Norton V4SV represents a ‘proud’ moment two years after near collapse

Norton Motorcycles CEO Dr Robert Hentschel says he is  ‘incredibly proud’ of what the company has achieved in the two years since the beleaguered British marque was rescued from collapse and now has released the new Norton V4SV.

Today [15 June] marks the official launch of the Norton V4SV sportsbike, the first motorcycle to be developed since Norton was bought out by India’s fourth latest motorcycle manufacturer, TVS Motors - check out our first ride and track test review from Mallory Park here

Norton slipped into administration in February 2020 amid a brewing scandal embroiling then-CEO Stuart Garner over pension irregularities and illegal quality control processes.

TVS stepped in to purchase Norton in the weeks following and have since overhauled the management structure and quality control process, while it has also invested £100 million into restarting production at a new facility in Solihull. 

Having initially trained its focus on fulfilling existing orders on a lengthy waiting list, Norton is now turning its attention towards developing new models.

Leading this new era is the upgraded V4SV sportsbike, a model that - despite visual similarities to the V4S it replaces - Dr Hentschel insists features ‘barely a part that hasn’t been improved on’.

“Two years ago, Norton inherited the V4 - a bike imagined on the track but born for the road. A bike that promised to blend poise, performance, and power.

“Over the last 18 months we have worked tirelessly putting this machine through our new world-class facilities in Solihull to proudly deliver on our promise to Norton owners. 

“Thanks to TVS investing £100 million in Norton, and us subsequently investing wisely in our engineering processes and brand-new manufacturing base, we have ensured barely a part hasn’t been improved on from the bike we inherited.

“The V4SV is unlike anything on the market today, by design, but its everything you expect in a bike built by unapproachable Norton. Short gearing and engaging power make this a perfect bike for the road. 

"This is the ultimate British superbike that will challenge and excite riders from the moment they get on the bike to the moment they get off. It is undoubtedly a beautiful piece of art.”

With a Cafe Racer based on a concept model shown in December 2021 also in the works, Dr Hentschel says he is proud to have got to this stage considering ‘the challenge faced getting it to the start line’.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have produced given the challenges we have faced getting it to the start line.

“Importantly, this new Norton V4SV marks just the first step on our exciting vision for the brand.”