Not everyone can turn 125, so Norton has announced six limited edition motorcycles, a total of just 125, to celebrate its foundation in 1898. Recent times haven’t been the brightest for the glorious British brand, but an anniversary is an anniversary and should be celebrated, especially if we’re in the triple digits. Even more so when you look around and realize that, of the brands that challenged Norton in those pioneering years, there aren’t many left. In its long history, the company has been through a lot, but it remains one of the most iconic and recognizable brands, as well as being loved and respected precisely for the importance it has had in the evolution of motorcycling over so many years. So it seems only right to celebrate this milestone with Norton by telling you about these special editions of models currently in the British catalog. The limited edition bikes for the 125th anniversary will be based on the Norton Commando 961 SP, Norton Commando 961 CR, Norton V4SV and Norton V4CR and for each of them a specific color scheme has been designed that refers to a mythical model from the past. Let’s take a look at them one by one, so that we can also learn a little about the history of two wheels.
The Energette
The Energette was Norton’s first motorcycle. It was produced from 1902 to 1906 and, like almost all motorcycles of the time, it was a bicycle with an overhead motor. The Commando dedicated to it on its 125th anniversary retains its characteristic deep yellow color and brown seat. The Energette may not have been the most famous Norton, at least for road racing enthusiasts, despite Rem Fowler’s historic success in the first TT in history in 1907.
The Manx
For road racing enthusiasts, the first true Norton (and perhaps the most fascinating even today) was undoubtedly the Manx. Produced from 1937 to 1962 and winner of 13 races on the Isle of Man, it debuted the legendary Featherbed frame and became one of the most enduring racing bikes of all time, so much so that some examples continued to be sold until the 1970s to private riders around the world. The bike dedicated to him is still a Commando 961 and features the characteristic silver tank and black frame. The engine is also black, as are the footpegs, plates and Ohlins, while the fairing and chain guard are made of carbon fiber. The matching seat cover has a 125th anniversary emblem with the limited edition logo.
The Transatlantic
In 1972 Norton created another bike that became one of racing’s legends. It was a 750 designed specifically for the Formula 750 category and was ridden by the likes of Peter Williams, Phil Read, Tony Rutter, Mick Grant and David Aldana. It won the British 750cc championship, the F750 TT on the Isle of Man and, of course, the Transatlantic Trophy. From here it derived the red, white and blue racing livery that made it most famous. The Commando 961 LE “Transatlantic” that was dedicated to him now reinterprets that graphics and combines it with a black engine, black footpegs and black forks. The matching seat cover also includes a commemorative 125th anniversary badge with the limited edition logo.
A 588
If you have a keen sense of taste (and a few gray hairs), I’m sure you also remember the legendary 588, the race bike with the Wankel engine! It had a liquid-cooled 588 cc Wankel engine and was a unique machine, designed once again for racing and, in particular, road racing. From it came the Norton F1, which was essentially its road-going version and is now a real rarity. The RC588, RCW588 and NRS588 won the British Superbikes and the Isle of Man TT in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Steve Hislop’s ride at the 1992 TT was unforgettable. The Commando 961 LE “588” is dedicated to them and their characteristic black and grey color scheme. In addition to the paintwork, there’s a black engine, black footpegs, black Öhlins suspension, carbon fiber chain guard, carbon fiber fairing and gold rims. The matching seat cover also has a 125th anniversary emblem with the limited edition logo.
However, this isn’t the only model dedicated to the 588, as the same color scheme is also used on the V4SV and V4CR, making it three bikes celebrating the legendary “rotary”. The V4SV “588” shares the same racing livery, adding gold-anodized OZ Racing wheels, along with the 125th anniversary emblem on the top of the seat. The V4CR “588” also shares the same paintwork and gold-anodized OZ Racing wheels, along with the 125th anniversary emblem on the top of the seat, but comes in a streetfighter version.
Prices and availability
And after all that history and glamour, it’s time to talk cash. If you’re interested in one of the Commando 961s, the check to write is 18,999 pounds or, at the current exchange rate, 21,850 €. If, on the other hand, you’re enamored of the models with the V4 engine, the price to pay goes way up. The V4SV ‘588’ is available for £51,999 (€59,813), while the V4CR ‘588’ demands £49,999 (€57,512). If that’s not enough for you, you can always add a racing exhaust which is not road legal, but allows you to hear the free sound of the V4. Orders open on November 22, but be quick to reserve one of the 125 that will be built, as orders are currently only being accepted from UK residents. For more information you can visit Norton’s official website.