commando sport dealership visits

 

 

Wednesday September 1st, 2010

Peter is working his way across the Prairies. He made Regina about 12 noon today and is hoping to make Calgary by supper and hopefully to the foothills before he has to stop tonight. The weather has been great, and he said the driving has been comfortable if not a little flat!).

He hopes to make his way through the rockies on Thursday and to the Ferry docks by Friday night so that he can be in Victoria on Saturday.

 Thursday September 2nd, 2010

12:00 noon, made Golden, British Columbia.  The view is stunning and the weather is cool but clear.  It is hard to imagine a more beautiful view, these are the moments that make life most amazing.  The panorama is hard to describe, it is just breathtaking.

 Hoping to make Vancouver or lower mainland today so that I’m ready for ferry ride over to Victoria tomorrow.  Weather and sites are stunning.

Friday September 3rd, 2010

Onto Vancouver Island early in the day, making better time than expected.

Saturday September 4th, 2010

Spunky’s Motorcycles – Parksville, Vancouver Island.

Spunky's Motorcycle Shop

This was a tremendous events, hundreds of motorcycling enthusiasts showed up for the event, and I was treated like family by the owner;  Simon Holt, and the reception for the Norton Commando 961 Sport was outstanding.  I was overwhelmed by the hospitality and the enthusiasm for Norton here on Vancouver Island.  Simon had hot dogs and drinks for the guests and it was an outstanding event, I was so thrilled to be a part of it, and want to thank Simon and everyone involved.

I want to thank Colin Kelly and his wife Penny who provided me with every support imaginable to help make the event such a success.  Colin is a skilled machinist and manufactures custom parts for old Nortons and other vintage motorcycles through his company Custom Classic Cycle Parts.

Sunday September 5th, 2010

Campbell River antique auto show.  Taking a day off to see this exhibit.

Monday September 6th, 2010

Travelling back to Vancouver, up at 3AM to catch the 6:20AM Ferry.  Found a beautiful campground at the Capilano RV Park under the Lion’s Gate Bridge at the entrance to Stanley Park.  This is a beautiful spot that is ideally situated.  I will be heading over to John Valk’s BWM Ducati dealership this afternoon ( 3061 Grandview Highway, Vancouver) and I’m looking forward to meeting with him and his guests today. 

 Tuesday September 7th, 2010

Finished up with all three dealer prosects in the Vancouver area, which included Pacific Yamaha BMW (#1000 21000 Westminster Hwy, Richmond BC  ) this morning and  British Italian Motorcycles (1764 Powell, Vancouver, BC) this afternoon.  I received a warm welcome at each dealership and there was an excellent response and attendance.  I want to thank all the Norton enthusiasts that attended the events and made me feel so welcome.  I am confident that no one was disappointed with the Norton Commando 961 Sport Edition, based on the comments that I received.  I’m off to Kelowna on Thursday to visit with SouthWest Motorrad(3575 Alcan Road, Kelowna, British Columbia) between 2 and 6PM.

Thursday September 9th, 2010

I had a full afternoon at Southwest Mororrad (SouthWest Motorrad Ltd. 3575 Alcan Road, Kelowna, B.C. V1X 7R3, Ph: 250.807.2697).  I am continually impressed with the warmth of the reception that they bike receives from Norton enthusiasts across the country.  A great turn out at this event, and the warm reception and hospitality that is the hallmark of the region.  I want to thank everyone that came out for the event and all those that saw the bike.

Terry Laturnus, the owner and his staff made Norton very welcome and the new Commando sport was visited by many local enthusiasts including many of the organizing committee and supporters of the recent International Norton Owners Association rally held a few weeks ago in Lumby. It was good to see everyone again in the beautiful Kelowna district.

Saturday September 11th, 2010

Many thanks to Doug MacRae the owner of Blackfoot Motosport(6 Highfield Circle SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5N5, ph:1-800-665-6735), Pat the General Manager and all the staff for displaying the new Commando Sport on the upper level of their store where it was visited by local enthusiasts.  Doug is seen on the Sport.

 Also a special mention for Dr. Robert Wood who rode from Billings, Montana to see the bike and assisted for the entire showing. Many thanks Bob.

 Monday September 13th, 2010

I had a great time with the staff from Echo Cycle(15311 118 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5V 1C3, Ph: (780) 447-3246).  Owners Paul Goldbeck, who has been building the business since the 1980’s and David Boire, accommodated the new Norton Commando 961 Sport in the store where there were numerous visitors to view the bike during the day. Echo sponsors activities in various areas of competition and have a well equipped workshop including a dyno. The staff made Norton most welcome.

Wednesday September 15th, 2010

I meet with the owners and staff of Woldwood Motorsports Inc.(1143 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2A3, Ph: (204) 477-1701).  Owner Paul Germain, who has a rich history racing competitively on road race circuits, motocross and flat tracking, is seen on the Sport.  Paul made Norton most welcome and still competes and holds AMA championships in classic classes.

 Friday September 17th, 2010

I’ve returned home to Newmarket, Ontario. This trip was challenging and invigorating.  The interest, passion and desire for Norton motorcycles across the country was incredible.  I was honoured to meet with so many dedicated Norton enthusiasts and to speak with so many people that shared a passion for the Norton motorcycles.  The motorcycle dealers that I had an opportunity to meet across the country were committed and dedicated to the sport and their customers, and each one would make an excellent representative for Norton Motorcycles.  However, in the next few months, the Norton Canada executive team will have to review each of the prospective dealers to select the hand-full that will represent Norton in western Canada.  Once this process is completed, we will post the listing of the new Norton dealers on our web site, along with the information on the new Sport edition and Cafe Racer prices and availability, so I hope that you will check back to our web site frequently. 

Peter Howes – President – Norton Motorcycles (Canada) Ltd.