Norton Manx R Review: Image Gallery

TVS-owner British brand, Norton, is all set to make its India debut, perhaps in a couple of months. The company’s maiden product for our shores, as it will be for other markets, will be the Manx R. It is a litre-class sportbike and we recently rode at the track and on streets in Spain. While we have already fully narrated our experience in the first ride review of the Manx R, here’s a quick summary of it, along with its pictures.

The Norton Manx R has been designed to be a friendly motorcycle for the road and capable for the racetrack, unlike most superbikes that feel uncomfortable in daily riding conditions.

Its design is clean and elegant. The bodywork is deprived of sharp lines, winglets, and flashy graphics that are common on modern sportbikes.

The quality levels feel premium, with excellent paint finish, solid switchgear, and a lot of attention to detail throughout the motorcycle.

Power comes from a new 72-degree, 1,200cc, V4 engine that produces 206bhp and 130Nm with the torque output being the highest in the segment. There’s a strong focus on mid-range performance while not compromising on top-end.

The riding position is sporty but surprisingly comfortable, with less pressure on the wrists and enough seat comfort for long hours in the saddle. However, larger riders might feel the need for more space on the seat.

On twisty roads, the Manx R feels light, precise, and confidence-inspiring, while the suspension absorbs bumps quite well in Road and Rain modes. The Marzocchi semi-active suspension offers different characteristics depending on the ride mode.

The bike gets other top-spec hardware including Marzocchi steering damper, Brembo Hypure brakes, Rotobox Bullet Pro carbon-fibre wheels on the Signature trim, and advanced electronics.

On the racetrack, the Manx R remained stable under hard braking, turned into corners fairly easily, and delivered excellent mechanical grip and feedback. Even the Pirelli Supercorsa V4 SP tyres turned out to be fantastic.

While it may not have the absolute top-end aggression of some rivals, the Manx R stands out for its usable performance, relatively more comfortable seating ergonomics, and a truly unique design.