History-rich Norton looks to a brighter future with V4SV superbike and V4CR Café Racer

February 17, 2022

By Keaton Maisano

The 124-year-old Norton Motorcycles has displayed some youthful energy of late, with its reveal of two new motorcycles. 

While the company floundered for some time, an ownership change to TVS Motors — India’s third-largest motorcycle manufacturer which acquired Norton in 2020 —provided a considerable investment into Norton to build a new state-of-the-art factory. The revitalization of the sleeping giant also led to the creation of the V4SV superbike and the V4CR Café Racer prototype. 

Both bikes have a 1200cc, 72-degree liquid cooled V4 engine that produces 185 bhp. 

The V4SV, which comes in manx silver and carbon, features a TIG-welded frame hand polished to a mirror finish. Additional features include a keyless ignition system, full-color 6-inch display and a rear-view camera. 

The V4CR Café Racer — the first prototype designed and engineered in Norton’s new UK headquarters — has a stripped-back appearance to showcase the bike’s design. Described as the “rebellious younger brother to the V4SV,” the café racer’s compact framework is fitted with a carbon fiber fuel tank and body panels along with a polished billet aluminum swingarm.

The front of the bike showcases a traditional, round headlamp fitted with a modern LED unit. 

“The prototype VC4R is the next step in Norton’s strategic growth plan on its journey to becoming the world-leader in luxury hand-crafted motorcycles,” said Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles, in a release.

The VC4R Café Racer is a prototype, so details and specs are subject to change. 

With the introduction of both bikes, Norton is trying to prove that its future is as promising as its past.