Norton reveals limited edition V4 SS and RR

Norton has broken with tradition to release their first four-cylinder motorcycles, the limited-edition V4 SS and V4 RR models.

The 200 V4 SS models are already sold out at £44,000 each (about $A74,000, $US55,000) while the 150 V4 RR models cost £28,000 each (about $A47,000, $US35,000).

There is no word from Norton Australia on whether we will be getting any out here, although they probably can be ordered through local dealers.

The bikes join the current lineup of Commando 961 Sport ($31,490 plus on-road costs), Cafe Racer ($35,490) and SF ($37,490) and limited-edition Dominator SS (about $38,000).

Norton V4 RR and SS power and control

They are powered by a 58kW/90Nm 961cc parallel twin and there is talk of a new 650 parallel twin to come from the Derby factory.

Meanwhile, the new Norton V4 models are powered by a 1200cc, 72° V4 with at least 150kW of power at 12500rpm and 130Nm of torque at 10,000 revs. All that in a bike that weighs just 179kg dry.

V4 power is tamed by a comprehensive electronic rider-aid package developed by Norton.

The SS comes with traction control, wheelie control, launch control, cruise control, engine modes (Road, Sport and Pro-Race) and adjustable engine braking, all controlled by a six-axis inertial measurement unit.

Yes, that’s right. Cruise control!

There is also a big high-definition instrument display that includes a rear-facing camera (in road mode only) and a built-in datalogger. It shows lap times, maximum lean angle, maximum speed, maximum throttle, and maximum braking force.

The SS comes with a slipper clutch and a quickshifter for clutchless up and down shifts with a “blipper” to make you sound like you know what you are doing.

The bike is fairly faithful to artistic rendering released over the past couple of years and based on their SG5 TT race bike.

It features carbon fibre fairings, but you can option for the mirror chrome fairings with air-brushed Union Jack on the tail.

Suspension is a mix of Öhlins NIX30 forks and an Öhlins TTXGP rear shock, both fully adjustable. The single-sided swingarm and steering head are also adjustable for pivot and rake.

There is also an Ohlins steering damper, keyless ignition, billet forks and pegs, and full LED lights and indicators.

Even the 18-litre fuel tank is made of carbon fibre in MotoGP-style with Kevlar reinforcement and chemically coated internally to meet fuel resistance standards.

You can option up with a full race-only titanium system supplied with aftermarket tune, saving about 8kg in weight and adding about 7.5kW of power.

The RR is expected to be a down-specced version of the SS with forged parts, instead of billet and fewer electronics.

Norton V4 SS tech specs

• Price: £44,000 each (about $A74,000, $US55,000)
• Engine: 72-degree liquid-cooled V4, 1200cc.
• Bore x Stroke: 82mm x 56.8mm
• Compression: 13.6:1
• Power: 150kW (200bhp) @ 12,500rpm
• Torque: 130Nm @ 10,000rpm
• Wheelbase: 1430mm
• Dry weight: 179kg
• Suspension: fully adjustable Ohlins NIX30 forks,Ohlins TTXGP Norton bespoke rear shock.
• Tyres/wheels: Choice of carbon or forged wheels and tyres
• Brakes: 330mm full-floating Bremco discs with radially-mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers (front); single 245mm disc with Brembo caliper and master-cylinder