After years of development, five race bikes and the odd 131mph TT lap, Norton has finally pulled the covers off its drop-dead gorgeous V4 superbike. Created, crafted and assembled at its factory in Donington Hall, the new V4 comes in two variations; the £44,000 V4 SS, which has already sold out of its exclusive run of 200 models, and the £28,000 V4 RR which will be released for sale in 2017. But, alluring looks aside, what makes these things so special?
Well, perhaps the most exciting part is the 1,200cc V4 power plant hidden underneath that shiny chassis, which is identical on both the SS and RR. The engine has been meticulously designed to be as small as possible, meaning that the 72-degree V-angle of the engine has allowed the…