Author Topic: New Norton Company down the tubes. (Read 2823 times)

Jay B · « **on:** June 15, 2006, 06:07:33 AM »

Got my new issue of Motorcyclist yesterday. They reported that Kenny Dreer's new Norton Motorcycle Company is gone, probably for good. Couldn't raise the $10 million needed for production. It's really too bad. This guy has spent years working with Nortons, and in my mind at least, he was going to produce an accurate version of what Norton might have become if they had survived. Nothing like the cobbled together POS that Indian tried to pass off a few years ago, but a thouroghly modern bike from axle to axle. From what I've read, the testers loved the preproduction models. Too bad development costs are so high. We are all the poorer for it.

ohiocaferacer · « **Reply #1 on:** June 15, 2006, 06:34:19 AM »

......thats horrible news!!!

I would have loved to see one of those out.....since there is no way I would ever be able to have afforded one.

unlucky71 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 15, 2006, 06:51:25 AM »

that black beauty was definitely on my short list of dream motorcycles. it's sad to know that something that nice and well thought can't take off.

cbjunkie · « **Reply #3 on:** June 15, 2006, 07:04:49 AM »

funny avatar man...

Vatch · « **Reply #4 on:** June 15, 2006, 07:04:59 AM »

I like old Nortons and Indians for that matter. But I have to wonder if it's worth trying to resurrect a name and legend? I guess having the name would help move bikes better than a brand new name and line. Still, something about it seems sad.

bwaller · « **Reply #5 on:** June 15, 2006, 09:02:25 AM »

That truly is a shame, I had my fingers crossed he would get the new Norton to the street.

bill440cars · « **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2006, 09:25:53 AM »

It's really too bad that things couldn't be worked out. I agree that Kenny Dreer had done
so much to bring the Norton name back and in such a valiant way. It's really a shame because
they seemed to be such a great product and had such promise. They were going to be out of my
price range, but now no one will have the chance. With all the work that was done, I sure
thought he was going to put a grand old name back on the street. As far as whether or not an
attempt should be made to revive an old name, I say (my 2 cents) that if an honest effort is made
and the quality is good, GO FOR IT! Well, I gotta go.

Later on, Bill

Jay B · « **Reply #7 on:** June 15, 2006, 02:48:15 PM »

Quote from: Vatch on June 15, 2006, 07:04:59 AM

I like old Nortons and Indians for that matter. But I have to wonder if it's worth trying to resurrect a name and legend? I guess having the name would help move bikes better than a brand new name and line. Still, something about it seems sad.

I think the classic name is a positive. It's all a matter of money. Take Victory for example. They are finally getting increasing market share after about 8 or 9 years of trying. If they hadn't had the deep pockets of the Polaris Corperation behind them they'd have been gone long ago. Sure they made huge improvements to their bikes, but the development costs are staggering. That artical said that Dreer spent $8.5 million to get as far as he did, with $10 million left to go.

Vatch · « **Reply #8 on:** June 15, 2006, 03:11:32 PM »

That's a good point you make, Jay B. I supposed the final woes of Buell prior to being bought up by HD could be thrown in there too.

Raul CB750K1 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 16, 2006, 02:03:14 AM »

Quote from: Jay B on June 15, 2006, 02:48:15 PM

Quote from: Vatch on June 15, 2006, 07:04:59 AM
I like old Nortons and Indians for that matter. But I have to wonder if it's worth trying to resurrect a name and legend? I guess having the name would help move bikes better than a brand new name and line. Still, something about it seems sad.

I think the classic name is a positive. It's all a matter of money. Take Victory for example. They are finally getting increasing market share after about 8 or 9 years of trying. If they hadn't had the deep pockets of the Polaris Corperation behind them they'd have been gone long ago. Sure they made huge improvements to their bikes, but the development costs are staggering. That artical said that Dreer spent $8.5 million to get as far as he did, with $10 million left to go.

Had it not been for the pockt money that John Bloor put into Triumph, the brand would have never resurrected. It's difficult to convince shareholders to put the money on a new company that tries to find his place on a very mature market like the bike market.

Raul

MRieck · « **Reply #10 on:** June 16, 2006, 06:40:18 AM »

That's too bad...great looking bike they developed that performed well.

bill440cars · « **Reply #11 on:** June 17, 2006, 11:35:20 AM »

Check this out. I just picked up the July issue of Cycle World and it is stated in the
in the HOTSHOTS section, under "Going Commando", that they aren't down yet. Basically
what they are saying is that they've cut back and "looking for investors, strategic partners or
the right buyer who can accelerate their vieion of getting the bike into production"

All I can say is I sure hope they can work things out so that the Nortons will be
back in the thick of things. Just thought you other guys would like to know what I'd found.

Later on, Bill

Jay B · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2006, 11:49:04 AM »

I hope you're right Bill. Looks like a great bike to me. Just wish I could afford one.

bill440cars · « **Reply #13 on:** June 17, 2006, 12:09:09 PM »

Quote from: Jay B on June 17, 2006, 11:49:04 AM

I hope you're right Bill. Looks like a great bike to me. Just wish I could afford one.

So do I Jay, I'd sure like to see them make it even though I could never afford one
either. The only down side seems to be the backing to get it out there. Most everybody
seems to like them. We'll just have to see how it goes. Later on, Bill

Noel · « **Reply #14 on:** June 17, 2006, 12:58:20 PM »

The husband of a coworker had a deposit down on a new Norton. Had it refunded several montsh ago. Not a great sign.

bill440cars · « **Reply #15 on:** June 17, 2006, 01:21:22 PM »

I know that it doesn't look good for them but, I'm holding out until THEY say that it's
over. So, let's just wait and see what happens. The Indian Motorcycles have gone under
several times but the company, that is working to bring them back, has a reputation for turning
companies around. They did it with ChrisCraft boats and are working on the Indian situation right
now. If Kenny Dreer's Nortons could get that kind of backing, at least they'd have a chance.

Later on, Bill

Noel · « **Reply #16 on:** June 17, 2006, 03:02:47 PM »

Hope you're right, Bill. Now seems like a great time to resurrect a classic marque.

fang · « **Reply #17 on:** June 17, 2006, 09:18:16 PM »

CLICK HERE to read the latest news form the Norton Website.

Quote

Great news - the production-intent 961 Norton Commando is looking and sounding better-than-ever! In case you missed it, the May 2006 issue of Cycle World contains an extensive riding impression write-up based on trials done in early 2006.

-fang

bill440cars · « **Reply #18 on:** June 18, 2006, 06:26:51 AM »

DUH me!!!! I can not believe that I NEVER thought to check the website!!!
I have been there numerous times, use their screensaver, on their email list (even though
nothing has been mentioned of their present problem) and yet I didn't even think of
checking there for info, like I do with the Indian motorcycle situation and the latest from
Royal Enfield also. I am so

. Thank you fang, for bringing this up. I'm going off now, to
regroup and try to get my act together again. Catch you later And HAPPY FATHER'S Day
to all you Dads

Bill

News:

Author Topic: New Norton Company down the tubes. (Read 2823 times)

unlucky71

Vatch

Vatch