The name Norton Motorcycles evokes images of classic cars racing on British roads. But today, in 2025, Norton has introduced its new incarnation – the V4 series, which is revolutionizing the world of modern superbikes. The Norton V4SV, the flagship model in this series, was not only born on the Isle of Man TT race track but also delivers killer performance on the streets.
This bike combines British heritage with high-tech engineering, where every part appears handmade. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Norton V4’s full story, features, performance, and riding experience. If you’re a true enthusiast, this bike could become the pride of your garage.
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Norton’s Proud History: How the V4 Became a Dream
Norton began in 1898 when James M. Norton opened a small workshop in Birmingham. Initially, it manufactured bicycle parts, but soon branched out into the world of motorcycles. By 1902, Norton launched its first motorcycle, powered by a French engine. But the real breakthrough came when the company began designing its own engines. Norton’s entry in the Isle of Man TT Race in 1907 stunned the world. After that, Norton became the king of the racing world.
During World War II, Norton produced nearly 100,000 military motorcycles, such as the Model 16H and Big 4. After the war, in the 1950s and 60s, models like the Commando and Dominator took the British motorcycle industry to new heights. However, in 1973, Norton-Villiers-Triumph (NVT) was formed, which fell victim to financial difficulties. The company changed hands several times in the 1980s and 90s, but in 2008, Stuart Garner bought it and gave it a new lease on life.
The V4’s journey began in 2014, when Norton began work on a 1200cc V4 engine. This project was inspired by the Isle of Man TT, where Norton has consistently been successful. The V4 RR was launched in 2017, producing over 200 hp. However, old management led to quality issues, such as frame welding and electronics problems. In 2018, TVS Motor Company (the Indian giant) acquired Norton. TVS fixed 35 faults, redesigned 428 parts, and launched the new V4SV in 2022. Today, the V4SV is Norton’s new identity – a British-built, high-performance superbike.
Engine and Performance: The Heart of the V4, That Beats with Speed
The heart of the Norton V4SV is its 1200cc, 72-degree liquid-cooled V4 engine. The engine, designed in-house by Norton, features chain-driven cams and an idler gear, reducing engine height. Titanium inlet valves and a slipper clutch make it race-ready. Power output is 185bhp @ 12,500rpm and torque 125Nm @ 9,000rpm. These figures may seem less than the Ducati Panigale V4 (215hp), but on the road, the engine’s compact size and low center of gravity give it excellent handling.
The electronic fuel injection system has eight injectors, and the full drive-by-wire system is independent on the front and rear cylinders. This gives the rider complete control. Ride modes – Wet, Road, and Sport – are standard, along with lean-sensitive traction control, ABS, and a six-axis IMU. Top speed exceeds 280kmph, and 0-100kmph takes just 3 seconds. Reviews say the engine is smooth, but as tested on the TT track,
it does scream at high revs. Braking is handled by Brembo M50 calipers with 330mm discs, which provide excellent stopping power. However, some reviewers noted that ABS intervention was sometimes too sensitive. Overall, the V4SV’s performance is soulful—as cool as the BMW M1000RR, but not without charm.
Design and Features: British Elegance Meets Modern Tech
The V4SV’s design is aggressive yet elegant. A slim silhouette, bold lines, and carbon fiber bodywork give it a 193 kg dry weight. The handcrafted TIG-welded aluminum tube frame is polished to a mirror finish. The front features a twin-pod headlight, muscular fuel tank, and single-sided swingarm—all TT-inspired. Color options include Carbon (exposed carbon fiber) and Manx Silver (silver body with red pinstripes). The Carbon variant features BST carbon wheels, further reducing weight.
Features include a 6-inch color TFT display with auto-brightness, full LED lighting, a rearview camera, and keyless ignition. Suspension is provided by Öhlins NIX30 front forks and a TTXGP rear mono-shock, both fully adjustable. Wheels are optionally made of OZ forged alloy or carbon fiber. The seat height is 830mm, perfect for average riders.
The cafe racer variant, the V4CR, is slightly stripped-back, with exposed air intakes and a short tail. The limited edition ‘588’ comes with a special livery and gold wheels for the 125th anniversary. Overall, features are premium, but some gimmicks, like the rear camera, may seem unnecessary.
Riding Experience: The Thrill of the TT on the Road
I rode the V4SV on the Mallory Park track, and from the first ride it became clear that this bike is a road-going superbike. High pegs and low clip-ons provide a racing position, yet it’s also comfortable. The V4 snarls as soon as the engine starts—a sound reminiscent of British heritage. Twisting the accelerator in Sport mode unleashes a blast of 185bhp, which makes the rear wheel squirm. Traction control is smartly integrated.
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