Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

@n3il I'm interested in the kriega if brickman doesn't take it.

Norton have fallen into adminstration.

Sad times.

I really thought the Atlas bikes would save them, but I guess they were still just too expensive really

Didn't see that coming, Stuart Garner always appeared like things were going so well on social media.

Tax bill in the end wasn't it.

Apparently another couple of his companies are also in adminstration.

Really? I've seen exactly one in the wild. I think they've done well to last this long. Outside of niche areas like the Isle Of Man, there really wasn't much to their presence or much interest into what they were doing.
I mean...I've heard more about modders like Yamaha's yard built (not the same I know) releasing new stuff than Norton did regarding existing bikes.

I saw a Dominator once, which was really great to see, but it wasn't anything more special then heading down to The Bike Shed on any given Sunday.

This isn't an insult to them, simply an observation that times move on and Norton didn't move fast enough.

Think I've only seen one in the wild too. Was a Domiracer on the back of a lorry glinting in the summer sun going up the Holloway Road. Presumably being delivered, or more likely recovered. Most memorable bike I've seen.

What sets Norton apart from The Bike Shed creations for me personally is their history. You're probably right though about them not moving with the times but if it is a tax issue seems like accounting 101?

for me personally is their history

Totally agree. Didn't mean to come off as dismissive of them. There was potential for sure; it's just when investors get involved, things tend to get warped in the Minutiae of finances and self serving tendencies.

It seems like there was more to it than the tax issues by what I'm reading. Garner seems to have taken the whole endeavor for a ride. A lot of pension fund issues too.

Where you at these days anyway? Far and away from the chaos of Holloway Road?

Saw that about the pensions too, real shame and agreed about Garner seeming a bit dodgy!

I'm in Herts now, we managed to escape London a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. Will be buying a house this year, likely further north and my life should be complete once we have a garage.

my life should be complete once we have a garage.

Might take a page out of your book as things seem to stand. Could really do with a tinkering space. Been hankering after a first gen Multistrada but no space for two bikes. Best of luck on the move dude.

In-depth/scathing report here:

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/30/taken-for-a-ride-how-norton-motorcycles-collapsed-amid-acrimony-and-scandal

I've been watching ktm prices, with the hope of getting another. but the 2nd hand bike market is really solid at the moment. I mean a 10 year old ktm 990 is still £5,000. They were only £9,500 new!

I sold my 990 for £4,000 and refuse to pay more!

Even £1,500 doesn't get much but a old pile of s.

Thanks a lot, will most likely report back here with progress on garage developments but from what I know of buying your first place it seems to be an exercise in compromise. Watch this space though :)

Yup. This has been my frustration.

For the hundreds I’ve already plowed into the little GN125 to get and keep it running, I’m still quids-in compared to the prices of every other 125 advertised. Even when it fails MOT in March - which will be conveniently timed with the Mod2 exam date.

Had real issues finding suitably priced used big-boy bikes, and the prices are hardly going to fall now it’s getting mild.

Had real issues finding suitably priced used big-boy bikes, and the prices are hardly going to fall now it’s getting mild.

I think a lot of people are dreaming with advertised prices.
I've followed a few on auction and they don't meet the reserve. So don't assume listed price is near sale price or market value.

Since you had yours, I've had a constant eBay notification for when they come up. First, they rarely come up, and when they do, they're going up in bleeding price. I saw an SMT with 45k on it for £6k

6 grand!!

Believe it or not, The best bang for buck I've been finding now are old GS's! Tracers don't budge on price and neither do Tigers.

Saying all this, sports bikes are silly cheap now. Look up how much GSXR's go for.

Indeed, that’s just typical in any market though. Lots of private sellers have a warped view of value, mostly to convince themselves that there is such a thing as return on investment.

Yea I saw a lot of that too @Chak - the Blade Trade Centre is local to me so I use them and Budget Bikes for a gauge.

You can get a Triumph Daytona for less than 2 1/2, but you’re paying over 3-4 for anything that you can ride comfortably.

If it wasn't for the GF wanting to ride as well, I'd be rolling on a Daytona right this here moment without a care in the world.
Alas, situation dictates a bike good for two, which doesn't limit options for fun bikes, but the bloody prices do when you start having to consider all other equipment.

There is a 990 duke on ktmforum for £3k.

But yeah, madness isn't it.

If I buy another i'll be higher miles and I'll keep it forever. The engines on them are solid.

Indeed, they only do 2000miles and don't want to loose any money!

Friend in Germany - who bought a specific older Mercedes estate to allow him to carry a canoe on top - kept pushing me to view enduro/touring types, to try get the most versatility and stop me getting the speed bug.

Of course, the 125 has piece by piece gone from a mini cruiser to a mini cafe, and if I can strip it down by summer will go all the way to discomfort in pursuit of marginal gains errand racer.

I loved the look of that yellow Daytona they have, almost as much as the Moto Guzzi cafe racer... but these bikes are going to be a compromise in the wrong direction. Found it felt very stretched out and zero accommodation for anything but speed.

Seems tough to find something low and planted with good handling for traffic, but capable of motorway speeds and lightweight luggage handling... without going megabuck.

Dare I say it, if it’s gonna cost a few grand anyway, I’m swaying toward the Royal Enfield Continental GT twin - new price is less than a lot of those name-brand used bikes. Low, planted, pillion/light luggage potential, and light and small enough for traffic.

Can’t understand this. Is it a Sunday-bike thing?

I’ve been neglecting the bmx to get the miles in on the 125 and already ticked off about 1000 miles since purchase in late November. If I kept it on the road I’ll max out the 4k I agreed on the insurance way before summer hits.

Seems tough to find something low and planted with good handling for traffic, but capable of motorway speeds and lightweight luggage handling... without going megabuck.

Modern or with a slight OG look?

SV650. Monster 695, Street triple, ER6, Z650. All these are great for what you're looking for. Street Triple was a riot to own, but attracts a lot of itchy fingers and tends to give you a heavy wrist for shits and giggles.

@skinny I was utterly smitten by the 990 adeventure. It was like an even wilder Street Triple. Seat was just too damned high, and the GF didn't like that V-twin shunt.