Norton Rebirth (again!)

Well its been a bit of news that’s kept the magazines and newspapers going over the last month. Of course as Norton fans we would all like to see the name return to its respectable former self. Stuart Garner is the man with deep pockets (allegedly) and Norton’s latest saviour.

He of course joins a long list of characters who in the recent past has looked like a extract from the who’s who of dodgy characters including Philip Le Roux who persuaded Norton lovers to invest in Norton Motors, registered the company in his mum’s name, let it go down the pan and then got fined for being dodgy by the Department of Trade and Industry. Next came the Skalbania’s a dodgy Canadian Man and daughter double act who teamed up with British engine designer Al Melling, hailed as Nortons saviour with his “V8 Nemesis” an example of which is in the National motorcycle museum.

Eventually and not surprisingly there was a falling out between them and several court orders flew back and forward across the Atlantic for a while. Of course we Norton owners watched this with horror, if anyone had asked us if what we wanted from the Norton factory was a V8 1500cc motorcycle with the aesthetics of a Gold Wing and like the only person who pre ordered one a certain Mike Tyson a definite heavyweight I suspect no would have been the answer. Nemesis was perhaps an unfortunate choice of name as it was of course the name of the Greek godess who Zeus had unsuccessfully tried to sh*g, and who was the goddess of divine indignation and retribution, who punished excessive pride, evil deeds, undeserved happiness or good fortune, and the absence of moderation.

Meanwhile there was some hope, Kenny Dreer was battling against the red tape to produce some mighty fine Commando derivatives and had eventually developed the 952 into a pretty respectable motorcycle.

Of course we Commando owners were being looked after by Andover Norton, owned by BSA Regal and of course RGM motors, Mick Hemmings and Norvil, all producing their own parts. Rotary owners were being looked after by Norton Motors at Rugely in Staffs and of course in the middle of all this was the self appointed messiah and alleged owner of the trademarks a German by the name of Joe Seifert. Then Joe (or the Fuhrer as I believe he likes to be called) sold his interest in the Name to Kenny Dreer and bought Andover Norton, Kenny ran out of money and stopped producing bikes then sold the name I believe to the latest owner Stuart Garner (who seemingly made his money in fireworks)

Stuart has also bought into Spondon engineering who made the frames for the F1 Rotary’s and intends setting up production of Rotary machines and twins based on Dreer’s 952 concept from a 15000 sq foot factory based at Donnington park (In case your trying to visualise how big that is then its around 1/3 the size of a small football pitch!)

So we still have some uncertainty, who owns Andover Norton and the rights to Commando parts? What about Norton motors at Rugely who have hinted they may close early next year when Richard Negus retires, do they still have rights to supply parts for rotaries or will that move to Donnington?

Forgive me for my cynicism but its hard not to be! Stuart Garner maybe made his money in fireworks but if he’s not careful Norton could go up in smoke!

As a final word on the subject our very own George Peddie was contacted by the BBC for a comment on the subject, luckily he’s more polite than me, George’s quote and the story can be found on the website http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7697380.stm

Norton Owners Club Golden Jubilee celebrations

So far in the calendar we have 3 main events, Donnington park Friday 19^th June (and the weekend following) The National Rally Bristol 3^rd – 4^th July then the International in Austria on the 18^th – 26^th July. With the exception of the dates for the International which has been set for quite some time I feel more thought could have gone in to the dates. Three main Norton events within 5 weeks isn’t the best way to get good attendance. It will be interesting to see if the Donnington event is hijacked by the new Norton owners for publicity (undoubtably) sometimes I’m asked what I think about the club, great people from all over Europe and beyond is normally my answer, Norton gatherings are to me about the people who I find interesting, people who are knowledgeable about their bikes and passionate about the brand, people who USE their Nortons. I’m not sure if the Donnington gathering will fulfil my need for camaraderie, friendship and common interests but I’ll be going along to find out, I suggest you do too. Disappointing no word of the Begonia rally as part of the official “celebration” yet, this well run Rally by the Flanders NOC should be included as part of the official celebrations (what ever that means)

Ankle fixed

The plaster is off and I’m back on the road, the day after I had the plaster off I set off on a 3 day 800 mile trip in gale force winds & rain just to see if I could still ride a bike, I can! Story to follow in the future unless I get swamped by stories from you guys to fill this monthly drivel.

Austria

My plan is to attend the 2^nd weekend of the Rally, leaving just before possibly midweek and returning just after, anyone wanting to tag along will be welcome.

End of season party

29^th November Lochearnhead Clachan Hotel, if you still haven’t booked then book directly with the hotel on (01567) 830247. Be there or be square!

The Small Print

The views and opinions contained within this publication are not necessarily those of the NOC or of the branch but are probably mine as I wrote it.

No one accepts any responsibility for anything, if you have a good time don't say I didn't warn you.

Gino Rondelli

November 2008