[SubSailor]

The Norton name is back in UK from a brief hiatus.
Here's the new Norton NRV 588 Rotary Racer and they are also working on a street version as well.

That beautiful aluminum frame is by Spondon.
It's got some really nice high-tech features which you can read about on their web site. The power to weight ratio is pretty sweet as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48foOHK2tyA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDngDlIuyIE&feature=related

http://www.nortonracing.com/

 

[Twinner]

All I can say is WOW!

I'd love to go to the TT this year but I'm working... oh well.

 

[The 'Burnian]

What a weapon!

 

[SubSailor]

Supposedly they are choosing the name 'Commando' for the street model.
I would think the price will be quite high considering the quantity and the fact that it's hand made.
Beautiful Spondon frame though.

 

[The 'Burnian]

Only through relations with rotary engined cars, I'm always a bit suspect when it comes to reliability issues. That said, holy heck, do they GO!!

 

[gts455]

definately a cool bike. still considering buying an old commando and building an old cafe racer. love those bikes.

 

[Old Guys Rule]

The had both models at IMS. The street Commando bike is amazing. Carbon fiber body work and full Ohlins suspension front and rear.

 

[SubSailor]

While browsing, came across some weight specs on the NRV588.
It weighs 298 Lbs wet with an empty tank.
Given that most race bikes use a 24 litre tank, that roughly equates to 6 gallons.
And at 6 lbs/gallon for gasoline, it's approximately 36 lbs of fuel.
So that makes the fully wet weight around 334 lbs with 170 HP and 80 Ft/Lbs of torque.
Or .5 HP/Lb, or 1.12 HP/Kg.

Then I read where they are working on increasing the capacity from 588cc to 700cc.
That should be very entertaining. That should bump the HP to almost 200 HP.

And lastly, they took the bike to Bonneville where they recorded a speed of 173 MPH.
They were a bit disappointed as they were trying for 190 MPH.

 

[Mrgrn]

http://www.nortonmotors.co.uk/Rotary Racing.htm

 

[fishfire]

I need one immediately!

 

[mayfiebl]

Very Nice, Love to have one but $$$