As French designer Sébastien Beaupère sought to pay tribute to Norton’s iconic Manx, he knew his task would be daunting from the start. Recognised as one of the most influential British racing bikes ever produced, Norton’s Manx is a legendary model that has earned its place in the annals of motorcycle history. While many may argue that recreating this iconic bike using only genuine Norton components would be the ultimate tribute to its legacy. While traditional motorcycle building adheres to strict rules, custom construction is all about personal expression and functionality – a space where innovators like Sebastien’s “Neoretro” Buell Manx can thrive, sparking either head-shaking disapproval or infectious grins from ear to ear.
Sebastien opted for a 103bhp Buell XB12S as the foundation for his venture. Unlike Norton’s single-cylinder Manx, the Buell was equipped with a potent 1200cc V-twin engine that produced a respectable 103 horsepower, effectively dispelling any doubts about its straight-line performance in comparison to the Norton. He initially intended to transplant the V-twin engine into a Norton-style featherbed tubular frame, but after rigorous testing and closer examination, he realized that modifying the Buell’s original body would be impractical; consequently, alternative upgrade solutions were necessary.
The Buell’s distinctive design boasted a compact wheelbase and low center of gravity, conferring exceptional handling characteristics. With a keen eye on fine-tuning performance, Sebastien lavished the Buell’s suspension system with meticulous attention to detail, outfitting it with highly customizable 43mm titanium nitride (TiN)-coated Ohlins inverted forks and an identical adjustable Ohlins mono shock at the rear. The solid aluminum wheels were replaced by retro-styled spoked rims, perfectly complemented by a combination of Brembo and Beringer brake components.
Incorporating retro styling was a primary priority for the construction project, with many components of the bike’s bodywork meticulously handcrafted by Sebastien, a skilled sculptor by trade. The use of plastics was discontinued and replaced with a combination of alloys and high-quality leathers. The artisanal gasoline tank and air intakes had undergone a laborious process of shaping and were now left in their raw, unfinished state, reminiscent of the iconic Norton Manx design. The seat and prime yoke are genuine Manx components, reworked to conform to Buell’s proportions; the brass mesh covers on the windshield and faceted covers harmonize perfectly with the golden hue of the Ohlins forks. Sebastien’s bespoke Manx-style bikini fairing features a unique design, encased in supple leather and accentuated by 60 brilliant white LEDs arranged in a pattern reminiscent of the iconic #1 logo found on Norton’s legendary Isle of Man race bikes.
A comprehensive assortment of decals and custom-manufactured graphics, carefully designed by Sébastien to authentically celebrate the very bike that inspired its creation.
In 1947, Norton Motorcycles introduced the Manx, a purpose-built racing motorcycle featuring a 500cc air-cooled engine capable of reaching speeds up to 140 miles per hour. The Manx, significantly enhanced in 1950, boasted Norton’s revolutionary ‘Featherbed’ styling, a game-changing innovation that left an indelible mark on the motorcycle landscape.
In that very same year, the Norton Manx achieved an unprecedented double hat-trick of podium finishes at the Isle of Man TT, cementing its place in the annals of history and earning a legendary status that endures to this day.
