In 2008, entrepreneur Start Garner bought legendary British motorcycle manufacturer Norton. Buying norton took only 4 days from decision to deal completion. Garner got all the bike parts, 4 prototype bikes and all intellectual property rights. Reportly for a price in the single millions from a group of Americans (Norton had 3 different owners between 2002 and 2006.) Using past plans, Head of Design and Executive Director Simon Skinner designed a prototype which went on sale to great acclaim in 2009. But there was not enough money to go into manufacturing until 2011 when Santander Bank eventually lent Norton £650,000 under the “Export Enterprise Finance Guarantee” program. Norton was able to build a workforce of about 60 and states that in the next 12 months it will manufacture close to 1,000 bikes at a retail price of £10,000 to £15,000. Last July UK Chancellor George Osborne announced a £4 million of government funding to support 600 new jobs for Norton. Thanks to a product placement a Norton Dominator SS can be seen in the just released new James Bond movie, Spectre. So, is the rebirth of iconic Norton on solid ground? Below a short video for those who don’t know well the history of this iconic British motorcycle brand.
Norton Motorcycles. A Solid Come Back Story?
Published by November 28th, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.20 Responses to “Norton Motorcycles. A Solid Come Back Story?”
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Roll on! 🙂
Six million dollars worth of funding and a factory staff capable off 600 souns pretty solid for now. I’m not sure a globally competitive brand can be built with that level of funding though. A sustainable enterprise maybe but I don’t think they’re going to be able to go head to head over the long haul with the likes of Ducati, BMW, or even Triumph. I think Polaris spent about three times that much of their own money just expanding R&D facilities for motorcycles. Wishing them good luck though.
I think the new Norton is exciting. They are a small and dedicated company full of gear heads who believe in what they are doing. These machines are born of real passion not stock holders direction.
This will be another choice for many of those who want an exclusive play-toy. Nothing wrong with that. I wish them well and can’t wait to see one; I’m sure it’ll be much better than my old Combat Commando
Pretty sure they won’t have the twin pumper Amal carbs my old 650 Combat did….at least I hope not…
Somebodies are making a Bunch of money for Making 1 Motorcycle or maybe 3 for a movie!
That is a great looking bike I wish them much success.
Great looking bike; it’s a logical extension of the old Commando design for the modern age. How about a more streetable version with a two-up seat/fender setup for the US market?
I agree with Boris, nice 2 seat saddle, etc.
Seen a few of these at a local shop, all w/sold signs on them so they are moving units. A bit pricey until you look at the details and realize they come from a smallish shop in good ‘ol England and not a huge factory in Thailand. And it is still aircooled!
I think it’s beautiful and it looks like more fun than most laws allow. I wish them nothing but luck. Slow growth is still a solid business plan, albeit not a “sexy” business plan.
Pretty simple math, how much will they make per bike and how many need to be sold to cover costs, service the debt and meet payroll? Hopefully they will stay small and let sales drive their growth. Love the look. Loved my old short tail 750 Commando, even though nostalgia may be helping me forget it really wasn’t a very good bike compared to my Hondas of the same era. Best of luck to Norton, maybe they could sell a bunch of “Since 1898” tees & leathers to help cover expenses 😉
Hey Boris & Dimple, these bikes come with a 2up seat option. It looks good too. look here http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/
I grew up riding (and chopping) Triumphs and BSA’s. .. always wanted a Norton. I am freeeeking drooling over these new ones …. hmmmm… I think if I sold the sports car I could afford one.
Domino
A fine looking machine by any standard….
And no radiator…. BONUS!
-nicker-
Too rich for my blood.
I wonder if they were ready for the release of the Triumph Thruxton 1200R?
Factors to consider, Price point, latest technology, strong manufacturer with a worldwide dealer base,
History.
The cam cover looks like polished aluminum. Wonder if they sprayed Nyalic® coating on them so the corrosion will slowly creep across it’s face? Ai-yi-carumba. Say it isn’t so. :p
For a high end niche market, it could work !!!
the market will decide if they are a success or not
Also they will do what Triumph did & make the
fuel injection look like Amal carbs
I hear all these Numbers 4 million, 6 Million 650,000 pounds I think that this is way less than a World Wide Motorcycle factory with all the Tooling and Fabricating machines, Lazer Cutters on huge cutting Tables and half a dozen CNC Machines, Work Stations Tools and Shelving and Buildings and Inventory and at least 50,000 Sq. Ft. of Space and Selling these its sounds like a lot of money $15,000 to $20,000 USD converted from pounds Sterling sound like a bunch of money for these small CC Bikes. Good Luck and I hope they become a successful brand and even if they can grab 1/2% of the Motorcycle Industry than they will become huge. My Father in Law was a very, very Wise man and I can hear his famous saying “Figures don’t Lie, but Liars Figure”!
Beautiful