Norton single and twin cylinder bikes under development

A year ago, we exclusively reported that TVS-owned Norton was going to launch six new motorcycles over a 3-year period. We have now learnt from sources that these new bikes will include all-new single- and twin-cylinder platforms. 

1. These will be the first new Norton models since the TVS takeover
2. Both models will be made in India

New TVS-made Norton models details

Single-cylinder model expected to debut before the twin

Ever since TVS announced that it had acquired Norton in 2020, it was clear that one of the aims was to take on Royal Enfield’s ever-growing success in the middleweight segment across the globe. A hallowed British brand like Norton was a great base for this, and we have now learnt of two new platforms under development that will do just that.

Details about these platforms are scarce at the moment, but sources indicate that the single-cylinder bike will be between 400cc and 450cc, while the twin will be in the 600cc-650cc range. Whether these are air-cooled or liquid-cooled is also unclear, although the former would not only make them more direct rivals to the Enfields but also help in keeping the costs in check.

A larger capacity for the single-cylinder bikes would give them a performance advantage over the 350cc competition, but it is hard to otherwise have many strong distinguishing factors in the retro motorcycle segment. In that regard, TVS’ managing director Sudarshan Venu previously shared with us that Norton motorcycles would be distinguished by the company’s 3-pillar philosophy of “design, dynamism and detail”.

These bikes could be as much as a year to 18 months from a commercial launch, and the current expectation is that the single-cylinder model may debut before the twin. That said, we expect to learn more about these all-new Norton motorcycles later this year.

In related news, sources suggest that the company is also investigating the localisation of its 4-cylinder 1200cc platform. This engine powers Norton’s range-topping V4SV and V4CR, the most expensive products in the line-up, costing over 40,000 euros. It remains to be seen whether this is an endeavour towards locally manufactured components that will solely be used in Norton’s new Solihull manufacturing facility in the UK, or if the V4 motorcycles will also be manufactured in India. 

With inputs from KETAN THAKKAR