www.motorcyclenews.com WEDNESDAY MAY 8, 2013. £2.10 ‘MARQUEZ DID NOTHING WRONG’ Jerez MotoGP: Riders back hard-charging rookie NORTONGET THE INSIDE LINE EVERY WEDNESDAY NEW BMW GS 800 now offers TT PLANS REVEALED Adventure too FOUR-PAGE SPECIAL REPORT QThe Bikes QThe Team QThe Riders Tested: Ducati Hyperstrada Most practical mad bike yet!

OLD V NEW FJR1300 SCHWANTZ BSB COMEBACK SPECIAL See full details, page 81 Shakey crash opens up title www.motorcyclenews.com

02 08/05/2013 NEWS EVERY DAY AT MOTORCYCLENEWS.COM

First look at the machine Norton will race at the Senior and Superbike TT next month Everything you need to know from seven days in biking

ISLE OF MAN TT Norton’s TT bike is a quantum leap The return of Norton to our roads has, at times, been a difficult one. The return of Norton to the roads of the Isle of Man has, arguably, been harder still. But the manful groans of lust-laden appreciation that reverberated around the offices of MCN this week as we first clapped eyes on the new Norton TT race bike suggest that they’ve certainly succeeded in making it look the part. If noise alone could get you a trophy on the island, then the aural assault from the unsilenced 200bhp motor would doubtless result in some silverware, too. But the reality is that this bike is unlikely to propel Norton CEO Stuart Garner’s dreams to WORLD a podium result. So what are its chances? FIRST > Read the exclusive on the team and bike – p8 SHOTS

MCN READER OFFER and entry to the Friday of the Classic MOVE TO AUSTRIA would be a tenner. £10 off Donington ■ To take advantage of this incredible Husqvarna closes ticket offer go to www.donington- WSB tickets! park.co.uk or phone 0844 8737343. Varese factory Donington Park is offering MCN readers Three months after being sold by BMW a red hot deal on 2013 WSB tickets. it has been reported that Husqvarna’s Order your weekend or Sunday, May factory in Varese, Italy, is to be closed 26 tickets online using the offer code with all production moving to Austria. MCNDP13 where prompted and you’ll The shock move comes weeks after not only receive £10 off each ticket its new owners visited the plant and ordered but you’ll also get a Friday follows assurances that the facility Industries AG, a company owned by had been based in Varese since being ticket for the all-new Donington would remain open. KTM boss Stefan Pierer (above right). bought by Cagiva in 1986. The firm was Classic Motorcycle Festival on August 9 The closure was confirmed by former It’s believed production will resume at sold to BMW in 2007 with the German TOTALLY FREE! Weekend adult tickets press officer Martino Bianchi and one of KTM’s Austrian plants. firm reported to have spent millions are normally £52, Sunday tickets £42, comes after the firm was sold to Pierer Husqvarna, originally from Sweden, revamping the Italian facility.

BIKES IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK Grab a Burger-van... The new 2013 Burgman 650 ABS Executive is now in dealers. The £8799 Win your money back maxi-scooter boasts heated rider and KTM will be refunding the cash price of pillion seats, over 50 litres of storage, one bike to a UK rider this month. Book a three drive modes, heated grips, test ride during May and go on to purchase electronically adjustable screen and a KTM and you could be a winner. fold-in mirrors.

Two brothers go racing Tai fusion Crew cut Two brothers from a small Spanish A Taiwanese industrial design Belgian builders, First Notion stripped village customised this 1977 Kawasaki student based this concept on the their Yamaha SR250 to create this cafe KZ750 to meet an off-road challenge. trellis structure of old seaplanes racer. The tank was replaced with a They produced the bodywork from cast using a Honda Super Cub 90. In Yamaha RD50 item, a custom exhaust aluminium, designing the fenders, side case you’re wondering, the middle was fitted along with Brembo brakes. covers and tank themselves. bit is the fuel tank. www.motorcyclenews.com 08 FOCUS

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Norton’s IOM TT History Norton vowed to return when it was Norton boasts Isle of Man TT history dating ready with a more reliable bike. It took back to 1907 and including the legendary another two years but last year the British 1992 win in the hands of Steve Hislop but team returned with the Aprilia-engined the newly reborn and British-owned firm SG1 which had a Spondon frame and was returned to the famous 37.73-mile course ridden by Ian Mackman. Niggling issues in 2009 with the 588cc rotary NRV with prevented the bike getting enough test time Irish road racing star Michael Dunlop. The and the bike was put together at the last bike was hardly changed from the old minute. It still managed a 115mph average bikes that were racing years previously speed on its fastest lap. The Senior race and it was dogged by reliability issues with was cancelled because of bad weather. The Dunlop unable to complete a single lap. bike completed a parade lap – but everyone The bike never raced that year. has high hopes for 2013. MARK MANNING www.motorcyclenews.com

BUYING & THE WEEK FOCUS COMMENT SELLING EVENTS SPORT 02-06 08-35 36-39 41-76 77-79 80-92 08.05.2013 WEDNESDAY 09 NORTON’S02.05.2013 WORLD EXCLUSIVE

12 14 TT BIKE 13 REVEALED The Norton V4 that will tackle the Senior and Superbike Isle of Man TT races is virtually new from the ground up

By Andy Downes real in three weeks’ time. WHAT’S Boss Garner is adamant the TT is orton is putting the fin- vital to Norton – not just to honour ishing touches to the first THE STORY? the marque’s heritage but to secure of two V4 racers that will the future development of the firm. contest the 2013 Isle of ■ Norton was brought back He added: “We took some stick last Man TT in just three into British hands in 2009. year because people weren’t happy that N weeks, with virtually After two previous attempts, we were using an Aprilia engine and a every part of the bikes Norton is back at the TT in just Spondon chassis. But we always said it being new for this year. a few weeks with two almost was a learning year and there was no The team hope the two unsilenced completely new 1000cc V4 way I was going to spend a lot of money 200bhp monsters will be good enough bikes, two riders and a bundle for what we knew was just a chance for to bring credible results for the team, of determination to make this us to see what it was all about. after a difficult 2012 campaign where the start of a new racing era for “That’s one of the things about the bike’s planned race debut was the firm. Norton that people don’t seem to un- scuppered by the cancellation of the derstand. We don’t spend money on Senior race. The V4s will be ridden by things we don’t need. I spend the Ian Mackman, who rode the bike last money like it’s my own for a very good year, and new recruit Dan Hegarty. reason... it bloody well is!” This year will be the second time the iconic British brand has competed with Norton’s not going to a bike powered by a 1000cc V4 that’s win, so why race? essentially an Aprilia RSV4 superbike Norton knows full well it’s not going engine. Last year’s event was a test and to win the race this year but that’s not data gathering process, but Norton are the point of making another go of it. looking to make progress this year. Garner explained: “The foremost reason The new SG2 model has a host of is that we are all bikers and we love it. modifications over the first-generation There wouldn’t be any way of going to SG1, with all changes gleaned from the the TT, with all of the work and time

huge learning curve the team experi- INTL. PRESS PACEMAKER that has to go into it, otherwise. The enced during last year’s event. Ian Mackman’s hopes of a 2012 TT second is the chance to try out new The bike has an all-new chassis replica were thwarted by the rain engineering things that will be of use with redesigned swingarm and Öh- to Norton as the brand continues to lins suspension that can run in pas- expand and develop into the future. sive, semi-active or even fully active promised ourselves we would be back. “The TT and racing in general is a modes. Norton has also worked to We also said there was no way we were fantastic proving ground and there improve aerodynamics, increase fuel going to leave it as late as last year to be are advantages in taking part for that capacity and have introduced an F1- ready and to some degree we have done reason. The active/semi-active suspen- derived electronics control system for that right. We are massively ahead of sion we are developing and the new 5. Name: Joe Adams 10. Name: Johnny Cusack the engine. where we were this time last year, the ISR brakes are a good example of this. THE TEAM Job: Overseas sales Job: Mechanic Norton boss Stuart Garner and head bike is much more developed, the team “The third reason to go is commer- of design Simon Skinner gave MCN an is clearer about what we need to do and cial. The TT allows us to have a huge 1. Name: Simon Marshall 6. Name: Ian Morgan 11. Name: Arthur Reeves exclusive look at the bike as it was put we have a series of short circuit tests amount of global exposure and it allows Job: Mechanic Job: Mechanic and test rider Job: Mechanic together with a fairing for the first to get the bike even better.” us to get some money back from selling 2. Name: 7. Name: Dom Murfin 12. Name: Sean Kynnersley Aaron Astbury time last week. They explained why Norton will run track tests in the merchandise. I have always said racing Job: Job: Mechanic Job: Mechanic Mechanic they were back for more at the TT, the UK at , and can only happen if it costs nothing to 8. Name: 13. Name: 3. Name: Jez Tyson Simon Skinner Darren Sharpston changes they have made to the bike Donington Park, which is next door to the factory. I’m not going to bankrupt Job: Job: Job: Mechanic Head of design Mechanic and what they are expecting from its factory. This year it will also have the the factory by going racing, now or 4. Name: Stuart Garner 9. Name: Paul Raven 14. Name: Mark Butler the 2013 TT. time to take part in a test around the ever. We have three title sponsors for Job: Norton owner Job: Mechanic Job: Mechanic Garner said: “As we were head- Isle of Man course before the practice this year, which is a nice place to be.” ing back from the TT last year we all and racing fortnight commences for Continued over www.motorcyclenews.com

10 FOCUS NORTON V4 WORLD EXCLUSIVE

Tech analysis: Norton V4 spec sheet highlights

RAM-AIR SCOOPS AERODYNAMICS BRAKES ELECTRONICS ENGINE CHASSIS Redesigned from last year A lot of work has been New for the 2013 bike Cosworth developed this Essentially this is an Completely redesigned with new twin ram-air done on the fairing to are Swedish-made ISR dashboard for F1 but it Aprilia RSV4 999cc V4 tubular alloy chassis scoops mounted either improve aerodynamics, brakes, which have has been tailored for bike superbike engine making designed and built with side of the front of the engine cooling and also enormously powerful applications. It uses bespoke around 200bhp, but Norton the primary aim of making fairing. While they’re not as to provide more wind six-piston calipers at the Norton electronics that has modified and changed the bike more adjustable good as one large central protection for the riders. front with a pair of 320mm control everything from the an undisclosed number so it can be tweaked to duct, they are a lot more Last year, Ian Mackman discs. These replace the ride-by-wire throttle to the of internals as it seeks to suit the ultra-demanding efficient at getting air was having to slow down Brembos used on the bike fuelling, ignition and overall carry on development of TT course. The range into the airbox than last so he could see where he last year. At the back is a mapping. The system has the its own V4 for the future. of adjustments include year’s bike, which had one was going because the 260mm disc with a four- capability for fully integrated Norton is not releasing including fork offset and central scoop and two fairing wasn’t big or tall piston caliper. The range traction control software. any details of the internal ride height. additional ones on the top enough, and he was being of adjustability in the ISR It’s not going to be used yet – changes to the engine, of the fairing cowl. Note the battered and exhausted by units is wide (see detail but it does make the system which is managed by their enormous screen bubble. the wind-blast. picture 3, right). more future proof. own electronics package. ‘What we learnt last year created this bike’ Last year’s steep learning curve has shaped the 2013 Norton TT machine

Norton design boss Simon first time in an MCN world exclu- suspension that can run as traditional has been working on the internals as Skinner and his small team of sive, are an almost completely new passive suspension, semi or even fully Norton learns lessons it can use in its engineers, designers and me- bike that has been created as a re- active mode where it links with a GPS own V4 engine project, which is still chanics sat down the week after sult of what the team and rider Ian unit to adjust the suspension as the bike underway. the 2012 TT and sifted through Mackman learnt. Norton has designed travels around the TT course. Skinner said: “This has always been notes and reams of computer a new tubular alloy chassis that’s built The aerodynamics have been a three or four-year plan for us and data to work out what a bike by Norton-owned company Spondon. changed with a new fairing feeding the first year was nothing more than would need for the 2013 TT. The bike has a longer swingarm, a big- air to a modified Aprilia RSV4 999cc a learning time. This second attempt The results, seen here for the ger hand-built fuel tank and Öhlins V4 superbike engine. For 2013 the team allows us to go with all that we have www.motorcyclenews.com

BUYING & THE WEEK FOCUS COMMENT SELLING EVENTS SPORT 08.05.2013 02-06 08-35 36-39 41-76 77-79 80-92 WEDNESDAY 11

1 RIDER VIEWS What do the riders think? 24 Days left before first qualifying session of the Senior TT 2 ÔThis year’s bike ÔLast year’s bike appears to be more was an animal. stable, even without This one is not a steering damper’ like that at all’ Ian Mackman Dan Hegarty ‘At this time last year the bike was ‘It’s been a great test so far. a real handful, especially over We have a nice general bike to the bumps. This year I have not start with and we have been even noticed them. It’s a massive concentrating on setting up relief that there has been a big the electronics, working on the step forward. The bike feels like a damping and it all seems to motorcycle that needs setting up be going in the right direction. 3 rather than a complete make-over. I heard last year’s bike was an Every change we make is improving animal to ride; this one is not the bike and it appears to be much like that at all. It’s nice to be more stable overall and we haven’t associated with the Norton even got a steering damper fitted brand and I am excited about yet. It’s a bit lazy in the steering but the TT. We need to sort some I would rather that than it being fuelling issues, which can be unstable. Making a stable bike turn fixed on the dyno. Right now we faster is a lot easier than making a are concentrating on getting the fast-turning bike stable.’ chassis right.’

Team mechanic Ian Morgan 4 puts the Norton through its paces SUSPENSION SWINGARM Stonkingly expensive Öhlins Last year the swingarm FGR forks and shock have wasn’t long enough and electronically controlled the team still hadn’t valves and hydraulics to found a completely operate the active/semi- stable setting for the active suspension. These bike in terms of overall are essentially the same wheelbase. This year as those used on MotoGP they’ve added flexibility bikes. They allow three to the old 580mm modes of use, being able to swingarm, and now boast 1. F1-derived dashboard developed by Cosworth deliver simple old fashioned a dragbike-rivalling 2. Notice the lack of silencer? You will when it starts up suspension, semi-active swingarm that gives 3. Swedish-made ISR brakes are works of art control, or fully active, an extra 50 to 60mm of 4. Tubular alloy frame made by Norton-owned Spondon predictive, damping. wheelbase if needed. learned and we have also built the bike making the rider slower. Hopefully Riding at the TT is all about the riders owned 50% of the frame-build- around that knowledge and data. What these have been addressed.” ‘The chassis and swingarm having faith and trust in the bike to ing firm Spondon, but earlier this we learnt last year created this bike and The biggest technical leap this year have been designed to do what they want it to do. We need year he completed the takeover that will take us forward for the next is the introduction of full active sus- them to know it’ll do exactly what of the firm. Using Norton’s de- couple of years at least. pension. It uses Cosworth F1-derived make the bike as stable as they expect. signs the experienced Spondon “There were some big lessons for electronics, a GPS satellite receiver and possible on the fastest “The chassis and swingarm have workers are able to build and the team last year and the biggest was Öhlins FGR forks and shock to change been designed to make the bike as ship a new swingarm or chassis working on the geometry of the bike the suspension as the bike travels sections of the course’ stable as possible on the fastest sec- component within two days. to make it more stable. It’s hard to around the course, and also to react tions of the course and the swingarm Skinner added: “One of the NORTON DESIGNER SIMON SKINNER explain how tough the TT is on a bike to bumps. This system can also run length is already 580mm, which was challenges this year is explaining in terms of the bumps and the speeds in semi-active mode so the damping the maximum we were able to go to to riders how much adjustabil- – and we ran out of time to be able to is changed according to the way the Skinner told MCN: “We are not going last year. This year we have another ity there is. Everything can be tackle them at the event. We learnt the bike is being ridden, or traditionally to run the suspension in active mode 50mm to 60mm of extra wheelbase changed and that will be a shock speed of many of the TT sections were passive where it just soaks up bumps until we are confident everything available if needed.” for the guys. We will have to be amplifying minor instability issues and with a spring and damper unit. works with the bike in normal mode. Norton owner Stuart Garner already careful to avoid confusion.”