India’s superbike scene is on high alert as TVS CEO Sudarshan Venu pilots the Norton V4 prototype, signaling a late-2025 launch in India. From UK test tracks to India’s premium motorcycle corridors, the Norton V4 prototype—a flagship superbike reborn under TVS stewardship—has stirred excitement among Indian riders.
Spotted in minimalist camouflage by Sudarshan Venu in July 2025, the near-production V4 previews Norton’s bold re-entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing two-wheeler markets.
Revival under TVS Ownership
When TVS Motor Company acquired Britain’s Norton Motorcycles in 2020 for ₹153 crore, the goal was clear: revive an iconic marque through strategic investment and global repositioning. Since then, TVS has infused over ₹1,000 crore into product development, R&D, and manufacturing upgrades at Norton’s Solihull plant.
“Our British brand Norton will launch later this year, and the India-UK Free Trade Agreement will help us scale faster and leverage common supply chains,” remarked Sudarshan Venu, underscoring the FTA’s role in reducing import duties and enhancing local competitiveness.
Spy Shots & Prototype Highlights
Images of Venu aboard the Norton V4 prototype confirm several production-ready features:
- Aggressive full-fairing with sharp LED headlights and integrated DRLs
- 43 mm Öhlins USD forks and Öhlins mono-shock on 17-inch wheels
- Six-speed gearbox with bi-directional quick-shifter
- Brembo monoblock brakes and a high-resolution TFT dash
The riding position hints at a track-focused chassis, while premium electronics promise enhanced traction, wheelie, and launch control.
Performance Expectations
Though official specifications are pending, the V4 inherits Norton’s race-bred heritage:
- 1,200 cc, 72° liquid-cooled V4 engine
- Estimated output: 185 bhp @ 12,000 rpm and 125 Nm @ 9,000 rpm
- Dry weight around 206 kg for a blistering power-to-weight ratio
Industry sources note that Norton’s bespoke aluminium chassis and CNC billet swingarm will combine with state-of-the-art suspension to deliver both track agility and touring comfort.
India Launch & Pricing Outlook
TVS has confirmed that two Norton models—including a flagship superbike—will arrive in India by late 2025, likely via Complete Built-Up (CBU) imports initially, with local assembly at the Hosur plant to follow.
European pricing for the V4 SV and V4 CR currently starts at €42,000 (≈₹40 lakhs), but Indian prices are expected to reflect FTA benefits and local duties, with estimates ranging from ₹80 lakhs to ₹90 lakhs for the V4RR variant.
Autocar India predicts that TVS aims for an initial annual capacity of 10,000 units across multiple models, expanding Norton’s lineup to six by 2027.
Community Buzz
Indian forums and social feeds are alive with speculation:
- Riders praise the V4’s striking fairing and premium hardware, drawing parallels to the Ducati Panigale V4 and BMW S 1000 RR.
- Some express curiosity about the serviceability and spares network for an ultra-premium CBU import.
- On X, moto-influencer @BikeAdviceIndia tweeted: “Witnessing TVS MD Sudarshan Venu test the Norton V4 prototype is a game-changer. India’s superbike fans are in for a treat!”
Veteran journalist Paul Taylor notes that Norton’s TT-inspired development ensures a superbike with both racetrack DNA and real-world usability, making it ideal for India’s emerging performance market.
As the countdown to November 4, 2025, EICMA approaches, Indian superbike aficionados should prepare for live updates, pre-booking options, and first rides. The Norton V4’s Indian innings promises to be one of the most talked-about motorcycle launches of the year.
