First Ride: Norton 1200 V4-SS

by

Norton has created a bike that looks, sounds and handles great. Alan Cathcart was the first person outside the factory to get a ride.

“I say, that’s a very bright-looking bike!” exclaimed the husband of the 50-something couple as they walked past where I’d stopped for a coffee break at the Fleur-de-Lys pub on the banks of the Stratford Canal at Lowsonford. “What is it?”

Before I could answer, his smartly-dressed wife in best WI garb complete with Thatcher-type handbag, did it for me. “It’s the new Norton V4 that I saw a programme about on the BBC, after they did rather well in the Isle of Man TT Races last summer. I was hoping to see one of them one day – how does it go? It looks very fast!”

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy everything MSL by reading the monthly magazine, Subscribe here.

Well, after reminding myself never to judge a book by its cover, I had to admit to Mrs Diana Williams that, yes, the new Norton V4-SS is indeeed VERY fast, and to husband Ray that its trademark chrome paint scheme is indeed VERY bright, as well as unmistakeably Norton – it makes the V4-SS such a visual standout that any of the fortunate few owners can’t help but make an impression at any bike gathering by its sheer presence, even before he – or she – lights up the engine.

You can read the rest of this article in the July issue of Motorcycle Sport and Leisure, in the shops NOW!


Advert


Enjoy everything MSL by reading the monthly magazine, Subscribe here.

About the Author