Launch of new 650 range

105bhp Superlight reveal tomorrow...

Launch of new 650 range
Launch of new 650 range
Launch of new 650 range
 
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That's the sport bike, very nice.
Looks like a chip off the old 1200 block. Pun intended.
How about the supercharged 650?
Damn! At this rate I'll run out of things to complain about real soon.
 
Just about to board a 9 hour flight... that’s 9 hours to study those pics... !
 
To get the environmentally cleanest exhaust, modern engines have to skirt the threshold of detonation.
Diesel CRs start at 14:1.
 
105bhp Superlight reveal tomorrow...

Launch of new 650 range
Launch of new 650 range
Launch of new 650 range
Just back from the NEC and the new Atlas Nomad and Ranger I thought look really great. Far better in the metal than in a picture. The new Superlight looks impressive - will be interesting to hear how it goes. Well done Norton!
 
Ok, I’ve pretty much studied every aspect of those photos after my 9 hour flight. Can some one please post some more?!

I won’t be going to the show until sometime next week...
 
Just been to the motorcycle show. Without doubt the new 650's look better in the flesh. Fantastic in fact, I'm sure Nortons on to a winner with them.
The superlight is stunning, all you have to do is look behind the fairing at the bracket try to see the level of detail in this machine. Frame looks similar if not identical to the v4. It would be an Atlas for me.
All stunning, very competitive time with the likes of CCM Spitfire Ducati scrambler, indian etc.
 
So, the Superlight basically has 25% more bop than the scramblers. Now, I’m a fan of higher compression ratios, but even I have to conced that you don’t get a 25% power boost from a 1.9 point increase in CR.

So I’m guessing it has to have differences in cams, perhaps ports, throttle bodies, etc?
 
For sure.
Probably larger airbox, throttle bodies, ports, hotter cams, and bigger valves. Not to mention different timing/ecu programming.
If 105 HP rating is true from a 650 twin, then I can see how Norton expected to get 120HP from a supercharged 650.;)
 
So, the Superlight basically has 25% more bop than the scramblers. Now, I’m a fan of higher compression ratios, but even I have to conced that you don’t get a 25% power boost from a 1.9 point increase in CR.

So I’m guessing it has to have differences in cams, perhaps ports, throttle bodies, etc?
Kind of makes you wonder why the T120 is only 80hp when it's the same engine as the Thruxton 1200?
 
Kind of makes you wonder why the T120 is only 80hp when it's the same engine as the Thruxton 1200?

Cos it’s designed for torque I’d say.

The 105bhp in the Superlight (or Supertwin I’m seeing it called elsewhere) peaks at 12,500rpm, so it’s a rather different ball game to the T120!
 
But the supercharged version of the 650 motor will make it's max power lower than 12,500rpm.
More grunt, lower down.
Priceless!
 
Let's hope Norton has worked the same low end torque into the Ranger/Nomad . I can see that the Superlight is not designed to compete with the Yam R6 , Suzuki GSXR 6 , Honda 600RR , Kawasaki 600 Ninja etc.. Right ?
Pure and Cheap horsepower is not game the Superlight will play in . It will be for someone who can afford to be different , more of a precision instrument . At least that is how I see $26,000 USD and 105 HP Super Sport playing out.
 
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Let's hope Norton has worked the same low end torque into the Ranger/Nomad . I can see that the Superlight is not designed to compete with the Yam R6 , Suzuki GSXR 6 , Honda 600RR , Kawasaki 600 Ninja etc.. Right ?
Pure and Cheap horsepower is not game the Superlight will play in . It will be for someone who can afford to be different , more of a precision instrument . At least that is how I see $26,000 USD and 105 HP Super Sport playing out.


Tony I think you’re partially correct, there’s a market like you describe.
But there’s also a race class, in particular, an IOM race class, in which, on paper, this bike looks extremely competitive...
 
Can you describe that class a bit ? Racing against 600cc 4 cyl Japanese ?
 
I think the supersport class:
  • TT Supersport: (Machines complying with the FIM Supersport Championship specifications
  • Over 400 cc up to 600 cc 4 cylinders 4-stroke
  • Over 600 cc up to 675 cc 3 cylinders 4-stroke
  • Over 600 cc up to 750 cc 2 cylinders 4-stroke
 
So maybe Ducati is the big player in that class ? Don't you think they should have got a little closer to the 750 cc mark ? But then again I don't know what's up Norton's sleeve. Their race bike is not going to be making a mere 105 ? Not against that competition ! Those 750 Ducatis are real fast. It could be Norton will use the racing as a way to make their product better . Josh Brooks and Mcpint riding those will be a treat for the eyes and ears . Same thing with the big bikes !
 
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