Motorcycle specifications NortonSuperlight 650 2019 A cheetah on the loose

It was thought that the 600 SuperSport market was on the way out, with the R6 and F3 675 spinning its last dreams. Then the 636-scented ZX6-R came back... The CBR 650 became more racy... Aprilia looks to the future with the RS 660 concept... It would seem that medium-displacement sportbikes aren't all that out of fashion; the category is evolving, gradually forgetting about competition.
But that doesn't mean it's abandoning the sport, even the tough stuff, as the Norton 650 Superlight proves. The British manufacturer is offering a little sister to its 1200 V4 RR, and this little lady has a lot to say.

in terms of performance and engineering, there's plenty to drool over. It's a pity that the Superlight doesn't have a more personal look, to assert its differences. The design will appeal to everyone, however, and is virtually a copy-and-paste of the V4. Beautiful English curves, a frisky look, a single-arm and all-carbon cladding - the eye-catching effect is in full effect.
But that's just a prelude. This Superlight is a real little terror, worthy of Norton's sporting stamp.

just by its engine alone. A 650 cm3 parallel twin, first seen on the Atlas Nomad and Ranger. To put it simply, Norton has cut its 4-cylinder engine in half to create a compact, spirited and surprising powerplant. The Scrambler already boasts a surprising 84 hp. In the sports bike, it's got a real kick. An increased compression ratio, some applied engine engineering work, and power climbs to 105 hp at 12,500 rpm. Outstanding! With the same engine architecture, a Ninja 650 spits out 68 hp; a 790 Duke needs 790 cm3 to send out the same steam. Torque is equally impressive, at 7.7 mkg.
The British twin will more than dominate the proceedings. It promises to be exhilarating.

encapsulated in a tubular steel frame, the engine can count on a host of quality peripherals to transform its verve into efficiency on the road and track. The beauty will be like a connecting rod in 100% synthesis. Norton offers only the finest, top-quality, desirable components. The 43 mm upside-down forks come from Öhlins, a NIX 30 working in conjunction with a TTXGP monoshock, also from Sweden. These top-of-the-range components can be adjusted from anywhere. The brakes are worthy of a big hypersport, with Brembo M50 4-piston calipers and 330 mm discs. Excessive for a bike weighing just 158 kilos dry. The Superlight will be digging furrows in front of it before it gets to grips with its braking capabilities. The rear features a 245 mm disc with a 2-piston caliper.
In addition to its featherweight, the British bike should be extremely lively, with a wheelbase under 1,400 mm, a 24.2° spine angle and BST carbon wheels. For those who like to fine-tune the chassis, the swingarm pivot point and steering column angle are adjustable.

like all modern sports bikes, the Superlight is heavily loaded with electronics. It features a handsome 7-inch TFT instrument panel, a shifter, three riding modes (Road - Sport - Pro Race), a 6-axis IMU inertial unit, traction control, anti-wheeling, assisted start, ABS and LED lights.

norton's offering is a fine toy and tool in one. With a noble objective: to enter and win the Tourist Trophy, in the Supertwin category where the Paton S1-R is making a name for itself. At a price worthy of its name and equipment. To take possession of it, you'll need to spend £19,950, or around €22,500. Add to that a series of compulsory taxes, and the Superlight will put a dent in your bank account for years to come. Or a little more, if you're tempted by the optional exhaust - lots of titanium, recalibrated mapping, 6 kilos less and 6 horsepower more.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos