New Norton 650 Superlight

Fast Eddie

Fast Eddie

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So, at the NEC today I was first in the queue for door opening and made a bee line to the Norton stand... straight to the raised plinth with the Superlight on display.

Wow. Honestly, this thing is just stunning, the attention to detail is like something out of a top drawer race shop. The more you look the more you see, and the more impressive it is.

I had a long chat with a certain Mr Garner too. It was really interesting to feel the passion in him, for Norton, for the products and for British industry. And his constant referrals to giving value to the customers too. So nice to see him and Skinner just milling around chatting to customers too.

Then, ‘Forum Rob’ took me through a lot of details of the 650, it’s increase in power is down to having a higher CR, higher lift cams, different mapping, and it also has titanium valves.

Rob then proceeded to take my credit card deposit on a new Superlight. I just couldn’t help myself. I’m not sure where I’ll put it, or what I’m gonna tell the Missus, but I’ll worry about this later.

Here’s some pics for y’all...


New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
 
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Some more pics for yer’s.
The bare chassis is from the 1200, but barring some mounting point differences etc, it’s the same on the Superlight. Which is part of the appeal, the chassis can handle more than the engine, or I, could ever expect from it!
Here’s the pics...

New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
New Norton 650 Superlight
 
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Fast Eddie said:
Rob then proceeded to take my credit card deposit on a new Superlight. I just couldn’t help myself. I’m not sure where I’ll put it, or what I’m gonna tell the Missus, but I’ll worry about this later.
Click to expand...

Nigel,

There are probably a number of forum members who will allow you to keep it in their garage, just until you tell your Missus of course.
 
I find myself mesmerized just looking at the footpeg brackets and mounts.
The way they are attached to the frame makes me think of radial brake caliper mounts.
Really a thing of beauty but smart design too.
 
I'm thinking the swing arm pivot looks to be adjustable also.
That is well worthwhile . . .
 
Very nice, the superlight is certainly catching the eye of those who previously wouldn't have looked at a Norton.
Did they give a delivery date?
 
Fast Eddie said:
Rob then proceeded to take my credit card deposit on a new Superlight.
Click to expand...

Definitely not good for your carpal tunnel issues.....
Beautiful bike though - won’t get to see in the flesh till the London show at the Excel in Feb
John
 
Nigel,

You need help with this addiction, you just need the V4RR to go with it - you know it makes sense! Under half the price of the V4 but something tells me it will be over 50% more fun, bang for buck the Superlight looks good. From what I can gather the V4 will be very good, but could the Superlight be the better bet on UK highways, its promising. I think you made the best choice.

I will need to pop up and see it when it arrives.
 
Are you going to wear the reg plate on your back or spoil the bike and fit to the rear. 'it fell off, honestly officer'
 
Thanks chaps, I must say, you’re all far more sporting about this than my wife was :oops: but, as they say, it is sometimes better to seek forgiveness than permission, and this was one of those times !

Anyway, to some of your points:

Yeah, the footrest details as mentioned by Dutch are just the tip of the iceberg, the bike is like that EVERYWHERE, just look at the shot of the fairing bracket etc, almost out of sight, and compare that to ANY other bike you engine ever seen!

I don’t know if the swing arm is adjustable or not, I’m not a big fan of having too much adjstustability at my disposal cos I find I’m quite adept at f*cking things up! And, I kinda hope that Skinner and the boys will have designed it to be ‘pretty good’ ex works.

Yeah, the clip ons are ‘proper’ but I ain’t gonna be using it for touring, it kinda fits well in the shed now I’ve got ape hangers on the 961! I’ll be using the SL for short fun back road blasts and on the track, so I ain’t gonna rack up huge mileage on long trips.

Indeed, it does seem like rather an impulse buy, but there’s more to it than that... I’ve actually been struggling with the idea of a V4RR for a year or so now cos they’re so damned gorgeous, but A) they’re a tad pricey and B) I just couldn’t possibly handle 200+BHP... not on the road... and not on the track ! So, being cheaper, lighter and having more usable power kinda meant I’d made my mind up before I even knew it.

Look, the fact the we can buy something off the shelf that’s this damned good... and it’s a Norton... and it’s British... c’mon, we only live once !!

Anyway, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating, it ‘should’ be ready next summer, but we’ll have to wait n see about that me thinks...
 
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