Trouble In Nortonland?

Trouble in Nortonland?

THERE ARE THOSE WHO PREdicted that the rebirth of Norton, arguably the most vaunted of the classic British motorcycle marques, seemed too good to be true, and recent problems for the reborn manufacturer seem to lend weight to suggestions of impending doom. But Norton’s management says the company has weathered recent stormy financial seas and remains able and determined to carry on with its rotary-powered sportbikes.

“We've had an eventful few weeks,” ruefully admits Graham Williams, managing director of Norton Motors, “but we’re in so many different types of business, we're better equipped than many to weather the tough times ahead.” Those tough times are the product of a recession that has slowed business and commerce in Britain, and thereby put the kabosh on new motorcycle purchases. But Norton's problems extend far deeper than a slowdown in new-bike orders. A government investigation of the company’s financial dealings, a controversial takeover of a German fasteners firm and the resignation of Philippe LeRoux, the man who led Norton back from the ashes, all have cast a pall over the firm’s apparent viability.

But not to worry, says Williams. LeRoux, the architect of the company’s return, remains with the firm as a consultant, the company’s aerodrone engine business is healthy and the government investigation is, in his words, “a pure formality.” He adds, “We can afford to batten down the hatches . . . and continue with the product range we’ve got.”

Jon F. Thompson