Norton’s Long-Awaited Comeback is Finally on Track
If you love old-school British charm with modern firepower, Norton’s entry in India is exciting. With TVS Motor Company backing the brand, Norton is gearing up to make a comeback and this time it’s targeting both high-end enthusiasts and everyday riders.
Launch Details
The launch is slated for the last quarter of 2025, marking Norton’s official arrival. The brand will start with two models:
- A flagship superbike likely the V4SV or V4CR, both powered by a 1200cc V4 engine
- A second, yet to be revealed mid-size model
Initially these will be Completely Built Units (CBUs). But Norton has bigger plans: localized manufacturing is on the cards especially for its upcoming 350cc–650cc platforms designed for Indian riders.
Target Audience
This relaunch isn’t just about elite garages. Norton is eyeing multiple layers of the Indian motorcycle crowd:
- The brand’s superbikes are bound to attract seasoned enthusiasts who appreciate rare, high-performance machines with exclusivity baked in.
- Experienced bikers upgrading from Royal Enfield or Triumph 400s
- Urban dreamers looking for a stylish mid-size retro bike
- Middle and upper-middle class enthusiasts who want something a notch above mass-market models
Impact on the Market
Norton’s entry will stir things up. With its British heritage and TVS’s Indian expertise:
- Norton is gearing up to challenge mid-size favorites like Royal Enfield, Triumph, and Harley on their home turf.
- India-UK Free Trade Agreement will reduce CBU import duties making premium bikes more affordable
- Locally made Nortons will set a new benchmark for quality, design and detailing
- It also means India is becoming a global premium motorcycle manufacturing hub
Performance
For performance enthusiasts, the V4SV and V4CR won’t disappoint.
- 1200cc V4 engine is track bred with top-tier parts like Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes
- They’re not just quick they come draped in carbon fiber and carry an unmistakable air of exclusivity.
- Then there’s the Commando 961, with its torquey parallel-twin, raw feedback and analog soulThe upcoming 450cc twin-platform bikes will focus on usable power and daily usability without diluting the brand’s DNA.
Price
High-end models will still be premium priced even with the FTA benefits. But when mid-size bikes are locally built:
- Expect prices in the ₹3–4 lakh range
- That’s in the same bracket as Royal Enfield 650 twins and Triumph’s India made 400s
- And with TVS backing expect better value and more reliability
Riding Experience
Riding a Norton will be a full-sensory experience:
- The superbikes will have aggressive riding positions, explosive power and razor sharp handling
- The Commando 961 will lean into that raw, retro charm
- The mid-capacity models when they come will strike a balance between relaxed ergonomics, city friendly power and that Norton personality
These aren’t just bikes. They’re conversations on wheels.
Specifications Table (Expected Range)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Timeline | Late 2025 |
| Initial Models | V4SV / V4CR (1200cc), plus 1 mid-size bike |
| Engine Options | 1200cc V4, 450cc parallel-twin, 350cc single-cylinder (future) |
| Expected Power Output | V4SV – Over 185 HP, Mid-size twins – 40–50 HP (est.) |
| Manufacturing | CBU imports first, then local builds at TVS Hosur plant |
| Price Range | CBU models – ₹30 lakh+, Mid-size bikes – ₹3–4 lakh (expected) |
| Key Features | Ohlins/Brembo, Carbon Fiber, LED/Digital Dash, Retro Styling |
| Rival Brands | Royal Enfield, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Ducati (CBUs) |
ALSO READ: TVS Apache RTR 160 2V Racing Edition Launched with Bold Design and Enhanced Performance
FAQs
When will Norton launch in India?
By late 2025, with two models to start with.
Will these bikes be made in India?
Yes, TVS plans to produce the mid-size bikes locally but the initial models will be CBUs.
What will be the price of the mid-size models?
Between ₹3–4 lakh, a premium yet affordable option.
Are these suitable for city use or touring?
The high-end models are track/touring-ready, while the mid-size Nortons will balance daily comfort with weekend fun.
Verdict
Norton’s Indian return feels more like a rebirth than a launch. It’s a mix of British heritage and Indian strategy. Whether you want superbike thrills or classic-roadster cool, Norton has something unique: old-school cool reimagined for the modern rider.
The roads are about to get a lot more British watch this space.
