Hail the new Norton

OK, fair enough. But you say they won't sell you one, ignoring the
obvious reason, this implies there's something else you'd rather spend
your money on. In other words, as I said, it ain't pretty and there's
better bangs for bucks options...

Besides, I did leave the door open to what you're implying
"it ain't pretty and it doesn't look on paper like it's going to be
quick, the only option left is "fun"..."

There absolutely *is* more to a bike than stats - every nutter bar one I
know who has owned a TRX has loved it to death, and in a stats war it
doesn't win (depending on who you decide it's competitors are which is
the hard bit), but it's a fun bike with relatively few competitors so it
owned it's niche.

Similarly I've only ever owned 2 bikes which "won" in a numbers war -
the ZZR11 and the briefly owned R1(errm 02 R1 may have been bettered by
the Gixxer come to think of it). Almost all of my bikes had different
appeal (including/especially the Raptor). You're preaching to the converted.

The problem for the Norton is who is it going to appeal to - enough
people have to decide it's the best use they can put their limited funds
to (ignoring people like Jay Leno and Lindsay Fox) in order for the coy.
to stay in business.

Mate, I'm disappointed if you thought I was arguing that. If people
wanna buy something good luck to them indeed. I just can't see that
there are many people who are going to want to buy one, I wouldn't, and
I don't know anyone who would. Doesn't mean they don't exist, just that
I'm struggling to see its market, because it misses the mark on obvious
markets (the retro 60's cafe racer niche has, what, two competitors -
thruxton and the W650 at a pinch - which is where it seems to be angled
but isn't competitive IMNSHO)

On the other hand if it was made in England, with an engineering
configuration consistent with the heritage and the market segment
they're trying to nab, and the looks to go with it, I'd be yet again
doing the "aww geez I want one of those" again (and add it to the 15
bikes already on the list)

Agreed, but people have to buy them if they want to stay in business...
Confederate can get away with aiming at a very small target market
because they price accordingly and the target market has the ability to
pay - hence it doesn't matter if they only sell 20 a year (and they're a
bike I'd buy if money wasn't an issue). The retro cafe racer type niche
isn't going to pay 50K (confederate type price) for a repro Norton when
they can get a real one beautifully restored for 10-15, or a roughy for
6-8 and modify it.

Indeed.

JL
(I really should be working

 

In aus.motorcycles on Wed, 28 Dec 2005 09:52:50 +1100

IF it looked a little better it might be. There's potential there but I
think they lose it at the tail end, it's not proportioned right.

The nostalgia cafe racer lot are very much about looks. The classic bikes
from the Manx to the Goldie to the 950SS Bevel have stunning looks.

I don't mind where it's made (although Italy gets extra points...) but
I do want it to look and feel right.

I'd rather spend the money on a roadgoing Manx rep, of which there are a
couple about.

Or buy a motor with an electric leg, and put it in a frame and bodywork
kit - again there are a few about.

My Yam's not a cafe racer or a motard, it's a bike all its own. I like
it and once the current round of cosmetics is down it will be back on
the road and being enjoyed. I wouldn't expect people to buy bikes that
look like it though, because it breaks a couple of the rules of bike
aesthetics, especially the semi-retro rules.

Same as this Norton thing does, and until they fix that they won't make
sales.

I can afford to break the rules - it's my bike and it cost bugger all

Zebee

 

Eggszackly !! The new retro Duc's will sell OK I reckon 'cos they got
the looks right.

Indeed, besides I didn't really recall it being ugly - more
"interesting" ;-)

JL

 

No, no implications at all.

Stop coherently answering my incoherent ramblings John! I basically agree
but disagree with your tags/groupings/intended market is what I think I was
trying to say. Sort of like psychoanalysing a bikers reasoning is bullshit.
If it's fun, just do it. The more bikes the merrier.

....and it's still got an ugly arse end!

 

Well shit, it beats working !

Errm OK.

No doubt, bloody hedonist !

"Who can stop at one ?"

Agreed

JL

 

converted.


Well,the Raptor _does_ leak oil like a real Norton...

Postman Pat (Also the owner of a dodgy "Euro" twin)

 

What about one of those "W3" Harley-based dungers?
I could see myself on one of those (especially if it was dark and I had
shorts on)

Postman Pat

 

<kamahl mode>

Why are people so unkind ?

</kamahl mode>

JL

 

Blinded by the light!

 

I'm surprised they're even posting here and not off fuggin'
COUNTERSTEERING!!!