Motoring Echo Road Test Review
For more than a century, Norton has represented the very best of British motorcycling. From Isle of Man TT victories to becoming one of the most recognisable names in motorcycle history, the brand has enjoyed extraordinary highs, before enduring a turbulent period that left its future hanging in the balance.
Now, Norton is attempting what could be its greatest comeback yet.
The Norton V4 Manx R Signature Edition is the first mass-produced motorcycle to emerge from the reborn Norton Motorcycles since 2010, and it carries the enormous responsibility of restoring confidence in one of Britain’s most iconic manufacturers. Built around an entirely new 1,200cc V4 engine producing an impressive 206hp, the flagship superbike has been engineered to compete directly with established performance benchmarks from Ducati, BMW and Honda.
To discover whether Norton has genuinely returned to the front of the superbike pack, Richard Hammond heads out on behalf of DriveTribe to experience the V4 Manx R Signature Edition on the road, examining whether this long-awaited British machine finally delivers the performance, refinement and engineering excellence enthusiasts have been waiting for.
But outright power is only part of the story.
This motorcycle represents a complete reset for the Norton brand, featuring an all-new powertrain, a newly developed chassis, premium suspension, cutting-edge electronics and the level of craftsmanship expected from a hand-built British superbike. Every component has been designed with one objective in mind – proving that Norton can once again stand alongside the world’s finest performance motorcycles.
Throughout the road test, Hammond explores every aspect of the V4 Manx R Signature Edition, from its explosive acceleration and razor-sharp handling to its comfort, electronics package, braking performance and everyday usability. Just as importantly, he considers whether the motorcycle possesses the unmistakable character and emotional appeal that has always defined the Norton name.
With competition fiercer than ever in the litre-class superbike segment, simply producing a fast motorcycle is no longer enough. Riders now expect exceptional build quality, sophisticated rider aids, confidence-inspiring dynamics and genuine real-world usability alongside headline performance figures.
Can Norton finally deliver on that promise?
This comprehensive DriveTribe Road Test examines whether the V4 Manx R Signature Edition is merely an emotional celebration of Britain’s motorcycling heritage, or a genuinely world-class superbike capable of challenging the very best machines from Ducati, BMW, Honda and beyond.
The return of Norton has been years in the making. The real question is whether this remarkable new V4 is the motorcycle that truly marks the beginning of a new era for Britain’s most famous motorcycle manufacturer.
