Norton to make 650cc Scrambler
First of new family of 650 twins expected next year
NORTON has revealed plans for a 650cc scrambler, the first of a series of models powered by the same new parallel-twin engine.
The engine is initially due to power two variants of the scrambler, one with an 18-inch wire-spoked front wheel and another more off-road-focused version with a 19-inch.
The first is expected to arrive towards the end of 2018.
The engine stems from lessons learned developing the V4 1200 and will produce around 100hp, according to Norton.
A later variant could be supercharged to make 175hp and used to power a sports bike.
The news came as Norton announced a joint international venture which will see motorcycles assembled in Pune, India, by Kinetic Group.
Bikes built will there will be marketed and distributed across Asia from the end of 2018, while machines sold here will still be hand-built in the UK, according to Norton.
Norton CEO Stuart Garner said: “We have been hand-building gorgeous bikes in England for many years, we are now taking the next big step forward and delighted to form this alliance with the Kinetic group. I believe that the style, passion and beauty of Norton products coupled with the experience of Kinetic will make a winning combination and deliver a fabulous range of Norton motorcycles across the ASEAN territories.”
Norton was at Eicma in Milan last week displaying its latest new model, the Commando California (below), an ‘easy riding roadster’ version of the Commando 961.
