Registration No: BX70 KLV
Frame No: SAYCVA429KY000098
Engine No: 00098
CC: 1200
MOT: None
The legendary Norton Motorcycle Co. was formed in 1898 to initially manufacture bicycle parts and began building motorcycles with French and Swiss engines in 1902. In 1907 a Norton with a Peugeot engine won the first Isle of Man TT race starting a long tradition of sporting excellence. Never the biggest British motorcycle manufacturer, they were always at the forefront of development with trendsetting designs such as the legendary Featherbed frame, developed for their Manx Norton race bikes, and the equally iconic Roadholder forks. The company has had a chequered past and as early as 1914 it hit financial problems and reformed as Norton Motors Ltd, sometimes putting more emphasis on design and innovation and involvement in racing than long-term stability. In the early 2000s Norton reappeared based at Donnington Park and began development of their own V4 engined sports bike. Initially using an Aprilia motor to develop the chassis and running gear, by 2017 the bike had finished 6th in the Senior TT in the hands of Josh Brookes, lapping the course at over 130mph. This bike formed the basis of the production V4SS, a 214bhp, 1200cc engine featuring titanium inlet valves, slipper clutch, 6-speed cassette gearbox and chain-driven cams housed in a bespoke aluminium chassis together with state-of-the-art suspension and brake components. The plan was to limit production to 200 models but some questionable management decisions meant the company once again closed with only approximately 60 bikes having been produced.
This stunning V4 SS is one of only 2 to have been painted in replica John Player Special team colours, made famous on the rotary-engined RCW588 race bikes in the 1990s. Any self-respecting motorcycle enthusiast could spend hours admiring the design and style of this exclusive bike, from its beautifully welded alloy frame to its curvacious carbon fibre bodywork and top-quality Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension and forged OZ wheels. Currently fitted with its Moto GP style open exhaust, the genuine silenced version is included in the sale. Ordered by the vendor at the NEC Bike Show in 2018, he picked up the bike directly from the factory in late 2019 just before its closure and is unusually presented in exactly the un-modified condition he collected it in. It was first registered in October 2020, after being put through an SVA test on the 20th August that year on registration number ‘BX70 KLV’ and comes supplied with its Certificate of Newness, Type Approval certificate and a current V5C. The vendor has not used the bike in anger but has run it recently, see video, keeping it as a collector's piece showing just 8 delivery miles on the speedo cluster and storing it in an air-controlled bubble protected by its official Norton tailored cover. It comes supplied with the original aluminium document folder containing the owners and service manuals and even the original bill of sale. A unique opportunity to acquire one of the rarest and possibly the best-looking British bikes ever made.
For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415 871189
Auction: National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands, 15th Nov, 2023
Established in 1993, H&H has sold some of the world's most significant motorcars and motorcycles over the past 30 years. Trusted by over 75,000 clients worldwide, we are the longest established auction house of our kind in Europe and the only one owned and managed by its employees.
An auction of classic motorcycles & vintage scooters taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands.
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