Norton Commando 961 was recently launched in India for INR 23 lakh (ex-showroom Pune). The first motorcycle from British brand is brought via CBU route and thus, gets more import duties than their planned CKD route. They have partnered Kinetic Group for better market management and assembly space.
This would mean Norton bikes can get their assembly line placed next to MV Agusta bikes in Maharashtra. Manufacturing in India will help them discover new markets like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka with easy pricing. Buyers can get their hand built bike booked for a token amount of INR 2 lakh with Kinetic Group.
The premium cafe racer gets clip on handlebars, rear cowl, front fly-screen and iconic round headlight as standard equipment. Select parts are crafted from carbon fiber on Norton Commando 961. The engine used here is 961cc, fuel injected unit producing 80 HP at 6500 rpm and 90 Nm at 5200 rpm.
The power values are surprisingly low for a bike that gets priced around top spec Ducati Panigale V4 S. Norton Motorcycles had earlier hinted at a price tag of INR 18 lakh, which in itself, was considered quite high by most readers. They will bring Commando 961 Sport, Dominator Sport and DomiRacer to India in their next attempt.
Andreas Leuthe, Business Development Manager for the Joint Venture said: Norton is the icon of English motorcycle brands and especially in India Norton will find a large clientele. I believe that this Norton-Kinetic joint venture will not only open the Indian market but also be the gateway to globalization in Asia.
When connecting Kinetic with Norton, I was sure that Kinetic is the right partner for Norton to represent Norton’s exclusivity in India as they are specialized on luxury brands. I am looking forward to conquering the Asian market with this joint venture and Norton being an important part of the luxury high-end motorcycle market in Asia in the future.
