BENCH MARK Norton begins deliveries

Some more positive news from Indian-owned Brit bike maker Norton, as it commences deliveries of its new, re-engineered V4SV superbike to customers. The £44k, 185bhp V-four 1200cc luxury sportsbike suffered from some widely publicised difficulties under Norton’s previous regime. But new owner TVS has been hard at work, fixing the design problems and opening an all-new high-tech assembly line in Birmingham.

Dr. Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles, said: “We’ve commenced the delivery programme of the V4SV while also filling the order book for our new Commando variants, which will be available across a growing dealer partner network.

“This expansion plan is an exciting chapter in the Norton story, given it’s come in our 125th year. I feel that Norton is in a fantastic position, it has taken a huge effort from the team to get here and I’m proud of the entire company. I’d also like to extend my thanks to the customers that have waited patiently for us to get to the stage that we’re at.”

The Solihull firm has also announced a new will deliver its Commando 961 bike to prospective owners, for them to test at home or work. Under the scheme Norton will take test ride bikes to potential customers for a one hour demo ride.

Both the SP and CR variants of the £17k air-cooled parallel twin roadster are available, and potential Norton owners (UK mainland only) can book a test ride at: nortonmotorcycles.com/book-a-test-ride.

The firm is still running its existing test ride programme at the factory.

Fantic plans new models

ROAD AND DIRT BIKE MAKER Fantic announced plans for growth at its recent dealer conference at the National Motorcycle Museum. The firm has an engine cooperation deal with Yamaha, while also acquiring the Minarelli engine plant. And the Italian company is now planning to bring ‘a swathe of new models’ to market over the next year and beyond.

Dealers also heard about other growth plans, including a new corporate identity programme for showrooms and a bespoke retail finance deal, which will provide custom-tailored HP and PCP purchase options.

Dean Clements, director of Clements Moto/Fantic UK said, “It was excellent to see such a good turnout and great engagement from the Fantic dealer network.

Dealer feedback has been very positive, and we shall certainly look to organise more dealer events in the future. We have an exciting year ahead with both the Caballero Scrambler 700 and the XE300 Enduro due in coming months. We believe dealers are now set for a positive year with Fantic.”

Dealers, too, were impressed with Fantic’s direction and its plans for the new season. Martin Hatfield from Hatfields of Crowthorne said, “It was great to meet up at the dealer conference in Birmingham, to be informed of new and exciting product. We were also reminded of Fantic’s considerable history and how the brand has developed. 2023 is looking to be an exciting year with new models, a refreshed point-ofsale package and finance offering.”

Steve Dibbs from south coast dealer Poole Moto said “It was well worth the time out of the dealership. It was great to hear the history of this iconic brand and to reminisce about my youth, from 50 years ago, watching all the Fantic trials bikes compete on Junior Kick Start . Moving forward to 2023, it was impressive to hear about the brand’s plans for the future. The Caballero range has been a welcome profit stream for our dealership. Clements Moto have always been very supportive and are an easy company to deal with. Their staff are passionate and knowledgeable about the product with a comprehensive aftersales team.”