Norton Motorcycles says it will reveal an updated version of its V4RR sportsbike before year’s end, signalling the first model to surface since the British bikemaker was acquired by TVS Motors in April.
At the very least, the Norton V4RR will need to be tweaked to meet Euro5 emissions standards, however, this may also present an opportunity for Norton’s new owner to show its capabilities.
While details are scarce, it can be expected that the 2021 V4RR continues with familiar hand-made components and carbon-fibre details, and its 1200cc V4 engine will deliver 149kW/130Nm.
Norton Motorcycles fell into administration in January of this year due to significant financial problems, but was saved in April when Indian firm TVS Motor Company bought the manufacturer for a reported £16 million ($A29.1m).
In a recent interview, Norton’s new chief executive officer John Russell touched on how it plans to move forward in the long term, before confirming that a new model is on the horizon.
“TVS bought Norton because it was a once in a generation opportunity to buy one of the great brands of the motorcycle industry,” he said.
“It’s our job, our goal, to make sure the foundations we create now, create the real potential for us to unlock this brand and deliver its potential long term.
“Much of what we are working on is invisible to our customers and enthusiasts but at the heart of what we’re doing is this bike, which will be the first one available from the new Norton at the end of this year.”
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
Why a 1200? Isle of Man and other have a 1000 cc limit. SO you end up using that Aprilla motor again..