Following its acquisition of the Norton motorcycle brand, the new management has quickly established a robust, over-100-person-strong R&D team and manufacturing facility in Solihull, England. At the UK’s premier bicycle exhibition, Bike Dwell, TVS showcased its revamped range of Norton motorcycles, including a captivating cafe racer – the Norton V4CR – that left attendees eager to learn more.
The Café Racer-styled Norton V4CR boasts a construction that leverages the same fundamental components as its counterpart, the Norton V4SV. The V4 was re-released in 2016 by its original manufacturers. Despite initial excitement, a small production run of Norton’s flagship superbike was ultimately recalled due to irreparable flaws in both security and manufacturing quality. Under the guidance of TVS, the V4 has undergone a refresh, with the new V4SV version boasting significant improvements over its predecessors’ limitations.
Meet the revolutionary V4SV, a masterpiece of luxury and performance that redefines the British superbike landscape. In line with its heritage, the revamped mannequin has been meticulously crafted by skilled artisans in the United Kingdom, upholding its quintessential British authenticity.
At the core of the V4SV lies Norton’s deeply personal 1200cc V4 engine. The liquid-cooled powerplant delivers a potent 185 horsepower and 125 Newton-meters of torque. To maximize its potency, Norton has deliberately limited the load of the V4SV to an absolute minimum. The bike’s chassis is entirely crafted from lightweight aluminum, with the bodywork constructed from high-strength carbon fiber, while numerous precision-crafted components are machined from solid billet alloy for added durability. With the entire package optimized, the vehicle’s performance is enhanced through the incorporation of premium suspension components from Ohlins and high-quality brakes from Brembo.
The Norton V4CR cafe racer
The Norton V4CR cafe racer has distilled its essence from the V4SV superbike’s potent DNA. The 1.2-litre V4CR’s engine remains unaltered within its chassis, allowing us to confidently expect identical performance characteristics. While the Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, single-sided swingarm, and OZ Racing cast alloy rims are comparable in terms of performance capabilities, the bodywork itself holds a subtle yet distinctive nuance. To achieve a tighter silhouette, Norton has employed a common customization approach for cafe racers by reducing the length of the subframe. While this arrangement enhances the café atmosphere for cyclists, it does little to accommodate visitors, leaving them with limited space and a less-than-ideal experience?
There has been minimal crossover between the two styles in terms of bodywork. One distinctive feature of this model is its carbon fiber gas tank, a trait shared by few others. Beyond that, most everything else on this car is unique to this specific version.
The minimalist V4CR combines nostalgic flair with contemporary style elements to produce a stylish, understated design that makes a lasting impression. Air intakes, cleverly channeling wind into the airbox situated beneath the tank, feature intricately designed louvres on these aspect panels. The revised subframe cradles a condensed version of the V4SV’s signature tail unit, now paired with an innovative two-panel seat design. The sleek, spherical LED headlamp, classically styled and nestled discreetly between the fork tines, catches the eye with its understated elegance. The headlamp is shrouded by a small louvred cowl, situated behind which lies a sleek TFT digital display mounted atop the uppermost yoke. The carbon fibre entrance and rear fender assemblies are complemented by a discreet exhaust shield featuring a compact stomach-style pan.
The Norton V4CR cafe racer is likely to debut in two distinct versions, differing mainly by their colour schemes. Norton’s iconic Manx Silver models are likely to feature a trademark uncovered black carbon fibre end, with whispers suggesting the inclusion of high-performance carbon wheels from BST.
While we’re enamored with nearly everything about the Norton Cafe Raser, there’s one glaring issue that mars an otherwise exceptional experience. TVS is sticking to the premium model approach successfully adopted by its predecessors. The cost of entry-level electric vehicles like the V4CR is likely to exceed $40,000 USD, making a significant financial commitment for prospective buyers. This could be an actual travesty, considering Norton’s storied past never envisioned the company producing bikes in such a way. Fashion trends, much like those that surrounded the iconic Commando 850, had achieved international acclaim. This success was a direct result of exemplary design, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Can Norton successfully develop a prototype incorporating this innovative approach? The reality remains that the Norton model was only accessible to riders with the deepest pockets, thereby rendering it unattainable for many.
