Norton's delivery woes make headlines

At present it is a small scale handbuilt bike so you should expect some delays, depends on your own mindset over how long is acceptable.
I think they should have done one model to start with rather than the 3 or 4 different variations they currently have as that will slow down production somewhat.

Posted: 29/11/2011 at 12:02

If a customer has had to use a debt recovery agency to get his money back from them, then it's properly doomed from the start. Shame, would have been nice to have them back..

Posted: 29/11/2011 at 12:33

You have to wonder about their priorities... big shiny stand at the NEC but can’t deliver a bike that’s been paid for in full?

It’s a shame because it’s a good looking bike.

Posted: 29/11/2011 at 14:00

Not 100% on this, but I was told the manufacturers didn't have to pay for stands at the bike show.

Posted: 29/11/2011 at 14:11

Yeah, very good point there about the stand MKJ....

Posted: 29/11/2011 at 15:08

Tip of the iceberg perhaps. I know somebody who has paid up in full for his bike and eighteen months later is still waiting for delivery.
There is one magazine to whom Stuart Garner allegedly will not speak since they had the temerity to highlight the delivery issues.
I know of one ex employee who, on resigning, allegedly received some unpleasant criticism which laid the blame for the company's woes at his door.
The poor delivery is either shockingly bad planning on the production side or supply chain problems which could be anything from unreliable (poorly chosen?) suppliers or difficulties in making payments.
Whatever the underlying causes, the stories you hear are not good.
And why have the government stumped up a big wedge of our money?
Expenditure exceeds revenue = bad business
Revenue exceeds expenditure = good business

Posted: 29/11/2011 at 15:34

Its a great looking bike, seems to go well, thats the first 2 out the way If the quality holds up they will do O.K Im sure they are doing their best.
Just dont let the quality slip, sometimes this takes time.

Posted: 29/11/2011 at 17:51

Did not think i would but having seen them at the show i want one, but i will have to be sure of them getting their act together before i part with my cash, Norton i wish you well & hope you get through all this mess

Posted: 29/11/2011 at 18:01

How hard can it be to make a motorcycle. It's been done before hasn't it? Then again, I have no idea what Im talking about.

Posted: 29/11/2011 at 23:42

I had a deposit on a 961 SE. 20 months later, with little hope of ever seeing the bike, I asked for and received my deposit back (not without effort, but that's another story). I bought my first new Norton Commando in January 1972. I've always had a spot in my motorcycling heart for Nortons. I was looking forward with great anticipation to riding the new 961. Now, not so much.

I sincerely hope Mr. Gardner sees what is happening to Norton's reputation. Meanwhile, I will continue to wish them great success. They'll just have to build it on someone else's dime.

Posted: 03/12/2011 at 02:34