing!

A psuedo-Norton but at a fraction of the cost!

Remove Triumph Badge Free
Bondo Patch holes and Spray can of paint $2.69
"Norton" Fuel Tank Decal set $12.99
Total $15.68

Either way, admittedly, it's not a "real" Norton. But those who might be impressed by such things wouldn't mind... would they?

In the end, Jamie makes the best point (as usual!), what WOULD one do with a bike like this? Fetch groceries? Take grandmother to the quilting bee? A quick run through a local school zone at 30 MPH so you can admit to "speeding"?

Low spirited, short mileage rides with like-minded, low performance oriented, easily impressed fellow riders sporting "copy" watches and pirated name brand clothing? Lourmaster jackets? Alphine Boots? Davido Helmets? The possibilities seem endless, and yet not very appealing.

Nah, I'll pass as well. But the eternally biting question does remain out there...

What WOULD you do with a bike like this?

Ride Safe(and genuine)!

Bob

Jamie

Just proudly park and store that expensive piece of neo-nostalgic (and thus retroactively ego-enlarging) furniture in one's living room.

Or bed room

Jamie