TVS-backed British brand Norton unleashes Manx R: A retro rocket for the modern road!

The Manx R places the rider at the centre of the dynamic equation through a peerless combination of accessible performance, everyday usability and engineering intelligence.

 “The Manx has a visceral ‘must-ride’ appeal to riders who crave adrenaline with refinement, riders who are connoisseurs of craftsmanship and exclusivity, and status seekers who demand their style with substance along with a generous helping of swagger and strut,” said Richard Arnold, Executive Director, Norton Motorcycles. 

As first of four bikes leading the resurgence of Norton, the Manx R spearheads the storied marque into the modern superbike era with a balance of innovative technology, outstanding real-world performance and sensory connection.
Design

“Modernity, innovation and luxury are not terms you immediately think of when considering classic motorcycle brands. Motorcycles and cars are different, yet they share fundamental values. Chief among them is the ability to stir emotion. Though their design languages differ, both can become objects of desire. They also share essential principles of proportion, stance, and drama. Norton’s rich British heritage, something I’m deeply familiar with in the brands I creatively oversee, is compelling," Professor Gerry McGovern, Chief Creative Advisor, Norton Motorcycles, said.

 "Our unique design strategy has been created to give every Norton a family continuity while allowing each model to have its own unique character. This creative vision remains true to the innovative DNA that made Norton one of the most revered two-wheel brands throughout history. This is Nortonness," McGovern said. 

"All Nortons should have a sense of drama, this is vital to create an emotional response. The Motorcycle should have forward movement regardless of the category. Finally we have connected, which is how the emotion of the design is carried forward into the riding experience, through materials, colours, touch points and intuitive HMI. Looking at a Norton should elevate the spirit," Simon Skinner, Head of Design, Norton Motorcycles. 

Norton, unsurprisingly, has adopted a very different approach to performance.

While still delivering world-class performance, Norton’s engineers analysed 18,500 miles (30,000 kms) of real-world riding telemetry to understand fully how riders actually rode their motorcycles in every-day riding conditions.

The result was that true on-road performance lives below 11,000 rpm.

This insight defined the fundamentals of the Manx R’s engine development, and of achieving the goal of delivering class-leading torque and usable power between 5,000 and 10,000 rpm - exactly where it counts.

This philosophy encapsulates a rider-first mindset to create a ride that feels alive, responsive, and emotionally engaging.

 The Manx R’s all-new 1,200 cc V4 engine is one of the largest capacity engine in the supersport sector. Developing 206 hp at a relatively low 11,500 rpm, the all-alloy 72-degree liquid-cooled unit has been meticulously developed to deliver muscular mid-range torque. The generous 130 Nm of torque peaks at an intentionally low 9,000 rpm to provide torque in the real-world rev range.

At 204 kgs, the Manx R posts an excellent power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios, with 1 hp per kg the engineering goal from the outset.

The result is explosive acceleration for whip-crack overtakes below 11,000rpm - where riders actually ride. This accessible performance has been achieved, in part, by a full ride-by-wire system that operates independently across the front and rear cylinder banks for exceptional throttle control and response.