Norton Motorcycles, the Oregon company trying to revive the Norton name with their new Norton Commando 961, has suspended operations. Paul Gaudio, Norton’s Director of Design and Development, when contacted by The Kneeslider, said:
We have decided to suspend operations while we continue to talk to investors.
We remain committed to making new Nortons, and will continue to explore all opportunities including partnership and sale of the company.
The bikes continue to be well accepted while the brand and market demand remains strong. It is now our singular focus to bring the required funding to the company, or to find new partnerships or ownership that can carry Norton to production and beyond.
The new company was founded by Kenny Dreer, a long time Norton enthusiast, restorer and manufacturer of the Norton Commando VR880, an old ’70s vintage Commando rebuilt with new technology. Trademark issues along with parts supply problems eventually brought about the end of the VR880 and started the development of the new Norton Commando.
The new Commando was just reviewed in the May 2006 Cycle World where it received a very positive writeup. Unfortunately it looks like the money ran out before the bike could be produced in volume. Perhaps an investor will come along to get things rolling again, perhaps not. Norton fans will have to wait a little longer for their next new Commando.
Norton Motorcycles
The Kneeslider: Norton Motorcycles for sale
aaron says
guess that’s the rumor confirmed, then….
*sigh*
let me know if the assets get auctioned off, I know someone who’ll kill for a new norton motor. (ME!)
Dodgy says
I find that really sad, it’s one ‘retro’ bike that I would love to own… (Apart from an Irving Vincent http://www.irvingvincent.com/ )
But I guess it’s just one of those things where small companies bite off more than they can chew, I mean, how many of them make it?
hoyt says
from the sounds of this post, it isn’t over. There’s too much goodwill behind Kenny Dreer and what he & his company have produced to give in.
kneeslider says
There are a lot of people who hope an investor will come through to get the bikes out the door, the reviews have been good so far, but this isn’t the first time lack of funding has stopped a good company short of its goal. As more people find out about their situation, there’s a greater chance someone will produce the necessary investment.
I agree with hoyt, this isn’t over yet. This is the point where lots of ideas get looked at to get the company moving again. Let’s hope they find a way.
hoyt says
The Irving Vincent is awesome.
The latest Cycle World is really good. The Norton, Ducati Sport Classics, Irving Vincent, Triumphs, etc. all speak for themselves. Hopefully the latest cover issue of CW & websites covering these bikes will help the investors see the potential and staying power of timeless designs…..
“old is new” just might significantly help save the largest auto manufacturer as well. I’ve never considered buying a new camaro until the latest concept. No mullet required.
aaron says
“old is new” just might significantly help save the largest auto manufacturer as well” —> not that they need saving, but the largest auto manufacturer wouldn’t do themselves much harm by ressurecting the 2000gt.
seriously, though – GM has a real tightrope to walk here. it’s hard to evoke the past without opening a lot of old wounds. you can’t trade on your history if half your past owners experience has been negative. even when the cars stayed together, resale makes me shy away from ever owning a gm. yes, any corvette except those built between
and 1996
*ducks flying gm memorobilia*
😉
aaron says
oops. I meant “yes, any corvette except those built between 1968 and 1996 would be an exception.” hit the wrong button trying to open a search window trying to find the years I was after.
Jeff Merrill says
Very disappointing. A very nice bike. If it’ll help I’ll buy a couple of company shares, I’m not rich but I would love to see this fine machine on the road!!!
Peace and Long Rides
Dave Hilliard says
I am a Norton enthusiast from England I have a 32 year old Commando. I’m very sad and disappointed, the new Commando looks fantastic and I would have loved to have owned one or set up a dealership they would have sold like “hot cakes”.
I’ll chip in for some shares if need be to ensure this fine looking machine stays in production.
kneeslider says
One of the main reasons I put this story out here is to make sure people involved in the motorcycle community knew Norton was having financial problems. If you’re trying to round up money from investors, you have to let interested parties know, especially those who think your product is a winner, not just the usual money guys. Maybe some group of Norton enthusiasts could fund the company or at least partially fund their shortfall. Who knows?
That said, conversations I’ve had with a few others question the amounts of money still necessary. Maybe there’s a different way to produce the bikes that doesn’t require a cash infusion of the size mentioned. They already have several prototypes on the road so much of the tooling must already be in place, now they have to build the bikes. We’ll see how creative they get while trying to make it happen.
Dangit! says
Darn. My dad actually won the GRAND PRIZE from Norton in a charity give-away which was a brand new Commando… two years ago. He hasn’t seen any sign of delivery and now I guess that’s never to happen.
Hate to see them fail. And fail to keep their promises to my dad, too.
kneeslider says
I remember at least one Norton giveaway from about that time, signed up myself. Looks like those won’t happen.
What is good to hear, however, is that all of those who put down deposits for a new Commando will be getting a refund. Up front deposits are often lost when a company has money trouble. I’m, glad to hear that won’t happen with Norton.
Roy says
Ladies and Gentleman this is a sad day indeed, not only have the hopes and dreams of the norton company employees/founders/investors not been realized, but also the norton enthusiast. I can only hope the story will not, MUST NOT end here! My belief in this endeavor is so strong I would gladly purchase stock before product. There will be a day for my new norton but until that day WE MUST STAY THE COURSE! If a private investor/investors can not be found I would pray that the attempt to offer shares to the public would be the next logical step. Sincerely Roy Chapman