A Closer Look at the 2019 Norton 4SS
Norton is the manufacturer of the Aston Martin of motorcycles and their new version of the TT racer for 2019 is a highly anticipated model that is well deserving of a closer look and discussion of its attributes. The Norton V4 SS is the road version of the superbike that brings the thrill of the sport to your commute and road trips. It’s not as fast as the Ducati Panigale V4, but that isn’t the point of the V4SS. It’s more about the handling and the good feeling along with the sexy stunning looks of their prestigious racer in street legal form.
A glance at the power
The new Norton is powered with a 1200cc engine that cranks out 200 hp with a fuel rating of 32 mpg and a full tank range of 120 miles. It’s a powerful bike that delivers on torque and quick acceleration with a decent rev. For such a fast accelerating bike it’s amazingly stable, but maneuvering corners on tight roads will require some discretion. It’s more a case of taking them at a safe speed than cornering because the handling is excellent, but let’s be practical here. Two hundred horses can be tough to hold back.
Other noteworthy features
The frame of the Norton V4SS is highly polished and the detailing is remarkable. The Norton logo is engraved into each bolt. The bike is equipped with keyless ignition and the color dash is high definition with a rear view camera for all the tech your little heart desires. It also comes equipped with the traditional mirrors but with the flip of a switch, the camera transmits images to the miniature TV on the dash that shows you clearly what is in back of you. You also have the option of changing the language for the screen display. Did we forget to mention that there are also three riding modes and each has a specific screen display? It’s fully packed with technology.
The good and the not so good
This bike is brimming with all the power and speed you could want and that’s a good thing until it comes to the fuel economy. It’s not a light sipper and you’re only going to average 32 mph but for many this is a trade off that they don’t really mind. The bike is a TT derivative so this is to be expected. At least its been modified for street legal status. In British pounds the bike will retail for 44,000.
Is this the perfect bike?
Not quite. There have been a few issued identified off the bat. The chassis is credible and the bike is comfortable and well-mannered and it’s fast. The sound and aesthetics are supremely pleasing. It’s a beautiful bike and it’s a treat to ride but perfect? Not unless you like a heavy clutch. This was one of the first drawbacks identified and the fuel consumption isn’t ideal either.
To ride or not to ride?
It’s assumed that there will be two types of buyers for the new 2019 Norton V4SS. Since there will only be 200 of them issued this beautiful bike will either end up in the showroom of serious collectors and remain unridden or those who are buying it for the thrill will ride the hell out of it. You can expect the insurance on the bike to be skyward as well. It’s worth a lot of money and replacement cost is a factor that your agent and underwriter is certain to take into consideration.Even if it’s sitting parked in a showroom, it’s still something you’ll want good coverage for.
Final thoughts
This bike is a derivative of a proven racer with a reputation for high performance. The details are nothing short of exquisite and when you get right down to it, the intention is not to deliver a bike that has to be ridden to show it off, it’s more about its rarity and value as a fine collectible. The new 2019 Norton V4SS is a beauty that offers the best of both worlds but you’ll have to decide whether to ride that bike or keep it safe and pristine to preserve its value as a collectible, which we must add is almost certain to increase with the passage of time.
