Great Bikes and Bad Business : A Brief History of Norton Motorcycles
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- A brief history of Norton Motorcycles and it's various guises. From its initial inception with James Lansdowne Norton to it becoming part of NVT and beyond! Where will TVS take them?
It's certainly a long and complex history. Being a 'brief history of' a lot got left on the cutting room floor so we suggest you check out some of the websites below if this episode has piqued your interest!
More reading on the history of Norton.
www.superbike....
www.workingatam...
www.nortonowne...
www.vintagenort...
Hey guys, thanks again for watching! If you're wondering why I'm a bit redder in the face than usual in today's episode, I've been given some lovely face-melting cream to deal with some potential skin cancers. All is well but I might be a tad ruddy for the next few eps.
Stay well!
I love your way of editing and soothing voice. I'm glad you haven't stopped making videos. My wishes of a prompt recovery!
Great video. Really great channel. Take care and hope you health improves to a full recovery.
I'm more concerned that it looks like your house is on fire! Look after yourself Paul, did wonder about the redness.
What it is with a cream. I have had thirty burnt off. Uncomfortable but quick.
Good luck with your health sir, thanks for these reports.
I must say having purchased the last model Norton Atlas before the Commando in 1968, when I was in the Army, it was one of the best motorcycles I've ever owned. It held its own against the new Japanese bikes for years because handled so much better and could apply its toque to the road more efficiently. It didn't get put in its place until various Japanese motorcycle companies came out with 900 CC plus motorcycles. I still got double the gas mileage and continued to ride it for years. I finally sold it to a collector with 10's of 1000's of miles on it; it still looked new and was completely stock.
A great and interesting story,many comments I had not heard of before reading this in the video.Thank you for explaining the details of history. So sad that the company was so fractionated, as NORTON, was a name which was very well known especially at the TT racing of which I was very fond as a kid, along with my brother./ Thanks again for an excellent story.
Great review. I saw what you did there with the pen behind your ear. Sneaky. :D The Norton history got really wobbly for me there in the 70s and 80s, I lost track of who was going which way. Probably just my dull American nature. :-) Sounds like TVS is going to rule the British motorcycle world, an ironic turnabout from my point of view.
That Interpol 2 looks like it’s nicked a bmw rt fairing.
Correct, it was based on the BMW design
great video
Great Job .. loved it thanks for all ya hard work
For my 30th birthday in 1984, my then-wife bought me a Norton 750 Commando. I think it was a '72. It was in boxes. I put it together, adding a few bobs and bits like Akront alloy spoked wheels and Boyer electronic ignition. Replaced the leaky fiberglas tank with a proper steel one. Got the adjustable Isolastics. I polished up the engine, transmission and primary covers till you could use 'em for mirrors. Fairly flat bars and a bar-end mirror finished the setup. No engine work was needed, luckily. I rode it a bit and when confidence built I opened up the throttle, laid on the tank and held on till it wouldn't go any faster- 122 MPH indicated. After that I pottered around, rarely exceeding 50 mph. The most surprising thing was the very noticeable difference the alloy rims made to handling and feel. They were wonderful, those Akronts, lower unsprung weight. Alas, the Norton was stolen from me in 1988. I doubt the nitwits who took it knew what it was they had.
TVS is a very deliberate company. It isn't the most nimble one or innovative even when it comes to Indian domestic market but it loves to put in the hard work and doesn't give up on concepts once it starts working on it. It has a tendency to build on things slowly improving bit by bit but above all loves to race! I am hoping this calculated approach works for Norton. Looking forward to riding TVS Norton's soon down under! 😁
Really interesting and well researched vid. We were a deposit down customer of Norton hoping to get one of the Atlas Nomad scramblers, that didn't go well! Looking at what TVS got for their 16 million it doesn't seem much! Garner has the buildings, his hotel and assets for sale which when sold strangely add up to roughly what the fine is from the pension ombudsman.
Will Garner escape any form of prosecution?
Anyway eventually got our deposit back but keeping away from new Norton until they start producing actual bikes but we do wish them luck.
Best wishes in your battles in the health department.
Glad you managed to get your money back! It's a shame that there seems to be so many sharks out there. Norton seems to have found more than it's fair share but I'm hopeful of the TVS deal. You're certainly right about it being a case of wait and see though.
Wow..........
What a great piece of work, Paul. Your videos are getting better, each time.
I totally like the whole atmosphere, the colors, the story telling and the bikes.
And Norton has a far more interesting history then I ever suspected.
Thank you for the hard work !!!
Cheers dude, and thanks for watching 👍😀
The problem now is that Norton has been bought a sold so many times that anything that comes out now is just a marketing strategy to put the name on a bike. Really doesn't have anything to do with the original production and the name is very watered down.
A sad reality these days, a good example would be the brands Indian, and Curtiss in the US, just bought and paid for names, with no actual connections to the past.
@@terrycavender And now... Mahindra BSA!
@@terrycavender At least you get an AMERICAN vehicle from Indian. Unlike the Harleys that are built in Asia. Victory and Indian are the only American still I would buy now. I have owned 2 Harley's. not again I won't.
This reminds me of the old man who's had the same hammer for 50 years. He just replaced the handle a few times, and the head a few times. But it's the same hammer.
I think it will do well with an Indian compony. Indians seem passionate about these machines and will make good this name. Brit buissnesmen are to dam greedy and want more out of it before its even got going. It takes passion aswell as money to make this work and ofcause its cheaper labour over there.
I had a late 70's Norton Commando 850, absolutely loved that bike.
Best bike they ever made :-)
Likewise still miss my old 750 Norton Commando, and the fabulous sound of those Dunstalls (though always having to re-tighten every nut and bolt that would periodically come loose from the vibration, not so much)!
Have early 7os comando still love it
Love to get 850 Commando right now @ 61 know that bike but never owned 1 only 1 I've still Have 1000 kwaka..
@John Smith I had the 72 750 combat I sure loved it,they came with the modified road race head I sure loved it.
Can you do a history Video on Indian motorcycles from 19 0 1 until today ??
My wife and I have purchased a 2018 new roadmaster, we love it. I would like this Extremely Well, because I'm intrested in the history. Thank you
I love the feel of a Triumph Bonneville from the mid-seventies. Great for mountain curves and hills, fantastic torque. You need to be somewhat trained in mechanical things to keep it going well, and change the oil frequently. Not a choice for a thousand mile trip (BMW) but what a great sport bike for loads of fun.
Good video Paul ,enjoyed.Why has Garner not been charged with any fraud charges yet? Beats me.
Great documentary!!!
Wonderful Norton history video ,I also have faith in your Indian brothers ,India is an honorable country so I am hoping TVS will build great Norton motorcycles again ...thank you .
Happily I owned a Commando for 20 years here in the US I was involved with the INOA and it's great that people keep these machines running with passion. When my generation fades away who knows what will happen? Thanks, very well done Sir!
I'm 37 and own a 1975 850 commando. I grew up on British bikes and will always love and own a few.... If not a lot. I have a BSA 441 Victor, 1978 750 Bonneville and the Norton. 24 other bikes just 3 from England.
I remember when Honda first showed up in the UK, it would have been around 1962. I had an old velocette and an AJS 350 single cylinder that was impossible to keep oil tight. The Japanese bikes were built like watches, needle roller bearings as far as the eye could see, no oil leaks and effortlessly revving beyond anything a British bike could manage. While I morn the demise of the British motorcycle industry it had to go. Upper management had kept producing the same old tired designs for decades, spending money on anything but making better bikes while displaying contempt for their customers.
I now own a 2019 Royal Enfield 650cc vertical twin cylinder bike, made in India and created by a UK frame specialist and some ex-Triumph engine designers. Oh yes true to form it leaves little oil patches on my concrete garage floor where it's parked overnight for that authentic nostalgic British cafe' racer experience.
Go on, you know you have a secret admiration for Stuart G. The lovable rogue is an inherent part of British political and business culture.
R.E. semms to sell a pretty fair bike for the price.
@@gregorytimmons4777 Thanks for the reply. It's a great bike and exceptional value for money. What's not to like with 4 valves per cylinder, aluminium rims, stainless steel spokes, perfect riding position for me, fuel injection and ABS by Bosch plus a sweet 6 speed gearbox and such a pretty bike. Well OK it is a bit heavy at just under 200kg (still lighter than many other bikes on today's market), I'd like a 'what gear am I in' indicator (it does display an N for neutral but that's it) and the seating position is a tad high for a short guy like me. Re-reading my comment I can see it might come across as negative to the bike, in truth I'm very happy with it. 47hp from a 650cc twin might seem low but it is more than enough for me, the exceptionally flat torque curve makes riding it a joy. For those who want more power there are go faster bits available from third party suppliers like a high lift long dwell camshaft, big bore kits to go to 850cc and lots of louder exhaust systems that have some positive affect on hp.
Norton’s were imported into the US in the sixties by Berliner, who wanted to keep costs down, which resulted in the forged primary chain cover being replaced by the cheaper stamped cover. Whatever oil leaks there were in UK Nortons was trivial compared to the Ill-fitting stamped covers in the US.
Besides no mention of Berliner, I have never seen any mention of the air cleaner-less dual carb 600 cc Dominators of the early sixties.
And to complete my trifecta of little known Norton facts, were the aftermarket mods done by Dunstall.
Hope TVS or another company can do for Norton what TVS has done with the RE Interceptor 650. Especially the featherbed frame would be a nice revival.
But a big bore Interceptor seems to be the best descendant of the British twins of the Sixties available today.
Re: after market parts, see recent Stuart Fillingham TH-cam videos on tory Govt's plans to make any post-market modifications illegal. A short time window is left to make your feelings known to November end only.
Enfields started getting made in India in 1954 , became a mainstay of transport for the country , very popular bike . . . now in the 21st century motorcycling in India is more popular than ever , we were in Goa last November , Bike Mania week was on , blimey !! to say it was busy is an understatement , bikers from all over India were turning up . . . . . . Indian businessmen are shrewd , i would say TVS could make a good go of this opportunity .
Only the Indian and Chinese companies can save European companies eventually. Excellent episode by the way.
You can't help loveing the history of motorcycles brings back lots of wonderful memories.
brilliant video paul as always,wishing you well fella,
I don't know how I managed to miss this video until today. I had a 1966 Norton Sports Special (650cc). It was a magic bike. I had dreams of a P-11, but, in a fit of idiocy, I got married instead. Great video and I liked one subscribers' comment, (Khac Canh le) that it would be good if you could do one on Indian.
Sorry to hear about your cancer issues hope everything works out. I relatively new to your channel. I have subscribed and do like what I see. This recent news about Norton explains why all the franchise stores here in the USA suddenly vanished over night. While I've never owned a Norton I do know many people that either did or have. I have noticed a lot of the motor cycle manufactures have moved their companies to India including Harley Davidson who to this day still claims that all their bikes are build in the USA. Suzuki also has moved there operations plant to India. they way things are looking for the future of motorcycles is India is going to become the new hum for all motorcycle manufactures of motorcycles.
Long winded and full of information I didn't need to know my favorite kind of episode ....Im a subscriber now, what's next.
I had a Norton Commando. I also had a BSA Lightning. Ah, the good old days lol. While I'm old now I do have two Suzuki V-Twin cruisers, an R3 and an SR400. But I have to be honest. I have the most fun on the Yamaha SR400. Maybe it's the fact it's a kick start only lol.
It is in safe hands for sure now TVS is well reputed brand. Check out 310rr they make this bike with BMW. And it is beautiful bike. 🇮🇳
Great video! I was at the 1989 Race of Aces at Snetterton, England, visiting from the US and the JPS Norton team was there in force. They bitch slapped the Japanese competition leaving me extactic - I never dreamed I'd see British bikes do that...it was fantastic. And to top it off, a flight of 5 B-17s flew over in the middle of the races - the were filming the Memphis Belle. But, I sincerely wish Norton the absolute best for a strong come back.
sounds like an awesome day..... hope the memory never fades....
Heck yes, thanks to good teachers of the bleachers, USA flags USA flags USA flags USA flags USA flags 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 from American citizen John Robert Bruffett Junior USA flags 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
What is it about British business management? The British have invented and created so many wonderful things, yet it seems that it is management who completely run the business into the ground. During my employment history I have worked for four companies that went bust due to completely idiotic management. What can be done to improve our ability?
you are being run by socialists. see the book 1984. America being so well ahead of England we are now being run by communists. There seems to be no future unless all European based nations can rid themselves of the communist elite. It will be ugly but it is also very necessary.
Very sad story about what happens with a great product in wrong hands
Great video great information. Didn’t realise about some of the links between different companies.
An interesting story about the iconic Norton. I had a 72 Commando 850 and when it ran ( always had trouble with the points ) nothing including Japanese could touch it. Today we have the Indian versions of Norton’s selling for 30+ thousand AUD. Far to expensive for what they are.
@robertwatson39: l thought the 850 version didn't come out until '73. Did you perhaps buy a '73 in late '72?
@@robertbruce1887 your right mate, just a typo lol.
The Norton Commando had a shopping list of cheap parts in critical areas that cause catastrophic failure. I was interested in buying a Norton rotary in the early 80s but I was told I had to buy $8,000 worth of stock in the company in order to be able to purchase a motorcycle I told them I would rather have to Rotary motorcycles because the the paper the stock was written on wasn't worth wiping my ass with. Poor Norton going from one thieving lying charlatan to another over and over and over again. Kenny d reer used a lot of his wife's money to try to make a new Norton lost his shirt and ended up selling everything to the British for ten cents on the dollar. Then to add insult to injury they claim that they did all the work bunch of liars. The last British motorcycles were the ones that they made as they were dying out in the 1970s. Badge engineering on Chinese motorcycles just does not cut it.
Maybe the name Norton itself is JINXED..... But not to worry Indians would fix that issue just like they did for Royal Enfield & KTM. TVS has taken over & the brand would be in good hands !
In 1975, I bought a used 1973 Norton Commando. The main issue with the bike was constant maintenance. Things like a brass bushing for the swing arm that needed to be replaced every 1 to 2 years, which required a lot of work. There was shop that worked on Nortons, and souped them up, increasing engine size to 940cc, but it eventually the shop shut down, so I sold the bike, and bought a 1982 Suzuki GS1100E and never looked back. My feelings were the same as a motorcycle magazine writer, we both had later seen the bikes we sold and wondered about getting another Norton, but then remembered that we buy motorcycles to ride them, not to be constantly working on them.
@rcgldr: Your last line sums it well! This why the Japanese motorcycle industry surpassed the British. Like one of my high school friends said " Next to a Harley, the British bike is the most masculine bike, but you're working on them every week-end. Now l own a 500 Suzuki & l never touch it ( just ride it)"
on yer bike is entertainment.
It's good to see living history. I wish Norton great future success in the modern
motorcycle world?
Excellent & insightfully informative video. Brilliant presenter. Wonderful delivery.
Had Nortons while growing up es2. 500 single 750 commando bit scared now69 years old
Keep up the good work man
I truly am sad to see another British manufacturer go to India but. I suppose it’s for the best.
Quite an accurate documentary......Well done. (Big Norton fan)
Brilliant video. Lived through most of this post 1955, and of course those of us affected had little idea what was what.
If you did make a longer more detailed version, some of us would really like it.
This is real history, and if you write it down, people will study it in a thousand years...
I had a 72 750 Commando, great bike with loads of character but buggered if I could ever get it to run properly on unleaded fuel.
It’d run well on 98 octane but I soon discovered that a lot of fuel outlets sell fuel less than 98 octane as 98 octane!
I hope they have the same success as Royal Enfield are enjoying.
A brilliant story of a brilliant factory in a brilliant narrative. Congratulations on the quality of the narrative.
Still riding my 1972 750 Commando that I bought off the showroom floor.
AWESOME!
a crook will always be a crook
My father ran a motorbike garage in the 1970s/80s and amongst other agencies, was an NVT and Triumph agent.
I ran a lorry on long distance, and used to collect all sorts of motorbike parts/bikes on my return journeys for him - I was there so often they even gave me NVT and Triumph lettering to go on the cab doors!
I occasionally called into Shenstone collecting Norton bikes, or parts.
But I used to call into Triumph at Meriden much more often (once every 2-3 weeks), especially in 1977 collecting new T140V Silver Jubilee Bonnevilles, which sold like hot cakes.
I collected new bikes from there both before and after Tony Benn helped them set up the worker's cooperative.
Quite often while waiting, I'd go in the factory and have a good nose around and chat with some of the old boys who worked there.
Fascinating to watch them painting all those thin red, white and blue lines on the Silver Jubilees, all done by free hand.
Very interesting and informative, well presented too. As a teenager I lusted after a Norton 650SS, but being an apprentice could only afford a second-hand Matchless 250 G2, Later, the Honda CBxxx fours arrived on the scene and they seemed like something from outer space.
Comment about Garner? I thought TH-cam didn't allow profanity..... 🤔
This was a tv quality episode gents .
I wonder whether the motorcycle market has room for yet another revived "storied" brand. Mahindra's plan to revive BSA seems to have stalled. Hard to make a case for new capital investment.
I sincerely hope that Norton is snatched from the gaping maw of oblivion and finds itself, once again, winning, 1,2 and 3 at the Isle of Man TT! When the new Norton designs were shown off for the first time, I was over the moon excited, and was looking forward to being able to ride a brand new Norton for the first time. Needless to say, I was a little more than crest fallen when the cracks began to show and the financial truth of the company finally came out. I hope that everything works out and we will see new Norton's prowling the roads in the very near future. We can only watch, and wait..........
Sounds like Stuart Garner's name could be found on a hit list somewhere.
It should BE!!!
That yellow Norton Keanu Reeves rode is beautiful
Great video, but made me miss my '72 Commando REALLY badly...
Great to hear that NORTON will still be around, under Indian ownership, and like ROYAL ENFIELD will be successful 😇
I love bikes, I love British bikes the "Vincent Black Shadow," is my all time love although there is a special place for the "Scott Flying Squirrel," and your films are great a great Documentary series.👍
Not Nortons, then? Tsk
Thank you for a very informative and well put together video. Good luck with your Health problems.
thanks again Paul,, great information,, always enjoy watching your videos..goodluck and God Bless
I haven't seen, in my 68 years, a better looking engine than the classic Norton and Triumph, ie; Bonneville and Commando. Beautiful bikes, with the engine and case being the best looking part.
Nice work! You ought to do a series on Indian motorcycles. It's a very similar story of a company changing hands.
The Thunderous roar of these machines reminds of an era long gone, Norton is again bought by TVS motor of India
Now, Norton is in Safe Hand.....
A template for the looming American economic collapse.
Breaking News: Crime really does pay!
Well done! A very complicated story explained simply. Good to see Bert Hopwood mentioned.
@ 8:00 Why do so many pundits say "swing arm"?
In my seventy years - 59 of which were riding bikes - it has always been "swinging arm".
Swing arm seems a relatively latter day term/affectation, popular with Americans!
Poor old Norton! That was excellent! Thank you very much for posting it...👍👍👍
Enjoy your videos well researched I think
Great research and footage you have shared. As the owner of a ‘55 Dominator, I love to see the factory my bike was born in.
So do I - mine's a polychromatic blue Model 88
So where did all the money go? £14 million 😱
The Norton Triumph motorbike 250cc street legal much alike the Suzuki TU250X but with a choice of either 350cc single cylinder and 250cc sing!e cylinder engine to fit and mount on the same frame. Thank you.
Would have liked to have seen more on the development and marketing of the Dominator, Atlas and Commando. The early success of the Commando with its revolutionary isolastic suspension is not even mentioned. The video has a lot of business, banks, government loans, politics.embezzlement ,and union problems.... and not enough Norton motorcycles. Nevertheless it was informative.
Looking forward to a follow-up to this great video. As fascinating and informative as it was may I make one small suggestion for any future vids on Norton. Please please please include some historic sound clips of the Norton fitted with megaphone/s at full noise as there is nothing at all than can ever match that sound on a motorcycle IMHO (yes I am an old fart). Keep up the great work.
As a schoolboy in about 1960 in my lunch period I would visit a second hand motorbike shop in Acton and sit on Norton 88's.
Although with the with 250cc limit for 'learners' at that time the Ariel Arrow and the Royal Enfield Crusader Continental (five speed box) was a more realistic dream.
As it turned out my first bike was a 1957 Triumph Tiger Cub for the princely sum of £28.00
Lets hope for the sake of the Norton heritage, that TVR, do well similar to the Royal Enfield's recent success, which is clearly a case of making a good product which is marketed at a low price.
What a great video now I've been told I'm of on my bike
In Indonesia, you can see motorbikes from World War II, such as Norton, BSA, Harley Davidson etc.
The area is located in the city of Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra.
In that area, the vehicle is used as a rickshaw.
To protect motorbikes from collectors, the government prohibits their owners from selling outside the jurisdiction of Pematangsiantar city.
The local community called it "Bentor or Becak Motor".
BSA "Becak Siantar Asli".
But if you want to see motorbikes or scooters made by Piaggio or Vespa from the Congolese war brought by the Garuda Indonesia (UN) peacekeeping contingent.
You can see it in the area "Tapanuli Selatan, North Sumatra".
Norton is in good hands tvs❤️
Good stuff ,thank you for that.
Bring a 750 fuel injected commando. Nothing but lights, electric start, fuel injection and abs. The market for 500-1000cc bikes has been neglected for over 40 years.
Well, I believe that legends just happened by accident. And what is over is over. You can throw so much money at it. Marketing and scientific research. A legend comes from a garage. From someone's mind not like the rest of the people. In the computer age there is no place for such people.
Indian motorcycle companies are not so great yet practical. Look at Royal Enflied, is sells enthusiasm rather than features. Now TVS, firs they helped BMW to get an hold in indian market and then launched rr310 for indian consumers. Bajaj reincarnated husqvarna for indian consumers.
Thank you for a very thorough & complete documentary on the complex, should we maybe say Byzantine history of a great name in British motorcycles.
So glad I found this great video, and channel!
My dream has always been to have a Manx. Someday perhaps!
Only been on a commando, but fell in love with Nortons right then and there.
An old Norton Commando passed me on Sunday, and and on the Saturday I saw a BSA Gold Star. Good to see the old bike live on.
Yes Norton has being going bust regularly from the start and the culture has stuck, odd finances, Also spent too much on Racing when Joe Craig held sway. Funny how Triumph have been more or less in Business during the same time?
Looking pretty dapper, enjoyed it. At first I thought it was going to be a Harry Potter episode. Where did you get the coat? Awesome 👍
Finally!!
Not to be Unpatriotic !!!!!
Something other than Harley or Indian.
Well presented. Held my interest till the end.
( not easily done)
👍👍
Thank you James Norton 🇬🇧💚✌️
🇺🇲
1971 Black Commando Roadster
I recon Keanu Reeves (who, if you don’t know happens to be a massive Norton fan) has had a good look at these later Norton’s because his bike company Arch has models that look very similar.
10 times longer?
Mmm. 23 mins was good.
Now on to Triumph.
Oh ya.
Thanks and
Long live the Queen.
Well researched well presented a good quality video that could rival any tv production top marks for your hard work much appreciated.
Norton died in 1976. It's remarkable how many folks don't remember that. Many of them are in jail, or should be.
What powers do the Pensions Ombudsman actually have to recover money? not much by the sounds, or does this Garner (well, I dont really feel like calling him a person, truth be told) have all his assets overseas or in numbered accounts in foreign banks? They really should have the power to immediately seize houses and property and even go down the chain of custody and retake money even if it has been transferred into other people's accounts
The photo you showed of the Woolwich factory I don't think is correct.
The Woolwich factory isn't in fact in East London but in South East London. Secondly the Woolwich factory is regarded as being in Plumstead according to their Factory address not Woolwich
A bunch of idiots more concerned with the presenters facial hair than the subject at hand. Did you not hear him reference his facial skin cancer issues? I think I'd want as bushy a beard as possible to filter out the sun's harmful ways and not give a flip about shallow, opinionated, biased busy bodies with no real life of there own. Certainly a dearth of life experience and tolerance for individuality. Keep up the good fight sir and pay the nay sayers no mind.