Still no contact from Norton on impending manufacture and finalisation of my order details and options, so I will probably call it a day in early 2020. I will not pay any more money and go through the torture others have faced getting money back. Some interesting figures that perhaps demonstrate production numbers for 2018? 137 registered in the UK including 21 V4 SS. https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/?utf8=✓&q=norton
Where do you want to start? The missing bikes? The missing pension funds? The missing apprentiships, paid for by public money? The missing dealers? The warranty claims? You have to hand it to Stewart. He's almost genius level when it comes to parting people from their money on promises alone. Like a lot of great con men, he's also superb at manipulating the media and even politicians. No wonder he found bikes a complete gimme. But my guess (based on documents in the public record) is that Norton was never intended to be about motorcycles. It's been alleged that it was primarily a laundering operation for a massive pension scam (for which Garner associates have already done time). Bikerglory almost got there back in 2012 but unsurprisingly didn't have the financial expertise to unravel the true extent of the fun and games. One thing's for sure: never a dull moment.
So the usual fluffy, non-specific and non-commital guff that I keep getting. Which bike have you ordered out of interest?
You played it right. I'd strongly advise anyone with money down to put your brief on speed dial. The form is in the book when it comes to Norton (post 441).
I'm sure if someone could substantiate it the story would break elsewhere. No one is claiming it as a matter of fact. But I think I know what information might have led to the suggestion. Much of it is in the public domain. You follow the money from the beginning. That takes you on an interesting but time heavy journey (there's a lot of court action, ombudsman's hostile findings, accounting, the Pensions Act 1995, and plenty of interplay between the companies involved. To name just a few things.) People who have done this have suggested that there might have been an ulterior motive behind Norton, which is the basis of the (as yet unsubstantiated) allegation.
Do you have an ETA for delivery? We could have a game, you tell us when you're getting it and the day after that date we'll check in and see how you're enjoying your new bike. Are you getting the silver Fablon coating or the carbon-look hydrodip?
That first requires them to specify a date, something that has proven very tricky for anyone to get out of them. I really hope they start churning out the bikes and prove us all wrong. Ouch Shouldn't laugh, but made me chuckle
The one guy I know with a deposit on his has just cancelled his order. Says that he was told his RR would not turn up until end of 2020 right in the middle of winter & the mess over the recent fund raising issue was the final straw. He doesn’t believe they’ll ever turn up on spec & to budget. I hope he’s wrong but can’t blame him for finally walking away. Huge shame.
Many good points being raised here. I'm definitely in the stubborn bracket and the can't be arsed bracket also and have a deposit down. MCN do have a lot to answer for not just Norton. I'm probably in the don't worry about it until Spring comes round then the V2 will be gnawing at me.
