Meet Norton’s Lightweight TT Challenger, The Superlight

Think Isle of Man TT winners and the name Norton does deserve to be mentioned in the same breath. While they have not won much in recent times at the island, they still continue to be one of the most successful manufacturers at the iconic event. Their participation in the past few years has been limited to the larger classes. However, they did not have any for the smaller Lightweight TT class. Until now that is, as they have showcased the new Superlight at the 2018 Birmingham NEC Motorcycle Live Show.
The Superlight is Norton’s contender for the 600cc supersport segment as it bears half the number of cylinders (the front half to be precise) of the larger V4. Thus, the motor is a 650cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled one with a 270-degree crank angle. The output? 105 thoroughbred British stallions accompanied by 75Nm of torque. It includes a whole gamut of electronic aids which are not just limited to traction control, wheelie control, launch control and bi-directional quickshifter. The presence of a six-axis IMU will help the motorcycle’s electronic brain process information in a much more efficient manner. You have three riding modes available: Road, Sport and Pro-Race.
The engine is a stressed member of the chassis, with a twin tube chassis setup offering the option of adjustability when it comes to rake angles as well as swingarm pivots. It uses fully adjustable Ohlins suspension and 17-inch BST carbon wheels. Couple that with a carbon-fibre fairing, the bike weighs just 158 kilos dry. That is incredibly light and thus does justice to the name ‘Superlight.’
The biggest issue with the bike, though, is that it is not road legal. Norton’s aim is to win the TT and not put it into production anytime. But never say never, right?

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