Norton at the TT

[ronan]

1992 Senior TT, Steve Hislop and a Rotary Norton. One of the best TT races.

I remember Robert Dunlop cleaning up at the NW200 on one too, when the Norton was written off as an outsider with no chance. Good times.

 

[Chris Stevens]

The film seemed to suggest it was a garden shed build, which I thought very unlikely. Might see if I can get the book.

 

[Chris Stevens]

I remember Robert Dunlop cleaning up at the NW200 on one too, when the Norton was written off as an outsider with no chance. Good times.

Brian Crighton seems a very clever guy............

 

[ronan]

The documentary and the book leave you with quite different opinions of him. It appears he had a lot more help than the documentary makes out. Still a very clever bloke though.

I heard several opinions of him that were less than glowing.

 

[ronan]

Brian Crighton seems a very clever guy............

Such people are around, Professor Gordon Blair and the work he did on two strokes in ulster university in belfast for instance.

 

[Member 66061]

Irrespective of what John Britten was like, he produced his own innovative and competitive bike. He might have a comparable team to Norton and comparable funding aswell. I still highly respect what he achieved, and was using him as a comparison to Norton. I dont understand the excuses being made for Norton essentially abandoning their development and innovation and basically selling out and still not being competitive.

 

[ronan]

I dont understand the excuses being made for Norton essentially abandoning their development and innovation and basically selling out and still not being competitive.

Norton are just too small at the moment imho. The past is where its at in these times, Triumph is flogging the Bonneville hand over fist, Bmw is selling the mini by the boatload, Norton are selling the new Dominator as an updated retro, a classic without the oil leaks, shakes or lucas junk electrics. I think the norton racing team may just be a group of enthusiasts in the factory getting the go ahead by the management to use the factory facilities.

 

[Member 66061]

Norton are just too small at the moment imho. I think the norton racing team may just be a group of enthusiasts in the factory getting the go ahead by the management to use the factory facilities.

This is precisely why i used him as a comparison, how could did he manage it then?
I have more respect for the EBR 1190rs that DNF

 

[ronan]

This is precisely why i used him as a comparison, how could did he manage it then?

Yes but that was a long time ago , How would he do now ? Not too good i reckon.

 

[Robotstar5]

Aprilia must of been short of cash too once..putting Suzuki tl1000 motors into there road bikes.

I think they used Rotax motors in the RSV

 

[Member 66061]

I think they used Rotax motors in the RSV

They did, i owned one.
Bimota used Suzuki and other makes of engine

 

[Chris Stevens]

Norton are just too small at the moment imho. The past is where its at in these times, Triumph is flogging the Bonneville hand over fist, Bmw is selling the mini by the boatload, Norton are selling the new Dominator as an updated retro, a classic without the oil leaks, shakes or lucas junk electrics. I think the norton racing team may just be a group of enthusiasts in the factory getting the go ahead by the management to use the factory facilities.

Sadly the Harley based gear box used on the Norton and the numerous problems related to this seem to suggest the Norton is more of a collectors piece, than something which can actually be ridden or sold in any appreciable numbers? Maybe if Mr Garner can get another large payout of taxpayers money, he might be able to get it sorted out? The Kenny Dreer motor seems an unknown quantity entirely though, and not sure whether or not this is the reason long term test features on the bikes seem very thin on the ground?

 

[roofman]

I think they used Rotax motors in the RSV

Ahhh its the Cagiva Raptor 1000 ime thinking of

 

[ford34/2]

So very sad, a highly respected local lad has lost his life this years Isle of Man 2016, RIP Ian.

Tragedy has struck the Isle of Man TT anew as two more deaths have been reported, adding to the two tragedies that have already taken place in this year’s event. Ian Bell, a 58-year-old, lost his life after crashing at Ballaspur, a section of the infamous Snaefell Mountain Course. Bell was driving the side car at the time of the crash as his son, Carl Bell sat in the passenger seat. The younger Bell survived the crash with no injuries. A few hours after Bell’s tragic death, 32-year-old Andrew Soar also lost his life while competing in the Senior TT race.

http://www.ianbellmotorcycles.com/

Stan

 

[blenkie1]

Steve Parish, one of the commentator, did say that he used to race with Ian bell on 2 wheels. Very sad for everyone involved. Think he had been racing sidecars at the Isle of Man for a few years.

 

[roofman]

 

[ronan]

There was five killed this year in practise and racing, at the TT.

 

[ronan]

Good flick, with a Norton commando in one of the starring roles.

 

[Tinbasherdan]

I would sorely love a classic Norton

 

[mechman]

The film seemed to suggest it was a garden shed build, which I thought very unlikely. Might see if I can get the book.

Years ago an engineer mate of mine had a good look at rotary Norton and described it exactly as above(garden shed)but gave it credit as it went so well in the day.