- All-new 72-degree V4 engine with 206 hp (153.6 kW) at 11,500 rpm and 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) at 9,000 rpm
- Four variants from £20,250 (approx. €23,250 / $27,440) up to the limited First Edition (150 units, price on request)
- First Norton with international Euro5+ homologation, deliveries in the UK starting June 2026
Norton has been through turbulent years. After the collapse under former owner Stuart Garner in 2020, which culminated in a pension scandal, Indian conglomerate TVS Motor Company acquired the brand and invested more than £200 million (approx. €231 million / $271 million) in the rebuild, according to the company. This includes a new manufacturing facility in Solihull, a global distribution network with a planned 200 retail locations, and an entirely new model range comprising six motorcycles. The Manx R is the flagship of this new era and was first unveiled at EICMA 2025 in Milan. On May 6, 2026, Norton released the full technical specifications, pricing, and trim details for all four variants.
What Does the Norton Manx R’s New V4 Engine Deliver?
The Manx R’s engine produces 206 hp (153.6 kW) at 11,500 rpm and develops a maximum torque of 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) at 9,000 rpm. Norton describes the 1,200 cc V4 with its 72-degree cylinder angle as an entirely new design, even though the bore and stroke dimensions of 82 mm x 56.8 mm match those of the predecessor engine from the V4SV. According to the manufacturer, the new engine does not share a single component with its predecessor.
The compression ratio is 14:1. Fueling is handled by eight injectors in a sequential multi-point injection system with ride-by-wire throttle bodies that operate independently for the front and rear cylinder banks. Norton uses a so-called “Phased Pulse” firing order, which according to the manufacturer improves traction and produces a distinctive sound. A balance shaft is designed to ensure smooth running.
Compared to the predecessor V4SV, which produced 185 hp, Norton has significantly increased power output. For comparison: the Ducati Panigale V4 reaches its 213 hp at 13,500 rpm, while the BMW S 1000 RR also produces 206 hp at 13,750 rpm. The Norton V4 deliberately places its power emphasis lower in the rev range. Norton states that 77 percent of maximum torque is available from as low as 5,000 rpm. The focus is clearly on rideability in everyday road use rather than outright peak figures.
Chief Technical Officer Brian Gillen, who previously served as Research and Development Director at MV Agusta for many years, stated at the EICMA unveiling: “Every component on this engine has been re-engineered and re-industrialised for this specific application.” Gillen further explained that torque was the most important parameter and that Norton had oriented all development and testing with competitor models toward riding under real-world conditions.
The engine weighs 73.3 kg according to Norton, making it lighter than its predecessor. Power is transmitted through a six-speed gearbox with a bidirectional quickshifter and a wet multi-plate clutch with slipper function. The secondary drive uses a 525 X-ring chain with 17 teeth at the front and 41 at the rear. Norton says the gearing is deliberately tall to emphasize the midrange rather than optimize for top speed.
The Manx R is also the first Norton ever to receive international Euro5+ homologation. All previous models under TVS ownership were approved through the British MSVA (Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval) process, which significantly limited international distribution.
How Is the Manx R’s Chassis Designed?
The Manx R’s chassis consists of a die-cast aluminum frame in a bridge-type configuration, which Norton says is specifically engineered for controlled flexibility. The frame is welded from five cast components and then CNC-machined as a single unit. Norton emphasizes that the frame was optimized for feedback and ride comfort on the road rather than maximum stiffness for track use.
Brian Gillen explained that Norton developed a chassis designed to feel intuitive and rewarding by focusing on demanding road dynamics rather than track extremes.
The single-sided swingarm is also made of die-cast aluminum. The geometry includes a wheelbase of 1,435 mm, a steering head angle of 24.1 degrees, and 94.5 mm of trail. Seat height is 840 mm, ground clearance is 133 mm, and the fuel tank holds 14.5 liters.
Suspension by Variant
Suspension varies considerably by trim level. The base model features manually adjustable 45 mm USD forks from Marzocchi with 120 mm of travel up front and a Marzocchi shock with 126 mm of travel at the rear. From the Apex variant upward, a semi-active, electronically controlled Marzocchi suspension system is fitted, which Norton says uses multiple sensors to adjust compression and rebound damping in real time based on riding situation, lean angle, acceleration, and road surface conditions. Norton states that the sensor array captures data up to 1,000 times per second.
Brakes and Wheels
The braking system uses Brembo’s new Hypure four-piston radial-mount calipers on two 320 mm discs up front. At the rear, a 245 mm disc with a two-piston caliper is fitted. The Bosch Cornering ABS EVO system is lean-angle sensitive and is supplemented by rear-lift control and electronic brake force distribution. Norton states that the braking system is capable of up to 1g deceleration.
Wheels differ by variant: the base model rides on cast aluminum wheels, the Apex gets forged OZ Racing aluminum wheels, while the Signature and First Edition are equipped with carbon wheels from Rotobox (Bullet Pro). All variants are shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP-V4 tires in 120/70 ZR17 front and 200/55 ZR17 rear dimensions.
What Electronics Does the Norton Manx R Offer?
The Manx R’s electronic suite is based on a Bosch 10.3ME ECU combined with a six-axis IMU. The rider aid system includes lean-angle-sensitive traction control, wheelie control, slide control, drag torque control, launch control, vehicle hold control, and a dynamic cruise control system. The latter is described by Norton as a first in the superbike class and is designed to automatically maintain the selected speed even through corners.
Five riding modes are available: Rain, Road, Sport, Track 1, and Track 2. Individual settings are retained even after the motorcycle is switched off. The 8-inch TFT touchscreen display with a resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone mirroring, navigation control, music playback, GoPro control, and ride telemetry. The touch function is only active when stationary. The Norton Rider app additionally enables live tracking, remote immobilization, and theft alerts. Software and firmware updates are delivered over the air.
Additional equipment includes keyless ignition with electronic steering lock and fuel cap release, LED headlights with daytime running lights, and an adaptive brake light function at the rear.
What Do the Four Norton Manx R Variants Cost?
Norton offers the Manx R in four trim levels that differ in suspension, wheels, bodywork material, and seating configuration. All four variants share the same V4 engine, the same electronics package, and the same braking system.
Manx R (Base Model)
The entry price is £20,250 (approx. €23,250 / $27,440). According to MCN, this makes the Manx R roughly £4,745 less expensive than a base-spec Ducati Panigale V4. The base Manx R comes with manually adjustable Marzocchi suspension, cast aluminum wheels, and a two-seat configuration. The bodywork is made of composite material. Wet weight without fuel is 210 kg (463 lbs).
Manx R Apex
The Apex version costs £24,750 (approx. €29,750 / $33,540). This variant features the semi-active Marzocchi suspension with DLC-coated fork tubes. The wheels are forged OZ Racing aluminum units. The two-seat configuration is retained. Wet weight without fuel drops to 207 kg (457 lbs). MCN notes that the Apex is roughly £5,945 cheaper than a Ducati Panigale V4S.
Manx R Signature
At £38,750 (approx. €43,750 / $52,500), the Signature version features carbon bodywork, Rotobox Bullet Pro carbon wheels, and a single-seat configuration. It also includes special lighting signatures and an exclusive startup sequence on the display. Wet weight without fuel is 203 kg (448 lbs).
Manx R First Edition (Limited to 150 Units)
At the top of the range sits the First Edition, whose price is available on request only. It is technically based on the Signature, with the addition of titanium fasteners on the chassis, engine, and bodywork, billet aluminum components (brake and clutch levers, footpegs, heel guards, bar-end weights), an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, specially colored Brembo Hypure brake calipers, a numbered triple clamp, hand-painted Union Jack side panels, a quilted leather seat, and an exclusive startup sequence. Wet weight without fuel is 201 kg (443 lbs). The First Edition also features a reinforced aluminum swingarm instead of the die-cast version used on the other models.
Order books are expected to open online in late May 2026. First deliveries to UK customers are planned for June 2026, according to Norton. Markets such as the USA are set to follow later in the year.
How Does the Manx R Position Itself in the Superbike Segment?
The Norton Manx R enters a segment dominated by the Ducati Panigale V4, the BMW S 1000 RR, and the Aprilia RSV4. However, Norton’s approach deliberately differs from the competition. Rather than chasing maximum peak power and track performance, Norton emphasizes everyday usability and the riding experience on the road.
The design reflects this philosophy. The Manx R deliberately forgoes aerodynamic winglets, which have become standard on most current superbikes. Norton states that the semi-active suspension takes over the stabilization function that other manufacturers achieve through aero appendages. Chief Designer Simon Skinner, who collaborated with Gerry McGovern, the well-known Creative Director of Jaguar Land Rover, describes the design approach as “reductive.” The bodywork features smooth surfaces, hidden fasteners, and the deliberate showcasing of the technology. Skinner explained that at Norton, form and function are of equal value and do not have to be subordinate to one another.
The 1,200 cc displacement class does come with one drawback, however: the Manx R does not fall within the superbike homologation class for the Superbike World Championship, meaning competition use within the FIM’s production-based framework is not possible.
What Significance Does the Name Manx Hold for Norton?
The Manx name is among the most iconic in Norton’s history. It is inseparably linked with the Isle of Man TT, the legendary Featherbed frames, and an era when Norton was a dominant force in road racing. The new Manx R, however, is not a retro model but a modern V4 superbike with a touchscreen, semi-active suspension, and an electronics package that is without precedent in Norton’s long history.
The restart under TVS is not just a product story, either. The preceding period under Stuart Garner ended with the company’s collapse and a pension scandal in which pension savers’ funds had been channeled into the business. This history means that the Manx R has to deliver more than just technical conviction. It needs to prove that Norton is a reliable brand again, that production works, that spare parts are available, and that customer service is up to standard. Production capacity at the Solihull facility stands at up to 8,000 motorcycles per year, according to Norton.
Norton Manx R: Technical Specifications at a Glance
Engine: 1,200 cc, 72-degree V4, liquid-cooled, Euro5+
Bore x Stroke: 82 mm x 56.8 mm
Compression Ratio: 14:1
Power: 206 hp (153.6 kW) at 11,500 rpm
Torque: 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) at 9,000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, bidirectional quickshifter
Clutch: Wet multi-plate with slipper function
Frame: Die-cast aluminum, bridge type
Swingarm: Single-sided, die-cast aluminum (First Edition: reinforced)
Front Suspension: Marzocchi 45 mm USD, 120 mm travel (Base: manual / Apex+: semi-active)
Rear Suspension: Marzocchi shock, 126 mm travel (Base: manual / Apex+: semi-active)
Front Brake: 2x 320 mm, Brembo Hypure four-piston radial
Rear Brake: 245 mm, two-piston caliper
ABS: Bosch Cornering ABS EVO
Tires: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP-V4, 120/70 ZR17 (f), 200/55 ZR17 (r)
Wet Weight without Fuel: 210 kg / 207 kg / 203 kg / 201 kg (by variant)
Fuel Capacity: 14.5 liters
Seat Height: 840 mm
Wheelbase: 1,435 mm
Steering Head Angle / Trail: 24.1° / 94.5 mm
Fuel Consumption: 15.6 km/l (manufacturer claim)
Service Interval: 12 months / 16,000 km
Warranty: 36 months / 50,000 km
Riding Modes: Rain, Road, Sport, Track 1, Track 2
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does the Norton Manx R cost?
The Norton Manx R starts at £20,250 (approx. €23,250 / $27,440) for the base model. The Apex costs £24,750 (approx. €29,750), the Signature £38,750 (approx. €43,750). The price of the First Edition, limited to 150 units, is available on request only.
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How much horsepower does the Norton Manx R have?
The Norton Manx R produces 206 hp (153.6 kW) at 11,500 rpm from an all-new 1,200 cc V4 engine with a 72-degree cylinder angle. Maximum torque is 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) at 9,000 rpm, with Norton claiming that 77 percent of peak torque is available from as low as 5,000 rpm.
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When will the Norton Manx R be available?
Order books are expected to open online in late May 2026. First deliveries to UK customers are planned for June 2026. Additional markets such as the USA are set to follow later in the year.
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How much does the Norton Manx R weigh?
Wet weight without fuel varies by variant: the base model weighs 210 kg (463 lbs), the Apex 207 kg (457 lbs), the Signature 203 kg (448 lbs), and the First Edition 201 kg (443 lbs). The 14.5-liter fuel tank adds to each figure.
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How does the Norton Manx R differ from the Ducati Panigale V4?
The Norton Manx R costs roughly £4,745 less than a base Ducati Panigale V4. While the Ducati produces 213 hp at 13,500 rpm, Norton emphasizes a broader torque band with 206 hp at 11,500 rpm for real-world road riding. The Manx R also deliberately forgoes aerodynamic winglets.
