Norton Archives | Wind Burned Eyes

The Difficult History of Norton Motorcycles

Norton Motorcycles is a saga of brilliance marred by chaos, a story best summed up in rubber bushings, Featherbed frames, and 10 rounds of bankruptcy. FortNine does a fabulous job of giving the story in the video below, but I’ll summarize it as well.

It begins in 1898 with James Norton’s Birmingham shed, a curly “N,” and racing glory. By the 1930s, Norton owned the Isle of Man TT, thanks to innovative engines and sheer audacity. Yet, the company’s knack for bad decisions proved as legendary as its bikes.

What Motorcycle Is in ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ Movie?

In “The Motorcycle Diaries,” it wasn’t the silver screen that glimmered brightest; it was a metal stallion that captured hearts and blurred landscapes across South America. This was La Poderosa II, a beast of a motorcycle and a character all its own.

When you dig beneath the dust and oil stains, you find a Norton 500cc, a single-cylinder machine, humming with history. It wasn’t just a ride. It was a journey across mountains and borders, a symbol of transformation, camaraderie, and that singular spirit of adventure.

What Motorcycle Is in ‘One Week’?

In the 2008 film One Week, a Canadian indie gem, the motorcycle of choice is not just a machine; it’s a symbol, a companion, and an essential part of the journey. The bike in question? A 1973 Norton Commando 850, a British classic that carries the film’s protagonist, Ben Tyler (played by Joshua Jackson), across the sweeping and sometimes desolate landscapes of Canada. It’s not just a prop. It’s a co-star.

The Norton V4SV is Worthy of the Norton Name

Say hello to the bike that Norton should have put out years ago. The Norton V4SV is the Falcon Heavy rocket for the brand, the bike that will bring it back from the Stuart-Garner-bullshit brink.

This machine is based on the 1,200cc V4 superbike that was shown five years ago, but with TVS Motors backing it will be more than a pipedream. This bike is the real deal.

The new Norton Motorcycle Co. Ltd. is here to make its mark anew and the V4SV is the bike that will do it. Or at least that’s how I see it.

Roundup: 3 Best Motorcycle News Stories of the Week – January 29, 2021

At the end of every week, I try to do a nice news roundup of the three most important stories in motorcycle news.

This week Suzuki, Norton, and Kawasaki all make the cut. There are old names coming back and new developments for iconic brands.

Let’s dive in and see what stood out this week.

Roundup: 3 Best Motorcycle News Stories of the Week – June 26

At the end of every week, I like to look over the motorcycle news stories I’ve written at Web Bike World and grab three of the most notable or my most favorite.

This week we have EICMA, Norton’s former CEO, and Yamaha in the news with some good stories.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into this weeks biggest stories.

The Norton 650 Superlight Mission is the Lightweight TT

A twin tube chassis and tons of carbon fiber make the 650 Superlight, well, super light.

Norton isn’t joking around with its new offerings. It showed off the 650 Atlas in two trim levels, and it also has an all-new 650 Superlight, that should be a screaming-fast bike.

Norton designed it to compete at the highest level in the Lightweight TT at the Isle of Man.

It’s like a baby V4, which is what some are calling it.

Continue reading “The Norton 650 Superlight Mission is the Lightweight TT”

The New Norton Atlas 650 Looks Awesome

The Norton Atlas 650 is all new, and it comes in two variants.

Norton has always made super-cool motorcycles, but the company’s bikes are usually high-displacement, high-dollar, and low-volume machines. With the all-new Norton Atlas 650, that changes a bit.

Both new versions of the Atlas 650 have a, you guessed it, 650cc engine. They come with a surprisingly affordable price tag.

Continue reading “The New Norton Atlas 650 Looks Awesome”