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Hi,

 

I have recently joined the club owning two Nortons, a 1973 Commando and a 2019 V4SS.

I bought the V4SS on the secondary market just before Norton Donnington folded. The bike had 8 miles on it and although it is Number 159/200 you will be aware they were not numbered in order of build and in fact only around 45 were built. The bike is finished in the Black Carbon option.

I have provisionally accepted the offer from TVS Norton to exchange my bike for a brand new V4SV ( plus £10k ) There are some owners who are choosing to keep hold of their V4SS's hoping their rarity will help them increase in value! I have heard many stories about the lack of quality control at Donnington under the Garner administration and with the lack of support or even spares, I believe taking their offer is my only option.

All that said, it remains a stunning bike.

 

2019 V4SS #159

 

 

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Those 8 miles were most probably covered by me.

Quality control was as good as we could do with the tools provided, it was development that was lacking as funds just ran out. I see Norton recently posted on social media that they crack test the frames with di-pen....we did the same. Also the same frame polishing technique. From the pictures Ive seen, the new frame welds dont look as nice as the v4ss models.....unless they were just pre-productuon mules, used for such events. There was things that needed addressing, oil hoses were a problem, to the oil cooler. The rear brake line was a worry to me too. We had to do a lot of trimming of the bodywork to fit etc. Had some fuel tank concerns on some....think it was the revision with the battery tray under the seat. But it was a while ago now. No two bikes were the same, they all differed slightly as production was evolving. 

On the road, I found them very user friendly. Power delivery to be very linear and the chassis gave excellent feedback, even with the overly hard standard suspension settings. If I had one, I'd certainly soften it off a little more. Low speed turn in was excellent, really surprised me for a sports bike....things like mini islands are an absolute pig on my Ducati's. Brakes are very good too. I always felt that the light throttle, low speed causing was off on the fueling...but it was still in the stages of being refined, much like the rest of the package. I would have ridden more V4SS's than anyone else....so my feedback is a generalised opinon from riding many.

TVS have done a very wise thing to drop the chrome race rep finish. It caused so many problems. 

If I had the cash, would I buy a V4SS? Yes, I most certainly would. If I had the cash, would I buy the re-release? Sorry, but no. As far as I'm aware they aint a limited run, the performance figures are way too far behind the front runners now, and there's so much more available on the market for less. Personally, I'd keep the V4SS, and just buy a V4 Panigale from the lower end of the used market to use on the road. 

Hi Stuart,

 

Thank you for your reply. TVS are playing their cards close to their chests! I am still awaiting the outcome of the Administrators BDO. They have said that they will publish their findings within 8 weeks from now.

The rear brake on mine has got air in it, I have tried bleeding it without success. There is no sign of leaking from the oil lines, which I would expect with it not having been ridden. My concern is that without any kind of parts or technical support, I would be left vulnerable.

I totally agree with the chrome finished bikes, they have not weathered well. The carbon looks fantastic.

If I could sell my bike, I would. It is a £47k ornament, a beautiful one at that. The idea of spending the £10k on a useable superbike and keeping the SS is attractive, but it is risky. I am in touch with about 15 SS owners who are split about what to do. TVS say they will destroy the SS's that are returned, making the remaining ones even rarer!

Regards

 

Mark

 

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Try bleeding the rear brake at the abs pump union's. I have the same problem on euro 4 961's....which use the same caliper, master cylinder and abs module. My main worry with the rear brake line was exhaust heat.

I know a few of the V4 guys, and yeah I can understand the position you're in with regards money invested. Be interesting to see what BDO give you in the way of info.

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Stuart's comments and insight very interesting. As a firm customer for the Donington V4RR having paid my deposit , TVS contacted me to ask if I wanted to go ahead with their new version while it was still in the planning. Gave it a bit of thought then told them I wasn't interested and quite glad I did in retrospect. Have also given up on BDO ever returning my five hundred quid despite their comment of a long while ago that they thought there'd be enough funds available to reimburse non-secured creditors. Still interested to read their final report however.

Still happy with my early Donington 961 Sport (2012) which has been pretty much troublefree - couple of failed relays plus some starting issues which were always battery condition related. Comforting to know Stuart is around to help should I need it on the 961 ! 

 


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