news
The Norton 2012 Cafe Racer attracts lots of attention at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show
As the 2012 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer made it’s debute across the country and it attracted a lot of attention from Norton enthusiasts and new-comers to the Norton name.
Over 33,000 were in attendance at the show and many attended the Norton booth presented by Echo Cycle of Edmonton, our area dealer.
“Once again, the Norton attracted much attention and we were pleased to be able to showcase it in our exhibit” said Bryan Rolls of Echo Cycle.
The Cafe Racer has now completed it’s tour and returned to Norton’s office in Newmarket where we are preparing it for a variety of displays in preparation for the 2012 riding season.
The Norton 2012 Sport gets great reviews at the Ottawa Motorcycle Show
The Ottawa Motorcycle show was well attended this year, and the Norton Commando 961 Sport Edition was a show piece for the event.
Crowds at the event were frequently shoulder to shoulder around this spectacular bike. The Norton Commando 961 Sport Edition was displayed with vintage Norton bikes.
Our area dealer Wheelsport, is Ottawa’s leading provider of motorcycles and ATV’s. 
The new 2012 Cafe Racer is a major success a the Toronto Motorycle Show
Motorcycle enthusiasts at the Toronto Motorcycle show had the first opportunity to see (and even sit on) the new 2012 Norton Commandon 961 Cafe Racer. The bike was quite a hit in the traditional Norton vibrant yellow. While the bike sports the same Spondon engineered frame, Menard redesigned powerplant and Bremo brakes, the inverted distinctive Ohlins shocks on the front, the classic Norton designed flyscreen and carbon fibre fenders at the front and rear provide the bikes distinctive look. The booth was visited by thousands of enthusiasts who wanted a glimps of this iconic motorcycle. Many Norton enthusiasts at the show told us that the Cafe Racer debut was their sole reason for attending the event, and they were not disappointed. Peter Howes (President – Norton Motorcycles (Canada) Ltd.) personally spoke to hundreds of interested visitors and was able to provide them with detailed information of the bikes performance, design and construction, since he took part in the build process at the factory.
Photos below: Peter Howes at the Norton Factory in Donington Park examining the build of the new cafe racer being built for it’s Canadian tour; Jez Taylor and Mark Davis are the British engineering built team for the Canadian debut Cafe Racer; Norton Motorcycles owner Stuart Garner, very proudly displays the newly built Cafe Racer prepared for it’s Canadian debut tour; in the bottom row are photo’s of the new Cafe Racer on display at the Toronto Motorcycle Show between Dec. 9-11th, 2011, where thousands of Norton enthusiasts had the opportunity to apprecite the bike up close.
The new 2012 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer makes it’s Canadian debut tour.
The next stop on the Canadian debut tour for the new 2012 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer will be the Calgary Motorcycle Show from January 6th – 8th, 2012 at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park where it will be presented by our Calgary dealer Wild Motorcycles.
Following the Calgary show, the Cafe Racer will be off to the Edmonton Motorcycle show from January 13th -15th at the Edmonton Expo Centre – Northlands, presented by our Edmonton dealer – Echo Cycle.
The Cafe Racer will continue it’s tour across Canada, and we will keep you up to date on the show dates and locations.
Norton continues expansion into eastern Ontario!
Norton Motorcycles (Canada) Ltd is pleased to announce the addition of our newest Norton dealer in eastern Ontario. Fred Kolman and son Jim of Wheelsport Ltd in Orleans, are active in the classic bike scene across the province, regularly attending classic bike meets, including the well know Paris, Ontario swap meet. Their facility in Orleans (just east of Ottawa) is home to a broad range of motorsport products, and they are well equipped to provide sales, accessories and service to Norton owners in eastern Ontario. We want to welcome them to the Norton family, knowing that their commitment to service, quality and customer care is reflective of the exacting standards that Norton Canada seeks to achieve.
News from Stuart Garner, CEO of Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd.
Peter: Please pass along to all your team, dealers and Canadian Customers my utmost commitment to provide product to the Canadian market at our first opportunity. I have personally taken steerage of the homologation program (certification) and both myself and the hard working team I have here are committed to this goal.
Stuart Garner
Dec. 17, 2011: Toronto, ON dealer expands and opens new location.
Many Toronto motorcycle enthusiasts are familiar with Joe Linardi and Kahuna Powersports facility on Steeles Avenue in the west end of Toronto. However, Joe has now expanded his operations with the introduction of Norton and other top end motorcycle brands, including MV Agusta and Indian, at his new location, RIDE Motorcycles on Islington Avenue at Hwy 7 in Woodbridge. Saturday December 17th was his official opening, and Joe was pleased to welcome new and old riders alike to the sparkling new facility. The Norton team was present at the opening, with the Norton Commando 961 Sport edition on display for visitors to the event.
Canadian certification process:
The Canadian program for having Norton’s approved for our market is dependent upon US 49 State EPA and CARB approval. Norton UK have opted to be classified as a “small manufacturer” view of the low over all production capability. The remaining testing program is projected to be completed in the first quarter of 2012. This will allow Norton Canada to seek federal regulatory certification for spring delivery of the bikes.
Norton first to receive ExEFG loan in UK
Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd received a Government backed trade loan to support the doubling of production of their hand-made bespoke motorcycles. Business Secretary Vince Cable visited us here at Don-ington Park yesterday (Aug. 1st) to make the official announcement. The loan has been granted under the Exports Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, one of four trade finance schemes promised as part of the Trade White Paper. High Street lender Santander has lent £625,000 to Norton under the scheme. It is the first loan of its kind and the funding will support the company to double staff numbers to around 60 by 2012 and also benefit their supply chain, the majority of which are British based.
Vince Cable Business Secretary said: “Trade and Investment are essential to driving our economy and encouraging small businesses to export more is at the heart of that. This innovative company is a prime example of the innovation that British businesses have to offer and I hope that many more companies are inspired by what Norton is going to achieve through this funding.
“I would encourage all companies to take a closer look at what products are on offer that could support their business goals.” Norton plans to increase their staff levels and their planned factory expansion is extremely encouraging in the current climate.
Norton newletters on-line
The most recent versions of the Norton News Canada can now be downloaded here on our web site;
Click on the links here for the Norton News Canada: Aug 2011 | Dec. 2011
Norton business news
Norton has been making headlines, not just for it’s bikes, but as an innovative leader in the advancement of the British industrial sector and in the recovery of the UK economy. These recent articles in the Sunday Times and the Financial Times speak to Norton’s leadership in this field.
Sunday Times | Financial Times
