Norton Motorcycles

Norton Motorcycles
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Name	Norton Motorcycles
Founded	1902
Founder	James Lansdowne Norton
Headquarters	Donington Park, England
Key people	Stuart Garner, Kenny Roberts, Steve Hislop

Norton Motorcycles is a renowned British motorcycle manufacturer founded by James Lansdowne Norton in Birmingham, England in 1902. The company has a rich history, with its early models featuring Triumph Engineering engines and later developing its own Featherbed frame designed by the McCandless brothers, Ireland-born engineers who also worked with AJS Motorcycles. Norton Motorcycles has been associated with notable figures such as Stuart Garner, Kenny Roberts, and Steve Hislop, who have contributed to the company's success in various ways, including Isle of Man TT racing and Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The company's headquarters are currently located at Donington Park, a famous motor racing circuit in England.

● History

The history of Norton Motorcycles began in 1902 when James Lansdowne Norton founded the company in Birmingham, England. Initially, the company produced motorcycles with Triumph Engineering engines, but later developed its own engines, including the Norton Dominator and Norton Atlas. During World War II, Norton Motorcycles produced motorcycles for the British Army, including the Norton 16H and Norton Big 4. The company also supplied motorcycles to the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. In the 1960s, Norton Motorcycles faced financial difficulties and was eventually acquired by Villiers Engineering, a company founded by Charles Villiers. The company changed hands several times, with owners including Dennis Poore and Stuart Garner, before being acquired by TVS Motor Company in 2020. Notable events in the company's history include the Isle of Man TT and Grand Prix motorcycle racing, where Norton Motorcycles competed against other manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki.

● Models

Norton Motorcycles has produced a range of models over the years, including the Norton Dominator, Norton Atlas, Norton Commando, and Norton Interpol. The company's early models featured Triumph Engineering engines, while later models used Featherbed frames designed by the McCandless brothers. The Norton Commando was a popular model, known for its 750cc engine and Featherbed frame. Other notable models include the Norton 650SS, Norton 750SS, and Norton F1. The company has also produced limited-edition models, such as the Norton VR880, which was designed by Simon Skinner and featured a Rotary engine. Norton Motorcycles has collaborated with other companies, including Ducati, Aprilia, and MV Agusta, to produce special-edition models.

● Technology

Norton Motorcycles has been at the forefront of motorcycle technology, with innovations such as the Featherbed frame and Rotary engine. The company's early models featured Triumph Engineering engines, but later developed its own engines, including the Norton Dominator and Norton Atlas. The Norton Commando featured a 750cc engine and Featherbed frame, which provided improved handling and performance. The company has also developed advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, such as Carbon fiber and 3D printing, to produce lightweight and high-performance components. Norton Motorcycles has worked with other companies, including Bosch, Dell'Orto, and Ohlins, to develop advanced engine management systems and suspension systems.

● Racing

Norton Motorcycles has a long history of competing in motorcycle racing, including the Isle of Man TT and Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The company's early racing successes were achieved with riders such as Harold Daniell and Stanley Woods, who competed in the Isle of Man TT and European Grand Prix. In the 1960s, Norton Motorcycles competed in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing championship, with riders such as Mike Hailwood and John Surtees. The company has also competed in the British Superbike Championship and World Superbike Championship, with riders such as Chris Walker and Simon Crafar. Norton Motorcycles has worked with other companies, including Dunlop Tyres and Brembo, to develop high-performance Tires and Brake systems for racing.

● Revival

In 2008, Norton Motorcycles was acquired by Stuart Garner, who launched a range of new models, including the Norton Commando 961 and Norton Dominator. The company has since expanded its product range to include the Norton V4 SS and Norton Atlas Ranger. In 2020, Norton Motorcycles was acquired by TVS Motor Company, which has invested in the company's manufacturing facilities and product development. The company has also established partnerships with other companies, including Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle, to develop new models and technologies. Norton Motorcycles has a strong following among motorcycle enthusiasts, with owners' clubs and events such as the Norton Owners Club and Isle of Man TT. The company's revival has been supported by notable figures such as Kenny Roberts and Steve Hislop, who have contributed to the company's success in various ways.