That was the week that was… and lockdown or not it was a significant one for one of motorcycling’s most storied marques as Norton was rescued in a £16M deal by TVS Motors.
Bringing Norton Motorcycles under Indian ownership just weeks after being almost run into the ground amid a brewing scandal over unpaid taxes and misuse of pensions funds by former management, it appears the brand has a bright future.
Perhaps more unexpected is the news TVS Motors doesn’t intend to delegate manufacturing to India and will instead maintain the current Donington Park base, retain the staff and honour existing orders made in the run up to its collapse.
The new owners have also indicated plans to maintain its premium model base, but throw in the investment to bring it all up to date with assisted riding, electric powertrains and a racing project.
WATCH the Visordown Round-Up for 25/4/2020
Also making the news this week was Kawasaki’s new electric sportsbike, which is continuing to develop behind-the-scenes. Though the machine has been teased in the last few months, the latest update of the motorcycle – which will unusually feature a four-speed electric gearbox – reveals it now has a name. Say hello to the Kawasaki Endeavour.
We also took a moment to salute national hero Tom Moore, who walked 100 lengths of his garden – zimmer frame and all – in an effort to raise money for the NHS. As it turns out, Mr Moore – who turns 100 this week -was an avid motorcycle racer during his youth and to date has raised a staggering £30M with his feat. What a legend!
You can catch these and all other news in our weekly Visordown Round Up video above…
