For anyone who's not seen it, here's a link to the new Commando...
http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/bike/default.asp
Aside from anything else it's a lovely looking bike. I'd definitely have one if I had pots of cash.
Nice looking bike, but what's their target market? Heart says Norton, head says parts bin special.
Most people old enough to want that engine wouldn't like the seating position. Anyone comparing mph per pound is going to conclude that a Ducati Monster or Bandit is better all round. Most people who are in love with the brit bike thing will be more in the market for a decent 60's/70's/Restored one, or start looking at Bullets and Bonnevilles.
If the market is millionaire, brit bike loving, naked sports bike enthusiasts they are really never going to get out of the "built in a shed stage" IMHO.
The name is still valuable, but I think looses something everytime they start up and don't make it. I really hope they can use the kiddie carts to make some cash, then launch a three bike range in the £8000 to £10000 bracket. Triumph showed the way, the BSA/MZ/Chinese 125 thing showed how to smash a brand.
I was talking to John from ADV rider in the cafe yesterday (may be about here somewhere). He has a Highland. Swedish made 900-odd cc V-twin trail bike. Imagine a more powerful, lighter, better value KTM if you would. These guys make their own engine (used in S/C MX) and are just getting past the small numbers stage by the sound of it. They have a US distributor that seems to know what he's doing and are talking to the Chinese about manufacture. The bike has two options road and off road, but they'll do you spare wheels so you can reconfigure yourself. This is a brand I expect to see in the dealers before Norton as they are undercutting KTM with a superior product to off set the unknown brand thing. They could knock up a third option (overland tourer) with a quick visit to Acerbis.
Hope they both make it.
Andy
