One of the world’s most famous motorcycle brands is back under British ownership. English businessman Stuart Garner plans reviving Norton after buying rights to the name from an American company in a multi-million pound deal. Included are legendary Norton names such as Commando and Dominator. The first Norton motorbike was produced in 1902 and production was boosted when the British army began using them in the First World War. Norton bikes dominated the race track and the Isle of Man TT every year from 1947 to 1954. By the early 1950s the company began to hit financial problems and passed through the hands of a number of owners, After an ill-fated merger with Triumph the company went bust in 1976. Then, the brand was bought by Norton Motorcycles Inc of the US, which spent $10 million developing models. Stuart Garner, the new owner, bought all intellectual property, design and development work. The new Norton bikes will be produced in England in a plant located 20 miles away from Triumph factory.
Norton Motorcycles Back Under British Ownership
Published by October 22nd, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.9 Responses to “Norton Motorcycles Back Under British Ownership”
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I’d like to see how this turns out; it’d be bad-ass if they started dirt track racing again, that’d be really fucking sick. Hope that this venture turns out well.
Indian, Excelsior Henderson, and now they want to fuck up the legacy of Norton….stupid
At the Cycle World Show a couple of years ago they were raffling off one of the US Built Nortons and it was honestly the best bike in the show. I hope the new owners will continue to follow in their foosteps.
My sister had a Norton back in the late 60s, early 70s. Actually, it was her boyfriend’s, but she rode it more than he did. I had a chance to take a few turns on it myself, and what a ride! Unfortunately, they broke up and she didn’t get custody.
Good news if product kept to old lines – kawasaki sell the w650 against triumph about time UK had a decent cruiser brand now Triumph parts made in Thailand!-hopefully more UK jobs in the industry.
Saw the Norton online, looks like a cafe bike but still cool. One of my favorite things was the Ohlins Suspension on it (front and rear), pretty badass; just hope the price tag isn’t outrageous on it. I would like to see them release something like the Bonevilles–something that is fun to ride but not terribly expensive. Just a thought…
Sweet.
My Dad had a very cool Norton chopper back in the 70’s…can’t wait to see them come back!
I just got the news when norton uk sent an email last week. this is fantastic the enthusiasts lay the groundwork and run out of cash and then the money turns up and things get done. if they keep up the quality that kenny dreer was goin for they shouldnt fail if the debtload isnt massive. I only hope that I can get one in canada, theG15 & combat are needin overhaulin.
As an old Norton enthusiast, I hope they have some success this time. The last time there was an uproar about Norton I believe some found they had a part share in a furniture factory. It would be lovely to see the same sort of resurrective success that Triumph has had