Norton 650cc parallel-twin Superlight
All-new mid-capacity sportsbike is pure racerJust two weeks after Aprilia whipped the covers off an unexpected 660cc parallel-twin sportsbike concept, British marque Norton whips the covers off a similar offering this week with the all-new 650c parallel-twin engined Superlight.
Looking every bit the flagship V4 RR 1200cc V4 Superbike, the Superlight is powered by the same motor found in the recently revealed Norton Atlas scrambler models, with all three destined for production lines.
Like the RS660 concept is to its RSV4 1100 counterpart, the Superlight’s parallel-twin is a essentially a single bank of cylinders from Norton’s 200hp V4 superbike engine. Retaining the same 82mm bore, the stroke is increased to achieve the extra 25cc per cylinder to reach the 650cc capacity. Using a 270-degree firing order and wrapped in a package weighing just 158kg (dry), it’s is said to be good for 105hp (78kW) and 75Nm.
Despite most parallel-twins these days offering riders user-friendly commuter style motorcycles, the Superlight is pure race bike. From it’s carbon-fibre wheels and bodywork, its adjustable swingarm pivot and steering head, through to its razor sharp geometry, underseat fuel tank and all the electronics you’d expect to find on its £28,000 ($A49,000) stablemate, there’s not a lot aimed at your average commuter.
Priced in its domestic market at £19,950 ($A35,000), it’s a big ask for a middleweight sportsbike. If nothing else, it could very well deliver Norton its first win at the Isle of Man TT in 27 years, albeit in the Lightweight category.
The British marque hasn’t enjoyed a victory since Steve Hislop won the 1992 Senior TT on Norton machinery.
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