I see a punter who has a confirmed V4SS Norton order on eBay
Discussion
I'm not sure there's a legal basis for that but I'm also not sure there's a will from Norton to get legal.
I've got a firm order for #50 of the 200 and have no intention of selling it but talking to them it seems these SS models do become instantly collectible. I'm wondering why this seller is saying most are going abroad, perhaps in an effort to tempt people into thinking they'll never get another chance?
Odd thing is from my conversations with the factory I don't expect to see mine before the summer, which is cool because I want it to be right, but there must be several of the other 198 that could have change in circumstances before the bike is ready and selling for face value or a smaller hike.
Also, with McPint potentially riding one to victory at this year's TT it might be a bit premature to cash in anyway.
I've got a firm order for #50 of the 200 and have no intention of selling it but talking to them it seems these SS models do become instantly collectible. I'm wondering why this seller is saying most are going abroad, perhaps in an effort to tempt people into thinking they'll never get another chance?
Odd thing is from my conversations with the factory I don't expect to see mine before the summer, which is cool because I want it to be right, but there must be several of the other 198 that could have change in circumstances before the bike is ready and selling for face value or a smaller hike.
Also, with McPint potentially riding one to victory at this year's TT it might be a bit premature to cash in anyway.
Interesting you say not worth it. If you take a visit to the factory and see the manufacturing of this, and the passion that Simon Skinner has you might think again. At 44k you get a handmade bike with fully carbon fibre fairing and tank (tank!), wheels. Beautiful handmade titanium exhaust and the kicker for me is that Simon designed this thing with an open cheque book so it's basically the best thing Norton was capable of building including that1200cc Norton designed V4 (with GP factory help) and all the electronics, top line Ohlins too. The list goes on -- that billet swinging arm and the bits of billet around the frame where it bolts in and other stuff too.
Value is a personal thing, but to my thinking this is really a bit of a bargain at the money. I can't think of another low volume handmade bike never mind with the provenance of Norton behind it. Even the RR version with a bit less billet is 90% the bike it seems, and that' s just 27k which is mass produced Ducati / BMW money.
Now all we need is for J McG to take one to the IoM podium later this year and I'll be fully made up
Value is a personal thing, but to my thinking this is really a bit of a bargain at the money. I can't think of another low volume handmade bike never mind with the provenance of Norton behind it. Even the RR version with a bit less billet is 90% the bike it seems, and that' s just 27k which is mass produced Ducati / BMW money.
Now all we need is for J McG to take one to the IoM podium later this year and I'll be fully made up
I somewhat agree, in fact more than somewhat. There is information in terms of a periodic email from the factory that I've been getting ever since I had my deposit down -- maybe you're not on the list? But I find the factory are pretty good at responding when asked.
Although you'd have thought the magazines and websites would be really keen to highlight any updates.
My understanding is that the production 1200s are soon to be built and hopefully there'll be some road tests and dyno charts in the coming month or two.
Although you'd have thought the magazines and websites would be really keen to highlight any updates.
My understanding is that the production 1200s are soon to be built and hopefully there'll be some road tests and dyno charts in the coming month or two.
The SS comes with the customer spec in terms of Titanium exhaust, chrome or not, carbon wheels or not, for the fixed price. So if you went for all the cost options on both you'd end up within a few thousands of the SS but it wouldn't be an SS.
But the basic RR has as I understand it the same engine, electronics, suspension, frame geometry so from the seat it would possibly be difficult to know which you were on.
But the basic RR has as I understand it the same engine, electronics, suspension, frame geometry so from the seat it would possibly be difficult to know which you were on.
Krikkit said:
Even so, I'd say they're missing a trick in terms of generating interest and gelling with their deposit-base.
A nicely-written email/press release about a different bike component every 6-8 weeks would be great (engine, swingarm, tank) detailing production, design etc with some nice piccies.
Keeps the punters interested, generates some public lust.
Couldn't agree more.A nicely-written email/press release about a different bike component every 6-8 weeks would be great (engine, swingarm, tank) detailing production, design etc with some nice piccies.
Keeps the punters interested, generates some public lust.
They did feature just that -- a few castings/machined parts as an update in MCN a few months back, but absolutely a few more would be great.
There's no shortage of progress at the factory that's for sure, I've been up there twice now looking at how the development is going and there's some awesome stuff being made.
I think the final bits of engine are being sourced/manufactured at the moment but there are shelves full of bits so I don't doubt once the first one comes out they'll start getting a bit of momentum. Intererstingly there was small team of guys making and taking apart one to learn / invent the processes of assembly. It reminded me when I was a kid and learned perfectly whatever lego set I was obsessing with at the time.
There's no shortage of progress at the factory that's for sure, I've been up there twice now looking at how the development is going and there's some awesome stuff being made.
I think the final bits of engine are being sourced/manufactured at the moment but there are shelves full of bits so I don't doubt once the first one comes out they'll start getting a bit of momentum. Intererstingly there was small team of guys making and taking apart one to learn / invent the processes of assembly. It reminded me when I was a kid and learned perfectly whatever lego set I was obsessing with at the time.
Norton are already aware of the sale.
My understanding is there's no legal basis and in any case I'd have thought it'd be a waste of time/money and frankly embarrassing if they started suing their customers -- we have no idea why this chap is selling -- hard times, illness, whatever -- who's to judge him?
Also, if these things are appreciating like that it'll do Norton's reputation no harm at all for that to be well known. Look at the Porsche GT cars and Ferrari limited production stuff.
What's kind of annoying I suppose is genuine people who want to buy one of these things to enjoy being priced out of the market and nudged off the list by speculators (case in point me and GT3RS I'm not bitter...) but there's always a V4RR if you want the riding experience, although I suppose there's a bit of a waiting list there, at least you'll probably get one easily enough.
My understanding is there's no legal basis and in any case I'd have thought it'd be a waste of time/money and frankly embarrassing if they started suing their customers -- we have no idea why this chap is selling -- hard times, illness, whatever -- who's to judge him?
Also, if these things are appreciating like that it'll do Norton's reputation no harm at all for that to be well known. Look at the Porsche GT cars and Ferrari limited production stuff.
What's kind of annoying I suppose is genuine people who want to buy one of these things to enjoy being priced out of the market and nudged off the list by speculators (case in point me and GT3RS I'm not bitter...) but there's always a V4RR if you want the riding experience, although I suppose there's a bit of a waiting list there, at least you'll probably get one easily enough.
My experience is the opposite. Emails are responded to same day, sms the same and factory tours have been organised for me to look around and one personal tour by a director, where we were looking at everything.
Just today I got my latest email although it didn't say much because I know there are some sensitive announcements about to be made.
In fact as I typed this I see davo no longer on the Norton this year, there's rumours around McG and if he gets on it there's a chance of a podium.
No, maybe their PR isn't brilliant but this V4SS is a special piece of gear and looks very much like it's going to be turning a wheel summer/autumn, in my opinion.
Just today I got my latest email although it didn't say much because I know there are some sensitive announcements about to be made.
In fact as I typed this I see davo no longer on the Norton this year, there's rumours around McG and if he gets on it there's a chance of a podium.
No, maybe their PR isn't brilliant but this V4SS is a special piece of gear and looks very much like it's going to be turning a wheel summer/autumn, in my opinion.
The Ducati sure looks nice and has the advantage of being here now and going extremely well from the tests I've seen. Norton is handmade though and with a 1200cc V4 probably making at least as much power or more (if that's important at the 200bhp realm!) it's to my mind an entirely different league.
Also, you'll see Ducatis posing outside the chipshop and every biker meet wherever you go, but the Norton is going to be incredibly rare and interesting, should that be a factor.
Also, you'll see Ducatis posing outside the chipshop and every biker meet wherever you go, but the Norton is going to be incredibly rare and interesting, should that be a factor.
Pothole said:
That makes nervous's experience look even worse to me. Looks like they play favourites or it's pot luck who takes ownership of you as a customer. Really shoddy.
I'm no favourite, just a punter like everyone else -- first anyone at Norton knew of me was when I phoned up to place my order. I've no connection with the factory at all. They've dealt with me fine and as described.I would imagine that your experience is probably the unusual one given how easy it's been for me, but I can only report my own experiences.
So... my V4SS built and ready for collection! Went up last week for a look at it and rode Stuart’s personal bike. #1
Only a 20-odd mile hoon but man that thing feels fast and stable
Mine’s #50 and I sent carbon/carbon/colour flag.
Any clue what I should insure it for? I’ve not seen one bike sold on yet so hard to know its value. No chance of getting a replacement though...
Only a 20-odd mile hoon but man that thing feels fast and stable
Mine’s #50 and I sent carbon/carbon/colour flag.
Any clue what I should insure it for? I’ve not seen one bike sold on yet so hard to know its value. No chance of getting a replacement though...
Makes sense, but I see other limited SS versions of Nortons and obviously hard to come by stuff from Ducati, Honda, Porsche, Ferrari etc etc are available but at a significant premium over new.
I doubt if an SS came up it would be less than list price, but I don’t know as none have yet.
It’d be annoying if the worst happened and insurance came up short...
I doubt if an SS came up it would be less than list price, but I don’t know as none have yet.
It’d be annoying if the worst happened and insurance came up short...
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