LE GRAND TOUR OF NORTON’S REVIVAL

Norton. A name that always stirred the soul, but more recently has stirred anger and bitterness.

Ironically, one of the great British motorcycling names may now rise again from the ashes of financial scandal thanks to Indian money and a German doctor.

After decades of TT success dating back to 1907, in 2008, UK businessman Stuart Garner bought the rights to develop a range of motorcycles culminating in the £44,000 V4 SS. Sadly, in January 2020, the company went into administration, and Garner is now facing prosecution over allegations of fraud.

In April last year, Norton was bought for £16million by Indian company TVS, the world’s sixth biggest motorbike manufacturer with an annual profit of £2billion. TVS then appointed Dr Robert Hentschel as chief executive and said production would move to a new 75,000 sq ft factory in Solihull.

Its first bike will be the £44,000 V4SV, with a new 1200cc 185bhp V4 engine and Öhlins suspension.

Other planned bikes include the cheaper Commando 961, Atlas and Superlight 650 twin. Initial production will be 1,000 bikes a year, rising to 8,000.

The factory is hugely impressive – cleaner than Marie Kondo’s kitchen – with state-of-the-art tech operated by 142 staff, 55 of them from the old Norton.

After a tour, I sat down with some questions for Dr Hentschel.

Geoff: Norton is a great name which has been tarnished by recent history. How difficult will it be to make it shine again?

Dr Hentschel: We have some image problems, but this factory and the enthusiasm from staff and customers for the quality of new Norton makes me very excited.

What are your future plans?

Future products will include petrol bikes, electric bikes and bikes to attract younger customers, but all new Norton bikes will be modern and luxurious.

Any racing plans?

It’s part of Norton DNA, but racing costs money, so we will decide on that when the business plan supports it. Do you ride a motorbike?

Absolutely. I bought a gold Norton Commando 961 in 2016 and still have it.

IMMACULATE The factory is cleaner than Marie Kondo’s kitchen