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Norton Motorcycles: New Factory, New Boss (Factory Tour and Interview with CEO, Robert Hentschel)
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- čas přidán 10. 11. 2021
- 18 months after the TVS takeover, #Norton Motorcycles new state-of-the-art production facility in the West Midlands is finally ready. Join BikeSocial's Michael Mann as he goes behind-the-scenes, sees a new #V4SV on the dyno, looks at the 800 parts that make up a V4 engine, and interviews the new Norton #CEO, Robert Hentschel.
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As an Indian living in Chennai, home of India's 3rd largest motorcycle company - TVS, it is quite fulfilling to see what a massive investment TVS (the new owners of Norton) has made to revive this fabled British motorcycle brand. 👍👍
I wish Norton Motorcycle Company all the luck in the world under the leadership of Robert Hentschel.
TVS are a great company, I visited their HQ in Chennai. The supply brakes to Mercedes, quality is not an option with these guys. Hopefully another JLR in the making
Best of luck Norton Motorcycles an iconic British motorcycle brand.
Britain is really rooting for you. Everyone interested in motorcycles wants Norton to be a success. 👍👍👏👏👏👏
Agreed!!!!!
I wish Norton all the best, would love to see them succeed!
I like the new boss. He seems like he actually cares about the future of Norton.
So did others before him
@@jeremycanning8934 but he is not an englishman
@@derekgee4223 Does it matter?
@@bennettsbikesocial He's a Nortonman!
@@derekgee4223 Take that up with Mr Stuart Garner if you are hung up on Englishmen.
How can we not get behind a great British bike name like Norton.. after how it ended it’s great to see it relaunched, like a Phoenix rising from the flames. Awesome to see.🔥👍🏼
All the best to Norton I hope they succeed like Indian has
IMO This is the only reason the new "Norton" has a shot at a revival. Name recognition. I wish them all the best. As a former 750 Commando owner, this bike will always have a soft spot with me.
I really hope they can help anyone who has genuinely been deceived by the previous owners before they attempt to lure a single new customer! Big thanks to TVS for taking on such a challange.
As a Norton owner (a 75’ 850 ) and a Brummie, I would love nothing more than seeing this brand shine again 👌🏻😎
A wonderful insight into the future of a great " BRITISH " motorcycle company. Best wishes Norton and be the very best you can be and more !
Thanks for the review, great to see that TVS are serious about QC and supply validation. Get that right and the product will grow in strength.
This is what the late great Peter Williams had hoped to see back in the 70's, he and his designs were 30years ahead of his time. Both PW and Dave Croxford poured their souls into the Marque. I hope Dave gets a tour and video like this made when the bikes start rolling. Best wishes from an expat Brit in Aus.
As a Norton owner and lover since 1970, I wish them nothing but success. The red Commando 'S' at the beginning was a joy to behold as that was my first Norton and propelled my young arse at near supersonic speeds through the foothill roads of Colorado back in that wonderful era. I would love to see a "true" retro Commando, and hope to see the same innovation that Triumph has shown.
I really like Triumph bikes and I ride one. Looking at Norton doing the same with retro style as well as making modern style bikes, I am pretty excited. Just from the looks and branding point of view, I'd ride Norton!
Fingers crossed they can get things sorted, we really need names like Norton to be successful. Thanks for the video. 👍
It looks promising so far but it'll take a while before they're back up to full speed.
Thanks, Michael
Seeing the British Brand motorcycles coming back like Norton and BSA is so good to see including Royal Enfield who have already made their mark in the market.
They ain't British though are they
why are you being too petty mate , you just can't keep britian british . The sooner you understand the better it would be .. @@andybrough1035
Being an old Norton lover from ES-2 to Commando all of us wish you the best.
Good to see Norton brand in a safe pair of hands, go TVS.
The new Boss sounds like a real enthusiast,all the very best of luck Norton.
As a QA engineer with 30+ years in the Automotive and Aviation industry and a Bike enthusiast it is Exciting and truly a magnificent event to see a company like NORTON embassy new technology and use world class standards. Wishing all the best and looking forward to seeing the 1st Bikes 🤗
As an industry, the leaders of Norton need to look at the way Royal Enfield have moved, and are moving. Not to copy them but certainly look at their philosophy with regard to vision and method of progression in the industry. Good luck with what you are doing and stay faithful to your vision.
Tomorrow is my birthday and I am on the Norton list! I can’t wait to get that email telling me I can purchase one of these amazing machines! Love from Vegas
Great stuff you will be able to ride to alegiant stadium and watch the RAIDERS
Given past experiences don't you think it would have been better to have them build the bike first then think of buying one.
The parent company TVS has serious distribution and engineering chops. Putting down a German CEO will only take manufacturing excellence to another level.
The CEOs nationality is immaterial and has nothing to do with anything. The British motorcycle industry was the largest in the world and all done with British managers and workers.
So all that matters is, is he good at his job.
@@johnbrereton5229 Agreed
Let’s hope so..can’t say being a Porsche owner German reliability is great anymore.
@@ianwatson3315
Yes Ian very true, and not just Porsche either, according to the Reliability index all German manufacturers recieved a low score. Honda recieved the top score along with other Japanese manufacturers all recieving high scores.
The RI is all based on the warranty claims of 50,000 car owners, so it's pretty reliable data. This however doesn't detract from Nortons new German CEO being good at his job, but we will have to wait to judge him.
Being German is no guarantee of anything, apart from nationality.
That's true German Merc an bmw make some expensive car that start to fall apart after four years old not the same quality of older time's planed end of life so you get a new one
Hyped to see where Norton goes from here. Always love old motorcycle brands coming back to life. Hopefully someday other brands reappear too such as Henderson, or Vincent. 👍🏼
Agreed 100 percent
Many moons ago when I was a teenager, my dream bike was a 750 Commando. I was never able to get one, but it is great to see this new chapter for Norton. I wish them nothing but the best and I am rooting for you from far away in the Midwest, USA!
I am from India and happy for TVS. But i am happier for Norton and the people who will work there. I really hope they pick up and do well. What a lovely brand with a beautiful legacy.
I genuinely want to see a Norton V4 in a superbike shootout with the likes of the Ducatis and Aprilias. Wish them all the luck!
Nice interview and great investment from TVS , Good luck and best wishes.
Thanks v much. He comes across well. Direct and without hesitation considering English is not his mother tongue.
Cheers, Michael
The fact the CEO bought a Norton with his own money before he was ever involved with the company seems a good sign. For the next few years they're going to be rich man's toys though. A flagship Ducati is a lot more bike for a lot less money.
agree they would be far better concentration the the super light twin but getting the costs way down to compete with the likes of the r7 and z650 engines.
I agree they do seem to be aiming for those of more 'disposible income', rather than a wide costumer base. Reminds me a bit of the Brough Superior marque. The difference being the Brough was always a rich mans 'toy'. I believe Royal Enfield have the right sales model....A very successful company, who appear to have 'got it right' ....Triumph, have hit the correct balance with their classic designs and the modern Speed/ Street Triple bikes. I'd like to see Norton succeed, however, I believe it's probably better to pitch your sale to a wider audience, then perhaps have something a bit special..
In 1970, I was an American with 10 months remaining in the US Army. I was stationed in Germany, near Heildelberg. I had never owned a motorcycle. I traveled to London to make the necessary arrangements to purchase a new 1970 Norton 750 Commando. Three weeks later, I returned to pick up my new motorcycle. A total novice, I survived late afternoon London traffic and managed to take back country roads to Dover. Upon reaching Calais I continued on French country roads all the way back to Heidelberg. I toured Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Italy over the course of the next 10 months. I am 75 now, and I am so thrilled that the Norton name is being restored to it's former iconic excellence. For this 21 year old, it was one of the best memories of my young life. Congratulations and the very best in success in achieving this ideal.
New norton is definitely going to be a mega brand and reclaim the heritage that norton deserves, the skill set in the team they have put together is amazing, the money they have invested in the factory definitely shows there commitment 😎👌
The craziness of world events lately have had me in a bad place, once I came upon this great news I now know everything is going to be alright, good luck to you Norton hope all the success you deserve
Hi , thanks for the walk round , lets hope they get to the starting line and the race gets under way . This has to be the longest build up for any TT . Wishing you all the best .
Judging from his reaction to my question I don't believe they'll be lining up on the Glencrutchery Road in 2022 and I understand the business reasons why... but who knows, he could have been bluffing!
Quite amazing! They have to overcome the damage done by Garner and going to the level they are doing is the way to instill confidence in the brand again. I wish them great success. 👍
Can’t wait for them to grow to the point where racing becomes viable. Not only TT but B.S.B. and even SBK. As they say; “Win on Sunday and sell on Monday.” Wish you all the best.
Fantastic video,very informative and eye opening at times (especially the factory tour). With Mr Hentschel at the helm here’s hoping Norton have a bright and sustainable future for many decades.
Best of luck in reviving this iconic British marque.👏👏👏👏👏
Once again a high quality video from Bennetts. Great work all involved. Very exciting times for the Norton name. It appears to be in very good hands. The new facility is amazing and the level of passion is very assuring of where things are heading. Thank you for the insight.
Thanks Damien, glad you enjoyed!
Cheers, Michael
ATB to Norton and all of us🍀🥃Hopefully one day I will ride on of those British iconic machines😍
Well, as a proud owner of a 1973 Norton 850 Commando, which I have owned for over 45 years now. I'm glad to see them coming back. It's also interesting that Triumph motorcycle was started by a German and now Norton is revived again by a German. Intelligent minds think alike.
And all that is being bank rolled by TVS which is an Indian motorcycle manufacturer
If Norton can build up to a standard not down to a price they will succeed.
There’s always a market for real quality!
Looking forward to seeing Norton succeed. Best of Luck to Management and Team.
All the best guys..... Norton should go from strength to strength once again....
Good luck to Norton and all the dedicated workforce to make the brand a complete success.
Great vid, almost like I was there!
I noticed that everyone's video very carefully cut out other media/influencers. Surprised 44 teeth not there?
@@argieessex Maybe they were there at a different time.
Ha! Good to see you fella. Hope you enjoyed your version of the tour.
Cheers, MM
@@VinayKumar-db4qz Yes we were. Our tour took place with a chap from another media outlet whereas LCR was a little later the same day. Others were a couple of days later.
I saw the bikes at Bike shed yesterday they look awesome the frame quality was amazing couldn't see much of the v4 engine but liked the polished heads on it.A new Norton company is just what the uk needs.
I do hope for a successful product in the V4 engined Norton, I’ve loved the Norton brand ever since buying a new Norton Atlas 750 in 1964, I have heard this new V4 is a great engine, great news.
great news for Norton let’s hope the next owners can do a better job of building the brand to new heights rarther than fleecing the company like the previous did. good luck to them in the future. looking forward to seeing Norton thrive well done that man.
Great insight into the new Norton era. Good luck to all involved. I sincerely hope for a successful future.
Awesome! Love to see them back in business. Best of luck. Hope they come to the states with a dealer network of some kind. I would buy that scrambler
I owned a norton for 14 years one of the best bikes ive had. All the framework was braised together as were all other British bikes.
A high pressure work environment. I will keep tabs on Norton Motorcycles 👍
Welcome back! Great to see such passion and investment going into the Norton heritage. Can’t wait to see what you come up with 🏍🏍🏍
Pray for success of Norton from India...We bikers have no country because we love to cross boundaries..namaste
I pray we`ll see the proposed Nomad and Ranger bikes come to fruition,the prototypes were absolutely stunning.
Brilliant! Thanks for showing us. 👍 🏍
Our pleasure, glad you enjoyed. Cheers, Michael
As a Norrton owner now (and for the last 40+ years), I really hope it works...this time, although it would be nice to see production of a bike that didn't require a second mortgage to purchase! I'm encouraged by the CEO's comments about needing to address the problems and damage left behind by Garner's shenanigans.
Would love to see a retro 850 Commando with the beautiful rear upswept pipes and angled cylinders. Yellow with black lettering on the tank. Stunning beauty.
Having missed out on the stitch up last time by a very narrow margin (phew!) I’ll wait until they’re actually in the shops everywhere if you don’t mind. 😁😁
One of the best motor cycles of the past 100 years, good luck to Noeton.
Very exciting news. The very best of luck to Norton. 👍🏻🇨🇦
So nice Norton is coming back and proud of TVS helping the brand owning, TVS is Thirukkurungudi Vengaram Sundram the founder , Brand from India , chennai my home town
Good luck to Norton I truly hope it’s a great success 👍🏻🍀🍀🍀
I love my new Triumphs, whereas I had to learn to like my 1960s Triumphs in the 1970s. Norton has a great future and direction it appears that like Triumph success can be manufactured.
Great video and a brilliant interview.I love listening to Michael Mann.He always comes across as so measured and intelligent.
Thanks Trevor, I shall show my boss your comment! I'm glad you enjoyed the film.
All the best, Michael
Good luck to them! I recall a documentary was made about Norton, 25+ or so years ago, with John Harvey Jones. At that time they were making more money from selling rotary engines to the USAF for use in target drones. One of the senior managers said he was waiting for the company to go under so he could buy the rights to the rotary engine! Anyway, that is all from memory, so probably not the way it was!
no, that's exactly what was said. The rotary was developed in 1971 by BSA, and by the time it appeared in production it was hopelessly out of date. It did well in racing because the ACU were convinced it was 600 cc, when it was really 1800 cc (they didn't understand, or chose not to understand, how the engine worked.)
@@richardsimpson3792 Cool thanks for the info! Funny how I remember obscure facts and still forget my Mum's birthday!
By coincidence I took delivery of a Norton 961 cafe racer today, and a friend sent me this video today. Today is a good day!
I'm really looking forward to seeing Norton EVs! 👍👍
What great contributions Indians are making to the British economy. Coming from a non indian
Dr Robert Hentschel with that accent and voice no wonder the futures bright for Norton - They will be back
TVS have spent a lot of money 🤑💰
Excellent news and it seems to me that they have someone in charge who is committed to the brand and legacy of Norton.I wish them great success. Focus on quality and engineering excellence and the brand will hopefully be successful again
I hope this video shows the sceptics that Norton now mean business. Gone are the days of operating out of an old office block, and into a state of the art manufacturing facility. I wish them luck and I hope there business plans pay off. There certainly trying to reassure old and new customers. Good work Norton..
You lucky B....... Person. Brilliant video, really enjoyed watching that. I really do hope that they make a massive success of it.
It would be brilliant if they offered tours to people in general who'd like to see the factory, and not just Norton buyers.
Lets hope that they stay in the UK, rather than jump ship to another country in the future. Thanks for this. 👍👍🏍️🏍️
I think if they are to regain a decent world position they will have to focus on overseas production, it is just too expensive to manufacture in the UK atlhough they could do what many car firms do is import almost all the parts and just do assembly in the UK for models sold in the UK and Europe. I think all we can hope for long term is R&D in the UK and at least some manufacturing in the UK. It's going to be a long road to get economies of scale and more competitive pricing though.
Been on the Triumph factory tour today and they have an identical rolling road same £250k cost as they are now building bikes in Hinckley again. They don’t use the customer’s seat though as they want the new owner to be the first to have sat on the seat. Isn’t it refreshing that we have bikes being built here in the UK again and also the Royal Enfield r&d based here too. Will it be BSA next . Good video, well done 👍🏻
Yes, BSA which is now owned by Mahindra is going to be making bikes in the UK. I read it in Autocar, some investment has been made already
I am looking forward to the 650 RE Himalayan
As the owner of several classic Nortons including a Domiracer Lowboy replica I really hope to see the current management possibly bring the brand up to something like Ducati has.
It's good to see the standard of the new facility trying to match up to modern standards.
I've always been a Norton fan (and owner) I just pray that Norton can make the business more sustainable this time by introducing a much more affordable Norton (the Atlas ?) for the masses.. Triumph did it with their new Bonneville range and Norton can do it too, giving the brand a solid financial base from which they can carry on with the higher end models without constantly worrying about sustainable finances.. I see no reason why TVS can't make this happen !..
I do not think you will be able get a new Norton at anywhere near Bonneville money.
@@guysmith3146 I know what you're saying but I don't see any reasonable argument as to why a naked, retro Norton should end up being more expensive than a Bonneville, especially if it is made in India or Thailand (like the Bonnevilles) and to a similar high standard... If it does Norton will have missed a trick, at trick that Triumph have proved will work - and work very well too..
Wow! That's a spectacular facility and a *truly* impressive operation. The interactive customer journey aspect will add real value to the buying process. Which will probably be necessary given the likely price. But talk about exclusive. Awesome. The V4 still has sad eyes, but I hope Norton flies!
I'd love to experience this for myself -- it would, in fact, be a second visit; I was lucky enough to get to go round the Shenstone factory in 1986 and got to ride what was then one of the development Interpol rotary machines. But the highlight of the day was undoubtedly meeting Doug Hele -- a real legend1
Great insight into the new fingers crossed norton ere michael 👍 really enjoyed watching it and wishing norton all the very best for the future.
All very good but I wonder how far I would have to take a new Norton motorcycle for a service ?😕 where are the dealerships?
Look forward to seeing this excellent company succeed 👍
I'm glad to see the Norton name still alive.and the quality of the craftsmanship is spot on! Especially the welding and the NDE in welder. certification in weld joints.I use to have a 1971 Norton 750 Camando.miss it dearly.and I was young 32 years ago and traded it for a boat.i kick my self everyday.and I am a certified Welder union Boilermakers. Weld on Nuclear reactors.would love to come work for Norton if you need a quality welder.any process.
A very exciting video and a thoughtful interview best of British Luck to the CEO and team. I really hope they decide to bring a bike out similar to the original Big 4's from the 20s one of Pa' Norton's favourite bike which was classed as the bike in reach of everyone you only have to look at the popularity of the Himmy it would be great to see a modern long stroke single with classic design. Even though they had performance models in the early 20s like my 1920s 16H flat tank n later in the 20s the Model 18 and Ultra rare Model 25.
The big 4 was central to the Brand a bike model that did some amazing tours with Pa Norton at the helm also the early 20s singles have truly beautiful styling different to everything that's on the market currently with a unique and beautiful tank design.
Exciting stuff though n itl be interesting to see what happens.
That's my thoughts as someone in my early 30s who rides a 1967 Norton 650ss as a daily rider through winter as well, a 68 Commando 44' WW2 Norton 16H and a 1927 Norton 16H flat tank.
Bravo for the New Norton product even though I couldn't possibly afford one. The pre-modern era 650-850 series models were nice but generally boring and over priced. It's my feeling that if Norton were to revive the 500cc single with a Manx version frame and engine for mid level buyers it could sweep the world market and push the Royal Enfield and Triumph aside.
My 750 Commando Fastback was never boring!
India based business house that now own some of famous international vehicle brands. 1) TATA: Landrover, Jaquar. 2)Bajaj: KTM, Husqvarna. 3) Mahindra: Jawa, BSA. 4) TVS: Norton.
To see another big name British manufacturer on the market will be brilliant , I really hope Norton make it with good quality reasonable priced Bikes, and to see Norton at the TT would be a game changer especially if they win . Good luck to all the staff it looks amazing
Very good interview and video. Thank you, and congrats!
Lets wish them sucess...🤞what about affordable bikes for us too🤔
Guess we'll have to wait and see. Robert talked about "modern luxury" but also about "younger riders" and plenty of "EV" talk too.
Cheers for commenting, Michael
I’m thinking that if they really want to succeed they need to make a quality affordable bike that will attract younger buyers and hook them. Then develope the higher end product for the bespoke buyers. Just a thought but excited to see them back in the game. Always a good looking ride.
Very impressive. 'Norton' owned by Indian company but made in UK. 'Triumph' owned by British guy is made in Thailand.
This shows that how much Indian bike manufacturers are serious about Norton, within 18 months of deal they opened a new manufacturing unit.
Amazing, good luck and best wishes for the future.
Happy to see another iconic British brand being revived by an Indian company. I hope it succeeds like Royal Enfield and JLR.
Any plan of reviving the Wankel rotary-engined F1?
I hope it's nothing like JLR...endless failures and a complete inability to fix them.
@@richardsimpson3792 JLR has been through bad times, but it was doing worse under Ford. As a shareholder, I hope the worst is behind them.
Great video, thank you. Much love and luck to Norton. I understand paying a little extra for that “something special” brand/model. I bought a V7 850. (Love it!) If Norton plans to attract new customers and older repeat customers their models have to be competitively priced. If not, RE (which look fantastic) will. The major 4 will. Piaggio will.
TRIUMPH NAME IS BACK....AND GOOD LUCK TO NORTON
I have owned two Nortons. Would love to see a new US version Commando!
Still hope the brand will be affordable and not just for the worlds wealthy
How cool would that be to actually see your bike being built from start to stop! That would be awesome
All looks very encouraging
My brother had a 1973 Norton 750 short stroke....that was one fast bike.
great vid, Robert is genuine.