Norton launches ‘V4CR’ in UK

The re-birth of Norton Motorcycles under TVS ownership and post-Stuart Garner continues, with details of a new model – the V4CR – recently revealed, following the re-engineered V4SV sports bike that was released last year.

The first new model to be released following TVS’s acquisition of Norton Motorcycles in 2020, the V4CR (for ‘V4 Café Racer’) follows a prototype that was unveiled last year and is based on the V4SV. That model’s engine, frame and most other componentry carry over to the V4CR, with the main difference being the new model removes most of the V4SR’s carbon fibre fairing, leading Norton to declare it as their first naked sport model.

“The Norton V4CR is a raw expression of impeccable design and intoxicating performance,” said Dr. Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles. “We’ve taken the engineering of the V4SV and stripped back the outer shell to ensure the rider gets a truly uninhibited motorcycling experience.”

Power comes from the same 1200cc V4 as the V4SV, developed in-house at Norton and producing 137kW at 12,000rpm and 125Nm at 9,000rpm. With that output, Norton claim the V4CR is the most powerful British café racer yet.

This liquid-cooled engine features titanium valves, EFi and ride-by-wire throttle. It’s matched to a six-speed transmission with quickshifter and chain final drive.

The V4CR’s aluminium tubular frame and single-sided billet swingarm were developed on the Isle of Man TT course. Rake, steering offset and swingarm pivot are all adjustable. Premium Öhlins suspension is also fully adjustable. There’s 43mm NIX30 USD forks and a bespoke TTXGP monoshock with hydraulic preload adjustment.

The V4CR’s brakes combine dual 330m floating discs with Brembo monobloc calipers at the front, and a 245mm disc with Brembo caliper at the rear.

Weighing 204kg wet and with an underseat 15-litre carbon fibre fuel tank (with Kevlar reinforcement), other V4CR features include an Öhlins steering damper, LED lighting, a colour 6-inch TFT instrument screen and three selectable riding modes. Tech, like ABS, wheelie control, lean-angle sensitive traction control, an electronic steering lock and keyless ignition is also part of the V4CR specification.

Two variants of the V4CR will be offered: Manx Platinum and Carbon. The former features platinum-coloured panels with carbon fibre accents, an orange leather saddle and Oz Racing alloys. The latter features exposed carbon fibre, a black leather saddle and BST carbon fibre wheels. Norton says the styling for both versions highlights the hand-built frame, handmade titanium exhaust system and overall attention to detail.

V4CR pricing was listed at £41,999 (AU$80,650 approx., direct conversion) when it was announced in May, which is a slight reduction on the £44,000 (AU$85,000 approx.) Norton were asking for the V4SV when it was re-launched last year. As it’s aimed primarily at UK and European buyers, the V4CR is considered unlikely to come to Australia. Reinforcing this is the fact that Norton says only 200 units will be built.

See more at nortonmotorcycles.com