Business – Norton in the footsteps of Triumph? – Used NORTON

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Norton in the footsteps of Triumph ?

Business - Norton in the footsteps of Triumph? - Used NORTON

It’s been less than a year since Norton was bought by an Englishman and repatriated near Donington Park, and already the brand offers a new version of its Commando and reinvests the Tourist Trophy. Does Norton secretly dream of imitating Triumph? ?!

111 years ago, James "Pa" Norton set up his workshop in Birmingham to manufacture spare parts for bicycles … Very quickly – in 1902 – he began to assemble his first motorcycles: he initially used French engines or Swiss but manufactures its own single cylinders from 1908.

However, a year earlier, the Norton brand was already illustrated in competition: Rem Fowler won the prestigious Isle of Man Tourist Trophy in the Twin category at the controls of a Norton powered by a Peugeot engine! A victory that will be the first in a long series.

Among Norton’s great successes is undoubtedly the Manx: thanks to it – and its famous Featherbed frame, the "feather bed" parent of the double cradle – the world constructors’ title in GP 500 in 1950 before winning the two following years with Geoff Duke no less than three driver titles: two in 350 cc and one in 500 cc !

Another Norton also marks its time: the Commando. For irrefutable proof, its presence – in 850 cc version – in the cult comic Joe Bar Team. The English is at the beginning of the 70s a sacred reference, and this despite its "double" inverted box: selector on the right foot, first at the top and the rest at the bottom … Sacred English !

But at the same time, Japanese women arrive in our streets. The latter undermine the Europeans, the English in mind … Despite the efforts made across the Channel – the government will found Norton Villiers Triumph in 1973! -, Norton disappeared from circulation in 1978.

The Commando 961 SE

And now, in 2009, Norton tries a comeback via, precisely, the famous Commando … Initiated fifteen years ago by the American Kenny Dreer and his company Vintage Rebuilds based in Oregon, the return of the famous parallel twin mounted on the Isolastic frame becomes more precise…

Last year, the Norton brand was bought by the English businessman Stuart Garner – already at the head of the Racing section of Norton -, which allows its return to England, near Donington Park in new premises of 1,400 m2.

Immediately, the English took over the American commando 961 project and unveiled their Commando 961 SE last June – for Special Edition of course – which was to act as a springboard for the brand….

"When we have produced and sold these 200 motorcycles, Norton will produce a standard model of Commando", promised, on the occasion of the presentation of its novelty, the general manager of the 100% British brand.

Now today – when the start of production of "special" Commandos "is scheduled for the end of September", confirms the boss at Site -, the English have good hopes of launching a" basic "Commando in spring 2010 !

To bait the barge, the SE is therefore adorned with serious advantages: inline twin-cylinder air-cooled 961 cc developing – casually – 80 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 90 Nm (1,300 rpm earlier), frame tubular steel suspended on Ohlins elements, BST carbon fiber rims, Brembo Gold series brakes…

For a Frenchie, the bill should rise "at € 14,999, plus taxes, shipping and start-up costs", warns the manufacturer.

A nice jackpot in short, but it is clear that all these elements fit together wonderfully. The black and gold color of the beast accentuates its refined style, characteristic of the Seventies..

We also appreciate the beauty of the casings, the discretion of the pots – at least in a photo because "for real" the engine is on, that remains to be heard! – and the British surrender with regard to foot controls: the rear brake is finally on the right, the selector on the left !

Will this motorcycle mark the start of the resurrection for Norton? Will we soon see Commandos but also Manx, Atlas or Dominator "21st century version" competing with the Bonneville, Speed ​​or Street Triple, Tiger or Thunderbird from Triumph? ?

Stuart Garner strongly believes in it: "our brand enjoys incredible strength and value, we will assert our status as new owners of this globally known brand and ensure a strong program for our partners in the future".

"Many dealers in France are interested", reports the CEO of Norton to Site,"and some have already paid advances to the factory to distribute the bike once everything is in place".

Unfortunately, there won’t be something for everyone: "producing 200 motorcycles for the global market means that each country will benefit from a very limited number of motorcycles", Stuart Garner tells us,"to give you an idea of ​​the demand, our US dealers would have liked to import the 200 for themselves !".

At the same time, Norton also intends to capitalize on its sporting image and is already returning to high-level competition thanks to its NRV588, worthy heir to the RCW588 of the 90s….

Beat Honda at TT !

Designed in 2006 by Brian Crighton – "Lord Competition" at Norton -, the NRV has the same advanced technologies as its competitors: electronic injection, choice of engine maps, traction control, ride-by-wire…

The English, however – or naturally – differs from other pistards by its rotary engine of 588 cc (and 170 horsepower at 11,500 rpm!) As well as by an intake system even more advanced than those present on the Yamaha or MV Agusta, since the height of the cones varies gradually and over a greater distance (for the curious, read in particular on the official Norton site).

Suffice to say that the Norton NRV 588 driven by Michael Dunlop – the nephew of the late Joey – made the spectators’ flashes crackle as it left the pits during the very last Isle of Man Tourist Trophy! The British bomb took the opportunity to exceed 250 km / h in a straight line but unfortunately could not compete in the final of the Senior category…

"Due to the cancellation of the last qualifying session, we were unable to post a time and the organization did not let us run, which is both understandable and very frustrating.", regrets the brand, back on the TT after 16 years of absence.

For those in charge, this adventure remains satisfactory: "we learned a lot from this event, Norton got 19 wins in Senior TT and Honda counts as much with their win today Norton carefully noted … who will do everything possible to clinch a 20th crown before the Japanese giant !

"For the 2010 season? Norton will race in NW200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster GP with Michael Dunlop", warns us Stuart Garner … To be continued !

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