Norton Manx R Tested 500,000 Km, Gas Response and Agility Still a Record

Norton Manx R while weaving the corner. This superbike gets praise for its power and braking, although its gas response and agility are still a record. Photo: MCN.

JAKARTA - Norton spent more than 500,000 km to develop and test the Manx R. The 1,200 cc V4-engined superbike was praised for its power, engine sound, and braking. However, the results of the test on the road and the circuit still found a number of shortcomings, especially the gas response and agility.

MotorCycleNews or MCN quoted Thursday, August 13, said more than 20,000 km of total testing was carried out on the circuit. Norton also made more than 100 prototypes, ran more than 700 tests, and involved more than 50 riders, from regular users to Isle of Man TT champions and Italian Supersport riders.

Norton said the driving sensation was placed on par with performance, durability, and software as the main targets of development.

Before determining the engine specifications, Norton installed a driving data recorder system on the development bike and the competitor's bike. The system records engine revolutions, gas openings, gear positions, temperatures, and other data during 218,000 km of use.

The results show that more than 98 percent of driving time takes place from low engine revs to 7,000 rpm. Therefore, Norton chose to produce a boost that is easier to use in everyday use, rather than just chasing peak power.

The 1,200 cc V4 engine with a 72-degree angle is claimed to produce 206 bhp at 11,500 rpm and 96 lb.ft or about 130 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm. As much as 77 percent of its torque is available from 5,000 rpm.

For comparison, the Ducati Panigale V4 produces 213 bhp at 13,500 rpm, while the BMW S1000RR reaches 206 bhp at 13,750 rpm.

"If you ask riders to believe in a new superbike from Norton, you have to provide proof," said Norton Chief Technical Officer Brian Gillen, as quoted by MCN.

The results of the two-day MCN test using the Manx R Signature are quite strong for this approach. The engine is considered comfortable to use at 5,000 to 9,000 rpm, while the standard exhaust sound gets high praise.

However, not everything is smooth.

MCN found a slight pause when the throttle was first turned. This response was judged to be less than expected from a modern electronic throttle or ride-by-wire system.

The clutch is also considered quite sharp so that the engine can easily die when it starts running. When the engine is still cold, the neutral position is also difficult to find.

Agility is another note. Norton did not make the frame too rigid so that the rider could still feel the motor response when turning. However, the weight which is about 12 kg heavier than the Ducati Panigale V4S makes the Manx R feel heavier to control on winding mountain roads.

At the circuit, MCN also assessed that the motor requires quite a bit of physical strength to control. The wheelbase distance of 1,435 mm makes the front wheel easily lifted aggressively. Its stability is also not completely calm even though it uses a Marzocchi steering damper.

Braking is actually one of the strengths. The Brembo Hypure caliper is considered to provide braking power and a very good braking feel.

Norton tested the Manx R in five countries with different conditions. England was used for durability and cold weather, Italy for temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius, Spain for feasibility and brake testing, Austria for altitudes over 2,500 meters, and India for high temperatures and heavy road conditions.

The engine also undergoes a 100-hour durability test which is claimed to be equivalent to 150,000 km and 40 million crankshaft revolutions.

Although the test was long, MCN assessed that the Manx R still showed the character of the first generation motorcycle. Gas response, engine work at low speeds, stability on the circuit, and fuel consumption are still notes.

With a 14.5-liter tank, the mileage is said to be less than 169 km.

The Manx R price in the UK starts at 20,250 pounds. The Apex variant is priced at 24,750 pounds and the Signature at 38,750 pounds. All variants come with a 36-month warranty, while deliveries in the UK have already started.