Norton Motorcycles reveals new V4 Cafe Racer prototype!
Derived from the V4SV, the new Norton V4 Cafe Racer prototype is due to make a public debut at Motorcycle Live 2021.
Here’s a first look at the new Norton Motorcycles V4 Cafe Racer prototype from the new Norton!
Designed, engineered and built at the freshly opened Norton global headquarters in Solihull after takeover from TVS Motors, the new V4CR is a naked cafe racer derived from the recently unveiled V4SV superbike.
Sharing the same engineering DNA and design philosophy as its sportier sibling, the 1200cc V4 engine will provide 185 bhp in a stripped-back form, paying homage to the iconic early days of the British manufacturer, first founded in 1898.
The latest project to use the refined V4 platform revised over the last 16 months, the V4CR builds on the foundations and reintroduces the iconic cafe racer heritage from the early days.
This Cafe Racer prototype is fitted with a carbon fibre fuel tank and body panels, a polished billet aluminium swingarm and frame, with compact framework and shorter rear frame - all in the name of providing an aggressive and commanding stance on the road.
The 30-strong team behind the V4CR has subjected the cafe racer to tens of thousands of road and track test miles, with the press release paying particular emphasis on 'new Norton's' "unrelenting development process."
CEO of Norton, Dr Robert Hentschel, said:
“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.”
There's no price noted for the V4CR as yet, but considering the quote above (and what we know of Norton in the past), it's a luxury brand with hand-crafted motorcycles. TVS involvement is unlikely to make these bikes for a budget.
It’s a thing of absolute beauty. Nigh-on Norton staple cut-pipes, single-sided swingarm, clean lines and unmistakable beauty - so far we’ve seen two TVS-Norton designs, I’d say it’s 2 for 2 so far.
Norton V4 Cafe Racer (2022) prototype will be at Motorcycle Live!
You’ll be able to catch the Norton V4CR prototype at Motorcycle Live, where it’ll make its public debut on the Norton stand (Hall 3, Stand 3C10) between the 4th - 12th December 2021. Get your tickets here.
