Norton's first US Commandos sent
We haven't been given the numbers, but if the above image is accurate, and if we can still count accurately, it looks like there's eight motorcycles in the line up. And that batch represents the first consignment of 961 Norton Commandos that, even as we type, are on their way to the USA.
Awaiting the arrival of those bikes from Norton are, we hear, three dealers in California, plus six other dealers in Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York State, Texas and Washington. That looks like at least nine, rather than the eight we counted.
But we're not going to quibble. The point is that although the numbers are small, the revamped Norton enterprise is finally about to cross the pond, and that's a significant milestone. Actually, somewhere between 3,600 and 5,400 milestones, plus change.
▲ Above: Let's hope that the "NO FORKS" warning on those packing crates refers to the loading etiquette rather than a reminder that the machines are missing a few parts.
Norton clearly has production capacity problems, and the Americans tend to have large appetites. The real issue now is to ensure that the supply of bikes can meet the demand as and when it comes, or risk having the sales momentum choked.
Meanwhile, congrats to Norton for carrying it this far. Let's hope they can take it a whole lot further. It's a long time since the last US invasion of British bikes. John Bloor's Triumph has already established a huge beach head. What we want now is for the fresh troops to arrive and clean up.
— The Third Man
Copyright Sump Publishing 2013