An Unlikely Battle, Yet Worthy Opponents | Royal Enfield Continental GT VS Norton Commando 961
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- Опубліковано 18 бер 2024
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Here we have a rather unlikely put likely comparison between the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and the Norton Commando 961. Both of these machines are true retro modern classic motorbikes. But they are very different in price. The Royal Enfield Costs only £6599 whilst the Norton is £16999! However the Norton is made in England and the RE in India.
Production costs are much higher in the uk so that certainly accounts for a lot of the value, but in this video I establish whether there is really that much in it and is it worth the extra cash?
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Norton is now owned by TVS Motor Company, an Indian Motorcycle and Scooter Manufacturing Company based in South of India. So both bikes have the Indian connection.
So Norton is owned by India but built in England? Still “British built” but kinda takes the wind out the sails a little I think.
@@paulh7798 especially as the Indians totally revised the crappy British built engine..
@@CAPTAINSLOG666 I believe the engineers who revised the Norton were in fact British as I believe the work was done at Nortons new factory in Solihull. For the record, I have been told by several Norton dealers that the engines were all OK, it was some of the ancillaries that let the early engines down, so one of the jobs Norton had to do was find better suppliers.
I think it’s just a matter of time and TVS should start building these in India and then these Nortons could become a worthy competitor to the the likes of Triumph
Yeah we make money regardless but what he said about people not buying it because it’s Indian it’s not the truth at most it could be the dealer filling these information to the people so that he can get higher profits on other bikes the main reason is brand awareness people forgot about Enfield in UK the Norton is an expensive bike it has amazing breaking power and more BHP i have the 650 love every cc of it.
TVS owns Norton. Bajaj is collaborating with Triumph. Indian motorcycle companies are saving British classics
Because Retro Bike Designs always has its charm ✨
@@jithinjohn237 Yup. Just saying that the British had all sorts of ideas about their own superiority, but need Indians to save their treasures today
Also BSA Gold Star is now owned and relaunched by Mahindra
@@genericguy_ Yup- Classic Legends
@@jithinjohn237 Funny you say that! They never had the numbers that are today, all that because the Indian brand played the game well. Its not like other brands didn't know how to make but they never bothered, but lets just downplay the Indian role!
I can tell you this for free, my girlfriend would think they are the same bike...
😂😂
So would my cat.
I’m buying another bike, and my boyfriend said it’s like buying a third rice cooker. He doesn’t understand at all lol
@@derp195 Another episode of things that did not happen
😂😂😂
In India, following the currency conversion, the prices stand as follows:
RE Continental GT 650: ₹ 3,87,012 or $ 4640.44
Norton Commando 961 Sports: ₹ 20.99 Lakh or $ 25167
Honestly, the price gap of $20526 between these bikes in India seems absurd. It simply doesn't make sense to invest in the Norton Commando here.
I bet every person choose to buy sports bike instead of this nortan
True
@@uncertainityprinciple you mean superbike
@@uncertainityprinciple the deal is a classic dood will invest in a RE or maybe triumph if he had more money
And others will end up on a ktm from 390 to Yamaha R series to whichever they can afford.
And a Norton the absolute truth is no-one really knows that bike exists here. Maybe the bike enthusiasts will. It is just that type of riding out here😂.
For $25000 I'd rather choose some superbike or super cruiser. Like Zx10r, Hayabusa or some Harleys...
Tell those patriotic peoples that Norton is also owned by an Indian company (TVS)
@@MudaliarKanishkaryour mother's company
TVS is indian company stfu, wtf is tamilnadu@@MudaliarKanishkar
Let me tell u something it doesn't matter.
@@Misyognitic-king ignore these jingoistic indians
@@Misyognitic-king let me tell you something , it does matter
I just bought the RE GT650 as my first bike. Got the all chrome Mr Clean version and it’s god damn beautiful.
Great bike
Its ours dream also brother😢.
Hats off to you🎉
@@Princebanarasiya Bro's dp's an effing hakenkruz? 😭
The Royal Enfield looks way better - clean appearance.
Enfield have to take the Crown for turning back the clock on motorcycles glory days. Great looking, great value, uncomplicated, reliable and owners have confidence to use them.
This is what Indian manufacturing does, and sadly we still get googly eyes when one says it’s Made In India, IT JUST BREAKS MY HEART TO SEE A COUNTRY WHICH KEPT A HERITAGE CYCLING BRAND ALIVE BY ADOPTING IT UNDER INDIAN GOVERNMENT’S WING NURTURED IT AND NOW THAT IT’S A BRILLIANT TEENAGER BIOLOGICAL PARENTS HAVE COME ALONG CLAIMING ITS THEIR CHILD 😅
@@shree397 Morning. To be fair Shree I don’t think most people here feel that at all (England). We all know the RE bikes are very much an Indian success story, we have nowt to do with it. Norton and BSA for that matter are riding on the back of that success. The difference IMHO is that Norton has a really bad reputation for reliability and build quality which was earned here, in England thanks to Garner and all that went with it. UA-camrs have interests and want clicks and views, so take what they say with a pinch of salt. Nortons are assembled here, that’s all. Whether they are any good only time will tell. You tell me, are TVS known for quality products? The TVS brand means nothing here.
@@jfro5867If not for Eicher, TVS , Tata, Mahindra then Royal Enfield , Norton, JLR and BSA would have been shut and would have become history.
So you agree or not they were dead English brand which required Indian Brand to revive them.
Peace out chap😂
@@jfro5867 bro TVS means nothing for u but it means a lot for us we know how reliable Tech loaded there products.........yes, they play in mid size category but they produce quality products.
I have seen with my eyes TVS bikes it's keep going kind of thing.
@@SuperVinay1991 I agree.
Both are indian now... 😅
There’s something very special about continental gt. Proportions are just right. A real classic at bargain price
It's almost perfect for me. Just the rear section need some work. Like wider tyres, a bit tighter exhaust.
I wish there were videos on the staff at companies. I'd love to hear from the designers (bodywork/frame/engine) of the RE I bet they were not Indian.
@@ekspatriatIts completely manufacted in India so I don't think so
@@RanganSadhak By indians...don't think so...all they do is ride Elephants
@@ekspatriat it is part indian and England i would think cause , cause the the cost and saving the money has to be someone from DD ue to the production and the performance and built for the world has to be someone with more in like bikes with more than 500cc.(cause in India most bikes are less than 500 ).
But what a combo 😂😂 , the absolutely beauty of a bike they have produced
It was mentioned by TVS early on that the Norton's will be made in England for now. They said the plan is to move everything eventually to India. That makes sense from a profitability point of view.
I have an interceptor and was going to buy a Norton last year. However after going on the Norton, lovely as it was , I could not see it was worth triple the price.
Yes, no way would I part with my Triumph Speedmaster for a new Commando. For one the Norton just doesn't have the grunt or the power, or the refinement of the Triumph 1200cc motor.
Norton cafe is not for buyers who brag cc. May be for but more grown ups. The cafe feel of Norton does not quantify through CC@@grahamtricker4103
@@grahamtricker4103 The speedmaster is a bike you buy and keep for life.
Triumph Thruxton way better than Norton in my opinion
@@Yuvraj948 I would agree with that. 👍
It's amazing how RE kept that quality and beauty.i mean for a split second from Norton to Re it does feel like you lost something but the quality of materials and the fit and finish of RE is amazingly visible through even the video.its staggering how they channeled the passion onto RE even though they have no experience in cafe racer bikes.
Put Red Rooster Exaust And Code 6 (stage 2) tune of RE continental GT and see the difference 🔥🔥
Red rooster is pretty loud for them
Bet the Royal Enfield is more reliable
if i owned that house, i would buy the norton to sit alongside my other 6 bikes i would probably own and probably put 1000 miles on it in 3 years. Because I don't , i would buy the Enfield, service it myself, ride on shitty roads and put loads of miles on it and then enjoy fixing it when things fall off. The latter sounds more fun to me.
I was wondering about the house myself. It looks very much like the old manor house that Stuart Garner - the guy who resurrected Norton - purchased and restored to use as a "headquarters" for Norton (As well as becoming a luxurious home for him and his wife. Oh! Lets not forget the expensive cars which this scheme funded.). The issue is that, to do so, he used funding that he swindled out of Parliament which was intended to be applied to getting production underway. He also sweet-talked a British public retirement fund to invest in his scheme. Eventually, besides selling the company to TVS (To keep his hide out of prison, you see?), he sold a second 750cc V4 engine design to ZongShen in China, which engine was intended to be used in a future Norton Atlas. The Chinese are basing several engines for new Chinabikes on the Norton engine even as we speak.
Brother even the Norton is gonna be soon built in India cuz it's now owned by TVS Motorcycles...so good news is, in the future you can expect Nortons to be more affordable for the quality and performance it will deliver
But you wouldn't find the quality Indian crap
Norton Motorcycle companies is now Indian company 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
बस यार बहुत हो गया। हर जगह India-India-India करना आवश्यक नहीं है।
En jahilo ko lagta hai yeh kr k bohot ache lag rhe hai
@@Misyognitic-king अपनी दुर्बल आत्म छवि को भारत के माध्यम से पुनः स्थापित कर रहें है।
@@Misyognitic-king tumko kya problem hai naajaayaz aulaad 😛
@@tada2508 kyon kya ho gaya? Tumko kya problem hai ? Main Apne Desh ke bare mein bol raha hun, dusre Desh ke aadami ko bolane ka jarurat nahin hai
I was scratching through some delightful rural roads in the Lower Hunter, NSW, Australia last weekend, and came up on a very well ridden Royal Enfield Continental GT. It was stunning to look at, and I was surprised how briskly it could be ridden. I was wishing I could have swapped my S1000R for a while.
Royal Enfield Technology centre is in Bruntingthorpe,U.K. so they have that British connection.
Royal Enfield dealers are pretty good about letting people take test rides in the UK, if they have a dealership near you in NSW, why not try one?
Yep. Mine keeps up surprisingly well when out riding with much more powerful bikes. I've got a full exhaust/intake and a power commander so it likely has a bit more pep than stock but still. Biggest difference was getting better tires though. Can absolutely carve, and if I'm hanging with ducatis and thruxtons, I'm happy enough!
@@racheltaylor6578I don't think the UK versions are exported anywhere else
@@kyledickenson1494 Could you please share the names of the modded parts including the power commander(is this a brand?)
Good real world comparison. At the moment, advertised for sale on e..y is a 650 continental GT of 2019 with a 850 big bore kit, claimed 69 BHP. 2000 miles on it. They are asking 5 grand for it.
Food for thought.
I would love a new continental gt with big bore kit, its my dream bike!
to be honest with your last question. if i had the money, i would buy both and have a 17 car garage. 8 bikes in each one and no cars. but if i had the money. i would get the RE! i do have the money and it makes me feel the same as the Norton. i will also buy another RE when it died and still not pay as much as the Norton. My RE would have some good amount of miles with each one. i cant say for the ones that get the Norton might just want to ride on the weekends. i am dependent on 2 wheels, so mine are daily riders and only need one bike of each of my needs. Kawasaki Concours is my luggage/grocery, long distant, winter bike, and my W800 is my around town short daily rides. i live in hot and cold area and use the W800 more during the summer. my two pennies!
As another daily rider (not a driver) of over 30 years, the RE would be my choice as well. Current RE owner and see them as riders bikes, rather than expensive toys.
I love my W800! No, it's not exactly a great highway cruiser, but around town and on the back roads, it is a fantastic motorcycle. They are a very well kept secret.
@@davidbrayshaw3529 I would agree. Not sure why others don't see it. But I did, Uber, trains, Uber and a very cold ride home from Washington, DC to Norfolk, va. Love this bike, more then all others. Crazy
@@BlakesPipes For some strange reason Kawasaki seemed to have forgotten to promote it. There seems to be an almost cult following in Japan (understandably) but nowhere else. I'm in Australia, and they are all but non-existent, here. Mine is actually a grew import. I remember when the W650's came out, but I didn't even know that the W800 existed until looking through the classifieds a while back. I looked at a couple of reviews on them and kept them in the back of my mind as an option amongst other bikes, and that was about it. Then the one that I purchased came up in the classifieds, in exceptionally good condition and laughably low mileage with a very motivated vendor.
It actually fell into the "too good to be true" category. The rest is history. I took the bike for its maiden voyage and thought to myself, "this isn't a bad bike at all".
When I took the bike to the mechanics for a roadworthy, he said "I've got a W650, these are brilliant bikes, you're going to love this". A few rides later and I was singing high praises from the roof tops. It surpasses so many other bikes that I've ridden for the majority of the riding that I do. And it's fun! I always enjoy riding it. They are a very well kept secret.
I have owned may bikes. The W800 cafe is hands down the best bike I have ever ridden. I was 49 at the time when I bought it and now 51. You go through life and want different things. But, when you get on this bike, you find contentment. It never will let you down, other then getting blown over during high wind storms at the beach. 2 times and luckily only breaking a mirror this time. Looking into bar end mirrors to replace the standard. But I love the Cafe version and will not look else where to replace this need in my life. She just put a big dent in my Dodge dakota quad cab to
Ruck that is 24 years old and still my 4 wheel transport when I need it.. might need to do a video on her too. As she is 25 years old this year
Is great that there is the choice.
Both great bikes .
Enfield have brought back affordable basic motorcycles.
The Norton is a lovely piece of motorcycle exotica .
Actually Now Norton Is Owned By TVS Which Is An Indian Motorcycle Company I Think Soon They Will Start Manufacturing Norton Bikes In India Too...
Yea
It is a fair comparison - although the Norton is a collectors bike and it feels like that is their major focus, while the Royal Enfield is a pure motorcyclists bike. You maintain it, wash it, ride it, and you can certainly sit and glare at it. It is beautiful.
The Norton is much more interesting and unique, but not necessarily better looking. The lines are busy, while the Royal Enfield has the classic straight line under tank to the rear. That’s simply the best look on any motorbike. In my honest opinion.
Great fun review. Well done, Darcy!
Thank you 😊
Your welcome. Since you have spent time on both, and surely when you ride a motorcycle you don’t want to make things complicated- the Continental GT just invites you to get on board and ride. That’s the RE essential. Pure.
royal enfield is being manufactured in india since 1915, and it was bought by an indian company in 1995,
presently, norton is also owned by indian company TVS motor company.
presently many british comapnies are actually owned by indian comapnies of which brits might not be aware of like -
norton- tvs motor company
jauguar and land rover - tata motors
british salt - tata chemicals
also indian owned 945 companies are significant employers in uk providing jobs to over 100000 people.
I just wish RE would bring out a factory built 865.
I think they should bring out a liquid cooled 750.
100%
They are coming up with a adventure bike with a 650 CC twin engine
@@adityan3208RE announced continental Gt950 cc
My 2019 Interceptor has changed dramatically with the DNA air filter and the Hitchcock's supplied Enfield Precision mufflers - sounds are hugely improved - loud burbles at low speeds and raughty and powerful under acceleration. As a surprise, the fuel economy has really improved with less throttle opening for the same load. Less gear changes as well. Totally changed the character of the bike!
I like the voiceover on the intro. The cut-n-paste intro is a major skip signal. Your cinematography and production are spot on as per usual. Great job, team!
A very entertaining comparison, creative thinking Mr. Darcy. Good job, thank you.
Many thanks 👍🏼
Norton every time,.. I’ve ridden one , it stands alone and can’t be really compared to anything else. I’ll have one when I can afford one.
That was an original take, well done for coming up with something that isn't just rehashed!
Excellent video - good luck with 100k subs 👍🏻
Nice choice of backdrop - Launde Abbey.
Many thanks 😊
Both nice looking bikes, thanks for comparing them ❤
I really don't think any reasonably experienced rider would have any problem with the differentiation on the quality of components between the two bikes. If you can't tell the difference riding or visually then you would wasting your money on the Norton.
My experience is you think about the price on bikes twice, once when you buy it and then again when you sell it or trade it in. The quality of materials has to be considered over time and how they hold when exposed to the elements.
Bottom line you don't ride price either good or bad, you ride the bike.
When i heard way back Norton were starting up under new owners i hoped they would build a classic range affordable for the masses, more in line with Triumph Bonneville range. But sadly they went the same way high prices which may be there downfall in the near future. The RE you would ride more and have just as much fun on tbh. I’ll stick with my Bonny T120 i think 👍 Agree if you park them both in your drive you will want to ride the Norton. Lovely old house in the background great back drop 👍
I'd rather say that the production quality would remain the same, Be it in the UK or India. The only difference would be is the 'production cost'. The theme of these bikes cannot be tampered with cuz it would destroy the whole purpose of selling the modernized retros. Indian companies like Mahindra, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield are aware of that.
Your reviews are so so so good. Cheers mate 🎉
Much appreciated!
Such an in-depth original review. Loved it.
Many thanks 😊
Put after market exhaust and listen to REs engine
In a way, it’s sort of an apples to oranges comparison. The fellow who buys a modern Norton would be the type who has a Morgan in his garage. Too boutique for most. It would be more common to see a Thruxton on the road, but even then, I don’t think the Enfield would be a fair comparison. Many RE owners spend plenty of cha-ching on upgrading to improve handling and performance. Not at all a bad thing. An affordable platform that can be improved as the wallet allows.
Norton Cafe is not marketed to someone who is in market for RE GT. Its a different segment. Nortons build quality is a diff league
Just pure bs . Royal Enfield has been on Indian roads & Himalayas for decades. It’s cheap , reliable & superior like Toyota
Norton is now Indian brand bro.And I'm from India 🇮🇳
Love you compared these 2 bikes buddy...great video as usual 👌
Many thanks 😊
Great comparison and your opinion is spot on !
I do like the Norton but that's a lot of money, I have the GT with cam, exhaust etc and it sounds and rides great with a few twicks to suspension too. Getting around 60 bhp at the crank now, it's a ball to ride on the Twisties 😁
Great video - thanks. I went through a similar process when comparing an Interceptor and T100. I went with the Enfield in the end - it's a bucket load of fun, has a properly nice engine, and at nearly half the price just seemed too much of a bargain to turn down. But I guess the kind of customer purchasing a Norton won't be too concerned about the "value for money" aspect.
i would buy.... wait, i did buy a W800 Cafe that spits hairs with these two models.
In india we call GT a segment killer for a reason ❤❤❤
New follower and a complete stranger to bikes,Thank you Mr Darcy...
Awesome, welcome to the channel 👍🏼
Great comparison. For retro parallel twins, you've shown both ends of the spectrum of what's available. RE is probably smoother as it's firing order is 270 deg. whereas the Norton, I think, is 360 making it more lumpy.
Think it’s the same 270. Not 360. The Enfield engine is an absolute gem.
Very interesting comparison. If you are fortunate to afford it, the Norton is a treasure. But for the money, the Royal Enfield gives you a great motorcycling experience open to many more riders.
This is exactly the review I wanted! those are the two bikes I'm looking at! I'd love the Norton, but the price 😲
Both brands are now indian. And believe me we can save them.
The Norton does look the business
For the price point I would go with the RE. Please make a video of you riding two bikes at the same time. 😂👍
Norton - TVS Motor Company
Royal Enfield (India unit, which existed independently even after British unit collapsed) - Eicher Motors
Triumph, KTM, Husqvarna - Bajaj Auto
Harley Davidson - Hero Motocorp
BSA, Jawa - Mahindra & Mahindra (Classic Legends)
Indian companies saving legacy automakers from the west.
Did you ever do a comparison between the RE and The Bonneville T100? That would be an interesting comparison.
That is a comparison we hope to do in the near future 👍🏼
When a bike is expensive the vibrations are called character of the bike and when a bike is cheap those vibrations become a bad design or engine issue
Norton for me, more character and nothing to do to it. If you big bore the Enfield, upgrade the suspension, exhaust, and brakes you would probably be at the same price. I have a feeling I'd prefer the Norton over my Triumph Even with less power. Just from hearing your start take off, I can hear the character!
My dream it's Commando. But ContinentalGT, with the S&S Big Bore kit even it will be on the list.
Both or them are very gorgeous cafe roadster bike.
Plenty of character & their own personality.
Love from India sir 🙏🙏🙏💖🙏💖💖 RE continental GT 650 is my dream bike 😊,cuss it's affordable for me ❤❤
He is fu..... indians in the video u fool..
But 2 companies from India tamil nadu😂😂😂
The commando is probably my favourite looking bike on the market, nailed the modern but also retro cafe racer look. And the factory is in my home town of solihull, 5 mins down the road from my mums house!! Nice personal touch
Thanks bro for promoting the real deal ❤
An interesting comparison, not as daft as it at first seemed. The bottom line is experience and prestige. A similar comparison would be REs cruiser v HD Sportster. However I believe it would give the same results. Cash flow, budget, cost
The new commando, looks fantastic..not sure if I’d like to own one! But I’d like a go..
The compartment nobody else is doing! Good work.👍🏻
We have a video coming soon of the Norton factory tour. Check that out 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan will do.👍🏻
What beauties! Wish i could own both but here in Canada the weather and insurance don't make it too easy. If i ever move back to India I'd love to pick one up.. probably the interceptor 650❤
Valid comparison i think. T120 or V7 both a better compromise than the Conti if you can't afford the Commando?
Or a Thruxton or Speed Twin if you want to go as fast..
I want that Norton! The RE is nice to look at but I cannot say I have ever wanted one.
This was a fun review! Thank you!! I think that, if money was no object, I would probably buy a vintage Norton instead. I just love them. The new one is beautiful, but I don't think I saw a kickstart? I think they are both beautiful bikes and I like aspects of each differently, looks wise. Is the Norton Taller/heavier?
The beauty of Royal Enfield is the saved cost in parts which most of the riders tend to customize and remove themselves to suit they own needs.
The suspension,
the headlamp and areas around it, the tires .
And built a wonderful engine ...
And exactly why it is best.
If you invest in personalizing those it would be less than maybe 5-6 thousands in mods and you will have your dream bike.
I see the Norton as a bespoke bike! & in some ways not much different to most Harleys? Very nice but bloody expensive! Great if you can afford it! So what are you getting with the New Norton? A few fancy parts maybe? But you say the RE GT performance is just as good! For £10K more I would’ve expected a lot more! I have the RE Intercepter & absolutely love it & the first thing I did was get an after mkt exhaust & I can assure you I still get positive comments after 2yrs & thumbs up from other bikers! The Norton is a brilliant looking bike but are stick with my Enfield! Great video!
Should have been around in 1970 when i purchased my BSA650 Thunderbolt. You either stayed with stock exhaust or ordered some cheap chrome rust prone slip on mufflers from JC Whitney that sounded better than they look.
There's another side to the comparison. The Norton at 506 pounds and 80 BHP (probably measured at the crank) has a hp/weight ratio of 6.3 The Enfield at 440 pounds (down from 470 by an exhaust replacement) built to ~60 bhp (dynoed at the rear wheel) with the 865 kit, S&S cam, etc. comes in at 7.3 pounds/hp, which is not a significant difference--and for half the price. Looks are a tossup.
I much rather prefer the look of the R-E. I hate the line from the Norton's gas tank to the side cover. You can do better Team Norton. R-E is killing the retro look and Triumph is doing a damn good job.
I have a gt650 aswell, ice queen white. It has reliability issues, but you can love it through its flaws💖
Good information. I like your video somuch. ❤❤❤❤
Great review. 🍻
You've a new subscriber bro! That too from the city where RE's being manufactured ❤
Awesome, welcome to the channel 😊
Just to let you know we also have a podcast channel that may interest you, a about motorbikes and us, called
Dad 'n' Darcy 👍🏼
I think the RE looks like a much better bike than the Norton anyway, so it's a no brainer for me.
Buy the Continental GT and stick the savings in your pension pot!
Just wish I had the space for a few more bikes.
Interesting review, good work Darcy, obviously the Norton has top line components, stoppers, shocks, all adds cost., plus rarity, interesting to note there is a big bore upgrade for the RE, that takes it up to 70hp, costs about £6-8k, now that would be interesting 🤔 Thruxton RS then a level up on Norton performance wise but cheaper
Based on looks alone as I haven't ridden one, the Continental seems the least resolved of the Royal Enfields. A lovely looking 650 twin engine, but the rest is parts bin in appearance. A Mark II could resolve a lot of those aesthetic issues.
Maybe the gas tank in all British Racing Green with a chrome emblem.
I have a couple of RE's and I love them. I plan to add another bike soon and I will go Triumph before a Norton.
You can always add the S&S big bore out thin it's 850 CC and their high lift can and free flow pipes.
Brought up in the 60/70s I so much want to love the Norton..but with all that's gone on, its hard!!!!!
Since adding a Tec exhaust on my 650, I've been persuaded to keep it for another year or so. In terms of looks, sound, and performance, a 2-1 stainless exhaust really makes the humble Interceptor/GT seem like a more "serious" bike.
Doesn't mean I wouldn't love a quick jaunt on the Norton, but I'm pretty sure we don't get them in the US.
I do have the money. I went for the middle ground and have a Bonneville T120. It’s a looks/performance/cost/rideability/quality/heritage/prestige/weight/etc. equation. All of us give element a different weighting to each factor and end up buying different bikes. But the Norton really is a looker by comparison with the RE.
Remember this club is comprised of Triumph T100/T120/Thruxton, Kawasaki W800/Z900RS, BMW RNineT etc. and there’s not a duffer there.
Hope TVS brings Norton to India.
I would buy the Norton for three reasons, the first is I love the way it looks (there is nothing I would want to change) the second is exclusivity, the third is it's built in the UK, the 'RE is a great looking bike and fantastic value for money, the only down sides for me is every time you visit a bikers cafe you will see a couple parked up (so lacks exclusivity) the other is whenever I see the 'RE I want to pull it apart and customise it ( no bad thing)
The Norton factory tour is coming soon definitely worth a watch 👍🏼
It would be great to see you compare a stock Interceptor/GT650 with a customised one. The great value in the RE's is just how much more character, noise and appeal you can squeeze out of them with the aftermarket accessories available. I own a 2023 Interceptor 650 with S&S cannons, DNA filter and some aesthetic modifications and it really does transform the bike. I'm not saying it gets close to the Norton, but it would certainly make for a much tougher decision regardless of money.
I suppose it’s worth paying less for the gt…then speckling it up with a pair of high lift cam, 865 big bore kits, better spark plugs, performance air filter , free flow exhausts, an racing ecu… still saving quite some money but now you could really compare the bikes in terms of performance
both are cool bikes bro..but i always go with RE Contenental GT 650🖤
With your enthusiasm you're almost making me to buy both bikes, Darcy 🙄
Thanks god, only RE are widely available here 😊
Really an unlikely comparison - the double front discs , much better suspension and 300cc's more engine put the Norton in a completely different category .... but the rock bottom price of the RE makes it so affordable to many more riders.
Norton looks absolute beauty.
Thank you for that video, *but both RE and Norton are Indian Brands now,* only difference is Norton is still build in UK, so its Indian vs costly premium Indian bike comparison
So for the price of a single Norton you can buy a Royal Enfield Shotgun for touring, a. Continental to race to your cafe and a Himalayan for touring trails in the weekend...? Difficult choice..., NOT!
For me, the Norton's looks are a cut above and obviously, so is the performance. But that price! I'm not exactly what you'd call poor, but the Norton just doesn't cut it as "good value", to me.
If it was 30, 40 or even 50% more expensive than the Royal Enfield then it would be hard to walk past. But they're not. Here, in Australia, the Norton is advertised at 3 times the price of the Royal Enfield. I just can't justify that to my self.
On the 8th day...HE created the Isle of Mann and upon it he bestowed Norton ( any Norton...Manx, player replica, commando, interstate etc. :-) ..Later in history,... some Indian Dudes got some British Equipment and produced a zillion Dug Dug's. Queen said " Can't call them ROYAL anymore!". The suspension on the Snortin costs as much as the RE.😮 ..for the rest of the clambering masses, the Re is nice and I guess the mufflers almost look Norton!
Norton is also owned by indians dude
@@buzzlightyear1484 hope they import them to the states and have better network than Mahindra and RE.
British versus Indian seem easy, doesn’t it. Overly expensive British bike based on ancient technology, a bad reputation for reliability, from a brandname with a reputation which is now tarnished by mismanagement and thievery versus a well built, affordable Indian bike. Suddenly sounds a lot different, init?
…….a different company with absolutely no legacy whatsoever in the UK. TVS means nowt here. If Norton wasn’t on the tank and this was exactly the same bike but under a different name, at this price, would anyone be entertaining it, doubt that. The nostalgic link to Norton of the 70’s is very tenuous. Norton went bust because the Jap bikes were so much better in every way, they were out of date back then. There’s a fine line between charm, character and fundamentally poor design. The Norton engine seems to be knocking on the door of the latter.