Synonymous with racing, especially Tourist Trophy (TT) racing, is legendary English motorcycle manufacturer Norton, which signalled its comeback with the 2017 Norton V4 RR. Under the auspices of chief operating officer Stuart Garner, Norton returned with the Commando 961SE in 2010, and since 2012, has participated in the TT with some success, leading to the launch of the V4 RR.
Taking lessons learned at the TT with the Norton SG1, the V4 RR carries a 1,200 cc V-four that produces a claimed 200-plus hp at 12,500 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm. The engine includes chain-driven cams with an intermediate idler gear to reduce engine height.
As part of the engine package, titanium inlet valves are included, as is a slipper clutch. Fuelling is by EFI with two injectors per cylinder, and the ride-by-wire throttle is separated between the front and rear cylinder banks, reports Motorcycle News.
Racing is pretty much in the V4 RR’s design brief with three engine modes – road, track and pro-race. Traction control with multiple modes is standard along with wheelie and launch control, all managed with a six-axis inertial measurement unit. Gear changing is expedited with a quickshifter, and the addition of an auto-down blipper.
The Norton V4 RR uses a twin-aluminium tube chassis, tied together with cast headstock and outriggers, and the V-four engine is mounted as a structural member. The frame is adjustable for the swingarm pivot position, and steering rake, with 23.9-degrees as standard.
Suspension duties are taken care of by Ohlins, with a fully-adjustable NIX30 front fork and TTXGP fully-adjustable rear shock, custom tuned for Norton, combined with an Ohlins steering damper. Braking is, as is customary for this level of machine, by Brembo, using radial-mounted Monobloc calipers in front grabbing 330 mm discs.
Clad in carbon-fibre, the V4 RR is also fitted with an 18-litre carbon-fibre fuel tank and weight is claimed to be 179 kg. A full-colour 7-inch HD display includes a data logger, with LED lighting, angel eye DRLs and keyless ignition completing the package.
Optional accessories for the Norton V4 RR include a full titanium race exhaust that shaves 8 kg off the all-up weight and frees up 10 additional horsepower. Also optional is chrome race replica bodywork and carbon-fibre BST wheels. Norton are currently taking orders for the V4 RR at 28,000 pounds sterling (RM152,000).
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nice to look from far. thats it.
TT is this context actually stands for Tourist Trophy
Righto, of course. Has been fixed.
This bike only weight 179 kg for a 1,200 cc V4 ! I never tot Norton can make such an awesome looking bike (Clad in carbon-fibre).
With a claimed 200 plus hp, this V4 RR will make the Ducati Panigale stand up to take notice of your existence. Bravo Norton, hope you will make a successful return to the TT race.
It is obvious based on the machine spec Norton is avoiding direct competition with the more mainstream Superbike class especially with that extra 200cc. But it will be great if Norton could produce a slightly more affordable 1000cc V4 Norton. It’s been along time since we have a true British Superbike contender (Triumph Daytona 955i)..