The new Norton
 

The new Norton is plastered over all the motorcycle sites today.



https://www.rideapart.com/photo/3446...ton-atlas-650/


Two (slightly) different 650cc twins with a starting price of £9995.


I like the look, it looks modern but not bug-like and angular like so many new models. Would I buy one? They are only making a couple of hundred initially and I imagine they'll sell quickly, what would put me off is the dealer network (or lack thereof), if there was a local dealer, I'd consider it but my nearest dealer is 100 miles away. Stupidly small mudguards but all bikes are like that.



It's light (178kg dry) it has power (84 hp) adjustable (front) suspension - is it worth £4000 more than an SV? Probably not, but who buys a bike for rational reasons?

Re: The new Norton
 

norton should just give up..

Re: The new Norton
 

Triumph should buy them and release a Triton bike range lol

Re: The new Norton
 

Well the UK engineers at Norton don't inspire much confidence when they bolt the front mudguard on back to front.

The thing is a complete abortion.

Re: The new Norton
 

For some reason it just reminds me of the MT07... the engine I think. Seems like everyone has seen the MT07 (and variations of) success and wants a slice of it. Swingarm looks a bit odd. Some bits are nice but it doesn't look like one whole bike, which for a Norton is strange as they usually look very complete. I guess Norton need to progress and move on but I think Triumph have managed that better with their newer models without losing what they are.


As with a lot of modern retro bikes it looks a bit confused. All that is aesthetics though I guess and it shoulld be judged on the ride, which I imagine will be great.

Re: The new Norton
 

Watched the Bennetts interview / launch video too. Love the idea that it's a £10,000 "entry level" model that people won't mind dropping when greenlaning! What world are these people in? I was mortified when I dropped my £1000 125 a few years ago.

Re: The new Norton
 

tis the internet...where people get their therapy from talking down everything else that is not in their life :)

I think the bike is alright...nothing ground breaking but it is half about the brand really....a 650 for that price wont sell though IMHO no matter how niche...but I understand the costs Norton have for the bike production require a higher price tag...

Maybe Norton should try and break into the market properly by bringing down the price and maybe partnering up with another bigger company with a marketable niche product....hence my suggestion of teaming up with triumph just like old times....that is assuming triumph would be happy with the quality control and customer service arrangements for owners...

Re: The new Norton
 

Having had 2 triumphs and still owning one their quality control is fine from my point of view...

As for selling...if people spend 10k on a 600 retro motorcycle more fool them

Re: The new Norton
 

a few years ago i thought that Norton were going in the right direction and got all excited with this:

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/bikepix/norton06120100.jpg

but now they are just relying on nostalgia and people with deep pockets. each to their own and all that but i personally think that they are pricing themselves out the market which in turn will lead to yet another British company going bust which reflect on the global market. not to mention leaving their client database without support for their expensive toys.

Re: The new Norton
 

I'm clearly looking at the wrong bike.
Retro looks, but with decent suspension and brakes.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4d066bf944.jpg