It's official-Norton Motorcycles is coming back to the States. Last December, parent firm Norton Motorcycles Ltd., tapped industry veteran Dan Van Epps to guide the much-anticipated return of the famous British brand to U.S. shores.
The so-called Snortin Nortons-best known for their domination of world road racing for decades, and subsequently synonymous with British sport motorcycling culture, are back on the scene, with production of the Norton Commando having resumed in 2009. Not coincidentally, the new engineering facilities and factory are based at the world famous Donington Park racing circuit, near the traditional heart of the British motorcycle industry in Birmingham.
Starting in May of this year, Norton will begin deliveries of the famed Norton Commando series of road bikes to the United States. Models include the traditional Commando 961 Sport, the striking 961 Café Racer and the performance-minded 961 SE. On each model, the signature Norton sculpted lines are retained, yet the machines are fully modernized with up-to-date engineering. Every bike features a 961cc computer controlled, fuel injected, counter balanced, parallel twin engine, complemented by top-shelf components, like Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes.