THIS is how Nortons are MADE ! - factory guided tour and inside look 

I also had a tour through the Donington factory, I think it would have been 2018. You’re right, it’s like night and day the difference between the two!

Thanks Grumps, really appreciate your comments and feedback mate 👍🏻

Hi, thanks for your feedback. I also would have loved to see and film the bikes actually in production, unfortunately Norton said the only way I could film was if they stopped production and covered the bikes up because they had some models that were not yet released to the public. I filmed what I was able and allowed access to on the day, and agree it would have been great viewing bikes going through the production line but I wasn't given that option sadly.

Hi, thanks for your comments. No real feedback unfortunately about how much is sourced in England. Engine casings are externally sourced, as are many of the ancillary parts, but it wasn’t mentioned where from. Some major components such as main frames, subframes, exhausts and even radiators for the V4’s are fabricated in house at Solihull.

@@NortonUnofficial Much appreciated, things will unfold in time

Hi Barry, thanks for your comments. It kinda made sense at the time, perhaps I didn’t explain it well. I don’t work in a factory so I don’t have experience of how these things work. But I found this article that explains it. This is a key quote “If the products are truly mixed, then you will have less picking errors. If you store your M10 screws right next to your M12 screws, sooner or later someone is going to pick the wrong screws.” www.allaboutlean.com/storage-strategies-random-chaotic-abc/ Glad you enjoyed the video, it was an amazing experience. Norton just announced a £32 million loss, I hope my video didn’t contribute too much to that! Cheers. Jonathan.

Hi, thanks for your feedback. I also would have loved to see and film the bikes actually in production, unfortunately Norton said the only way I could film was if they stopped production and covered the bikes up because they had some models that were not yet released to the public. I filmed what I was able and allowed access to on the day, and agree it would have been great viewing bikes going through the production line but I wasn't given that option sadly.

Hi, thanks for your comment. Yes I agree it will take time to build the brand back up. I'm encouraged by the investment TVS are making into the brand, hopefully with some new bikes on the way things will improve for them. Does appear that they are very much focussing on quality at the moment. I think we need to give them time. Cheers. Jonathan.

Quality checking perhaps, to check power and torque as expected? 🤷🏼

Thanks for your comments. Norton just announced a £32 million loss. Just as well TVS have deep pockets. Cheers. Jonathan.

Can imagine most of that £32m went into straightening Stuart Garners bodges. Generally during the early couple of years there’s costs which should come to a break-even by round the 5th year. This is dependent on spreading the models in other variations, maybe even introducing an Interstate tourer?

I never saw what was under the tarp unfortunately

@@NortonUnofficial Fair enough; this is still more than we've gotten to see about the factory, so thanks! I really hope Norton "makes it" this time, it's been in purgatory for far too long and it deserves the fame it enjoyed in the 70s once again. I have a feeling the 961 Commando is going to be the last air-cooled Norton twin, sadly. But if they focus on quality and avoid cheap shortcuts (e.g. zhongsheng), I can see them coming up with a range of new bikes that we as enthusiasts will recognize as Norton motorcycles.

Wow what an amazing experience. Thanks for your comment. I would love a classic Commando one day

Hi Geoff, they didn’t give me any hints at all unfortunately. Other than they will be looking to expand the range. But no clue in which direction.

I thought they had binned the Atlas range 🤔

Hi really good question, now I come to think of it the topic of SVA testing did not come up during the tour. But I think that yes, they would need SVA approval.

Thank you for your comment

Hi, thanks for your feedback. I also would have loved to see and film the bikes actually in production, unfortunately Norton said the only way I could film was if they stopped production and covered the bikes up because they had some models that were not yet released to the public. I filmed what I was able and allowed access to on the day, and agree it would have been great viewing bikes going through the production line but I wasn't given that option sadly.

Couple of years is my guess. I did ask about global plans a couple of months ago at the factory but there was no concrete information forthcoming, as I expected. Personally I doubt the 961 Commando will be back in the US. It is quite an old bike, with an engine based on old technology, and doesn't meet any emissions standards. Apparently Norton are developing new engines and bikes to be compliant with current emissions regulations, my guess is they are a year or so away from even announcing anything tangible. There is an article here but it doesn't say much. gb.readly.com/magazines/motorcycle-news-mcn/2023-12-27/658561f76c14ad0c95003ccc

@@NortonUnofficial Much appreciated 👍

Always welcome

That is a shame, they reported any asshole who takes the tour will get a Norton of his/her choice! sorry chap.

UK for now, but eventually less HP and CC engines will be produced in India

Triumph were tainted by the Meriden Co oproeitive. The bikes they made in 80s were really rubbish. Recoved!!!

It's being manufactured in England by Britishers wdym

@@prakashr9127probably racist and cant handle take overs.

@@dougijcw9758 Wait a year. Norton on scooters and Tuk Tuks.

@@dougijcw9758 I'll wager £1000, you are Indian.

Yeah, but TVS invested into the midlands, built in Britain by British workers. Not sure what you want really…?

@@chrislye8912 How long before they're made in India? Look at their business model. What I want, is for Brits to have some pride and invest in Britain! The British government buy German vehicles?

@@tvdinner325 I think that you are confusing business with jingoistic patriotism. The Nortons are built in Britain by Brits. They are owned by an Indian giant (TVS). I would say in a similar way the Jaguar Landrover are designed and built here but owned by another Indian giant (Tata). The British motor industry was broken by insular and blinkered thought, and slap dash engineering. Mr Bloor took that and built Triumph. This is a British motorbike company (world beating) , and some are built overseas. It’s how modern successful businesses work. The marque Norton has been dragged around by various companies and I would say it is in the safest hands it could possibly be. They will build here and slap the Union Jack on the catalogue, seat hump, wherever. People will love their Norton’s, not breaking down and their Britishness (push rod parallel twin) and none will care that the money behind the project is from India. Our ties with India are exceptional, why shouldn’t they buy and invest in our old country? I think that TVS will be keen to maintain the British Marque’s heritage. At the end of the day it’s theirs to do with what they want really; and (after the recent debacle) perhaps the best that an be hoped for.