New Norton V4CR is a 185PS stripped down café racer

30th May 2023

James Charman

Norton Motorcycles has launched a brand-new model, the Norton V4CR, its first ever naked sport motorcycle.

With a strictly limited run of just 200 units at a price of £41,999, the V4CR is based largely on last year’s supersport V4SV machine launched by Norton in 2022. Sharing the same engine and frame, the V4CR will produce a maximum of 185PS (136kW) and 125Nm (92lb ft) of torque, which Norton proudly points out makes it the most powerful British cafe racer.

The first all-new motorcycle built by Norton since its takeover by TVS Motors – the V4SV and 961 Commando were ‘re-engineered’ – the V4CR will be handmade at the company’s Solihull base and is said to have inherited ‘all the hallmarks of Norton’s DNA’ with a sleek design, a forward angle to the engine and a distinctive hourglass figure. The bike will also feature Brembo brakes, adjustable Ohlins suspension, aerospace grade aluminium billet-machine yokes and a quick shifter and auto-blipper.

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

“The V4CR is the first completely new model we’ve built. Our engineering and design teams have been meticulous in their approach, from initial sketches to concept production, through to the final finishing touches. The bike is the culmination of all our learnings and investment over the last three years and we’re delighted that we can now share this taste of Norton’s future.”

There will also be two colour options of ‘Manx Platinum’, featuring platinum-coloured bodywork with carbon panels, aluminium Oz wheels and an orange seat, while the ‘V4CR Carbon’ option offers exposed carbon bodywork, carbon-fibre BST wheels and a black seat.

The price tag for the V4CR is set at £41,999, with a modern LED unit, keyless ignition and full-colour, six-inch TFT display as standard.