Questions on the other Norton - V4SV

CR961

CR961

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I am looking for a sports bike, and since we already have a 961, the V4SV would be a great fit.
On the other hand, with how Norton is handling things currently, the decision is pending. There are other bikes from the past that could match it (comparing it to current superbikes feels inaccurate), but for a Norton garage, what a pair it would be.
I am very interested in hearing direct feedback on previous or current V4s. I can imagine that it shares with the 961 a certain idiosyncrasy in how it goes about its business, but in a more modern way. The 961 is the oldest new bike. I love it for that, among other things.
There are so many aspects speaking in the V4´s favour to me, but I have yet to see one in person.

What is also very special about it is that it absolutely looks like a Norton, although it has no design commonality with the 961 (actually, the vee shape of the middle part of the frame is a shared theme).

For those of you with personal experience, which bikes can you think of that remind you of how the V4s feel, sound and ride?

Thank you!
 
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No experience here. But I will say this: if I was in the market for a sports bike and had the money, I’d seriously consider the Norton V4.

I saw the previous versions up close a few times and they always looked impressive. For me, it would have to be the exposed weave carbon finish, that just looked out of this world, which was a big factor in why I ordered a Superlight I guess.

I know some will say they‘re now out paced, but IMO, when you’re up at a certain performance level, a bit more is not very relevant and other desirability factors carry much more weight.
 
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Fast Eddie said:
No experience here. But I will say this: if I was in the market for a sports bike and had the money, I’d seriously consider the Norton V4.

I saw the previous versions up close a few times and they always looked impressive. For me, it would have to be the exposed weave carbon finish, that just looked out of the world, which was a big factor in why I ordered a Superlight I guess.

I know some will say they‘re now put paced, but IMO, when you’re up at a certain performance level, a bit more is not very relevant and other desirability factors carry much more weight.
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Eddie, thank you. Very intriguing.
What became of your Superlight order? Do you have it?
 
CR961 said:
Eddie, thank you. Very intriguing.
What became of your Superlight order? Do you have it?
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I wanted it as a track bike and honestly the V4 is not what I’d want on the track.

But sadly, Norton decided to not produce the Atlas range, which is what the Superlight‘s engine was based on, so it got dropped.

I‘ve sent you a PM by the way…
 
CR961 said:
I am looking for a sports bike, and since we already have a 961, the V4SV would be a great fit.
On the other hand, with how Norton is handling things currently, the decision is pending. There are other bikes from the past that could match it (comparing it to current superbikes feels inaccurate), but for a Norton garage, what a pair it would be.
I am very interested in hearing direct feedback on previous or current V4s. I can imagine that it shares with the 961 a certain idiosyncrasy in how it goes about its business, but in a more modern way. The 961 is the oldest new bike. I love it for that, among other things.
There are so many aspects speaking in the V4´s favour to me, but I have yet to see one in person.

What is also very special about it is that it absolutely looks like a Norton, although it has no design commonality with the 961.

For those of you with personal experience, which bikes can you think of that remind you of how the V4s feel, sound and ride?

Thank you!
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Hello CR961 , Stu Bodycote has said he's ridden a V4 and can probably give you some insight. He works on them too.
 
TonyA said:
Hello CR961 , Stu Bodycote has said he's ridden a V4 and can probably give you some insight. He works on them too.
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Yes, thank you. We just actually saw it in the other thread. I am looking forward to his input.
 
I've ridden more V4SS's than anyone else....in the world (Jeremy Clarkson voice used). I spannered on them during the R&D stages, then I had to road test them after end of line inspection when they went into production.
If I had the cash spare, I'd certainly have an SS in my collection. Not the fastest sports bike in the world....my 2007 Ducati 1098 would absolutely destroy it. But, and it's a big but, it feels mega special to ride. It is also the most civilised handling bike in that class that I've ridden.....its road manners are excellent.

The Atlas I wasn't a fan of. I only rode the demonstrator a few times around the grounds....but it felt awkward with the clutch basket section of the engine protruding out far too much. Reminded me of riding my bmx as a kid, bow legged to keep my jeans from getting caught in the chain/crank
 
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Stu Bodycote said:
I've ridden more V4SS's than anyone else....in the world (Jeremy Clarkson voice used). I spannered on them during the R&D stages, then I had to road test them after end of line inspection when they went into production.
If I had the cash spare, I'd certainly have an SS in my collection. Not the fastest sports bike in the world....my 2007 Ducati 1098 would absolutely destroy it. But, and it's a big but, it feels mega special to ride. It is also the most civilised handling bike in that class that I've ridden.....its road manners are excellent.

The Atlas I wasn't a fan of. I only rode the demonstrator a few times around the grounds....but it felt awkward with the clutch basket section of the engine protruding out far too much. Reminded me of riding my bmx as a kid, bow legged to keep my jeans from getting caught in the chain/crank
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Well there you have it CR961, you ain’t gonna get a better endorsment than that…

Better dust off that Platinum Amex and make the call !
 
Could I interest you in another type of V4? One that’s easy to get and get spares for 😂
Just kidding.

I too wish the 650 Superlite would of been in the line up
 
First mock up of the full carbon Superlight
Questions on the other Norton - V4SV
 
I'm delighted with my V4SV and have put around 800 miles on it so far through the Summer. As has been mentioned, it doesn't produce 200bhp, but I would counter that this isn't necessary, or really usable, on the road. It rides brilliantly and is an "event" to take out, kind of like riding the Ducati 996 that we have, which again, hasn't got god-like bhp figures but totally makes up for it in how it feels to use.
The V4SV is a small bike which suits me very well at 5'10". You can't take it anywhere without drawing a crowd either as it is always going to be rare.
I have no regrets and its a wonderful thing to own and use.
 
Gizmo750 said:
I'm delighted with my V4SV and have put around 800 miles on it so far through the Summer. As has been mentioned, it doesn't produce 200bhp, but I would counter that this isn't necessary, or really usable, on the road. It rides brilliantly and is an "event" to take out, kind of like riding the Ducati 996 that we have, which again, hasn't got god-like bhp figures but totally makes up for it in how it feels to use.
The V4SV is a small bike which suits me very well at 5'10". You can't take it anywhere without drawing a crowd either as it is always going to be rare.
I have no regrets and its a wonderful thing to own and use.
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Beautiful bike Gizmo - congrats! You know pictures are compulsory though right?

Let’s see it in all of its glory - Manx silver or carbon?
 
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Stephen_Spencer said:
Beautiful bike Gizmo - congrats! You know pictures are compulsory though right?

Let’s see it in all of its glory - Manx silver or carbon?
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Indeed. If it’s carbon then please post posts of photos. If it’s silver then don’t bother. I’m not biased tho…
 
Yes of course, we’ve seen it before when you purchased Gizmo. Stunning from every angle - the sorta bike you’d spend 10 mins if ya came across, just looking at the construction/components!! Keep us updated on your progress with plenty of bike porn pics please.

Had a bit of inside intel saying they are busy building V4/961. As an owner, do you have a feel for how many V4’s they’ve shifted? My guess would be the V4 would account for a fair percentage of that large amount sat in ‘deposits’ on the financials. From memory, Donington sold the V4SS out straight away. Buyers may be a bit more gun shy this time around.
 
Found some images on an old phone. Here's one I took around 2018. John McGuinness being interviewed by Steve Plater, at the top of Cadwells Mountain.
Second shot obviously of John coming over the mountain.
 

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Another, this time outside the casino in Monaco....Ive got some videos I did around Monaco, only snippets though, but I need to load them onto YouTube or something first as this platform won't accept them.
 

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Great pics Stu - a little slice of Norton history!

Real pity the racing didn’t go as well. Would have been awesome to see McPint do his thing without the mechanicals letting him down.
 
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