Kenny Dreer in Salem, Oregon, started out as the owner of a well known Norton parts, service & updating business. He had a great looking bike that had the look, performance, and reliability to succeed, but was underfunded and could not attract enough investors with really deep pockets to make it happen, which was a shame, because unlike the various Indian & Henderson folks, he was in it because of his love of the Norton marque, not a quick pile of dough. I Think the bike pictured captures the look and feel of the classic Nortons, tough time to be introducing a new toy.

 

I think it looks good, but the nostalgia thing only works so far. A pushrod actuated parallel twin just doesn't stir my blood.

 

+1 on old push rod technology, but it does look damn awesome IMO. I saw it in one of the magazines not too long ago. I think they expected prices above 20k which totally surprized me. How many do you think will sell in todays market for 20+? What a shame.

 

+1 on old tech period. Dual rear shocks? I think the monoshock design has earned its leadership. I understand the guys that buy the Yamaha cruisers and the retro Triumphs - they're trying to do something about Harley's reliability. Good move but solidly out of the riding curve. I started out on a Cushman scooter. I know what "pushing the tank" through a corner really means. Riding my Superhawk is twenty times more comfortable that horse-handling some Harley through the outback.

 

Not defending old tech but don't most of the Buells use push rods and doesn't the MotoGP targeted motoCyzsz use dual rear shocks? It will be intresting to see a Norton with a mono shock and updated valve actuation which I am sure is on the drawing baord already. Maybe the Manx model will have all the modern goods?

 

There's no question that this is an awsome looking bike, but there's way too much air between the bottom of the seat and the wheel. It looks unfinished.
The old Commandos seemed to have the same clearances, but the effect was visually diminished by the bodywork.

 

I like the look, but am also not very stirred by the power, it will weigh in roughly the same as the hawk, but is down 20 ponies, and we already complain that the hawk could use a little more power. I know when I look at another bike someday that I won't buy unless it has equal power to weight ratio or better than the old bird. And 20k is pretty high considering you can pick up a ducati 1098 for less.

 

Cool look. For me, it captures the raw essence of a motorcycle which is fundamentally an engine (motor) and two wheels (that would be the cycle part).

The dual rear shocks in this case are merely a concession to the retro styling. Not saying I would buy one, but I do like it's stripped down looks.

 

Looks nice as a design exercise, but all that Ohlins is gonna cost a heck of a lot. I'd be more impressed if I hadn't heard about Norton's resurrection before. Seems like every few years someone acquires the rights to a classic name (like Indian, for example), but it takes a lot to get a significant operation off the ground.

 

I would take the Vincent Motors sport with the v-twin.