Norton Motorcycles is staging a bold comeback under TVS Motor Company, with three flagship models—the Commando 961, V4SV superbike, and V4CR cafe racer—slated to debut by late 2025. Motorcycle aficionados can expect a blend of timeless British heritage and cutting-edge engineering that aims to reestablish Norton at the forefront of the premium segment.
When TVS acquired Norton in 2020, few could have predicted the rapid pace of its revival. Now, teasers and leaks confirm a three-model blitz entering global showrooms by December 2025.
The “Halo-First” Launch Strategy
TVS’s “halo-first” approach deliberately rolls out high-spec Completely Built Units (CBUs) to build brand cachet before mid-capacity models arrive in 2026. This mirrors Triumph-Bajaj’s successful Speed 400 campaign, where premium imports established credibility first.
Model 1: Commando 961
The modern-classic Commando 961 features a 961 cc air/oil-cooled parallel twin engine, producing 76.8 bhp at 7,250 rpm and 81 Nm at 6,300 rpm. Hand-welded steel chassis, 43 mm Öhlins USD forks, and twin Öhlins rear shocks balance retro aesthetics with modern performance.
Offered in Sport and Cafe Racer trims, pricing is estimated around ₹20 lakh ex-showroom, directly targeting Triumph Thruxton RS and BMW R nineT buyers.
Model 2: V4SV Superbike
The V4SV stands as Norton’s halo machine: 1,200 cc V4 engine delivering 185 bhp at 12,000 rpm and 125 Nm at 9,000 rpm, with a carbon-edition dry weight of just 193 kg.
Its hand-polished aluminium frame features adjustable geometry, full carbon-fibre bodywork, and a Kevlar-reinforced 15L fuel tank. Final prototypes were showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, confirming an India launch by Q4 2025.
Model 3: V4CR Cafe Racer
Sharing the V4SV’s mechanicals, the V4CR strips back to expose an aggressive cafe-racer profile. With clip-on bars, rear-set pegs, and carbon-fibre wheels (BST on the Carbon variant), the V4CR promises track-inspired ergonomics and a 2 kg weight saving over the V4SV. Early forum chatter praises its styling and anticipates spirited road performance.
Teasers, Leaks & Reaction
Norton’s July 2025 Instagram teaser—revealing a sleek rear taillight—sent shockwaves through enthusiast forums. Trademark filings for Electra and Combat names further fueled speculation about forthcoming models. On PistonHeads and the Norton Owners Club, riders debate build quality, dealer support, and expected delivery timelines.
Timeline to Launch
- Q3 2025: Digital teaser campaign and online bookings open.
- November 4, 2025: Global reveal at EICMA, Milan, coinciding with the teaser countdown.
- December 2025: First CBU deliveries—Commando 961, V4SV Manx, V4CR Carbon—in India, UK, and select ASEAN markets.
- 2026–27: Locally assembled 350–450 cc and 600–650 cc models launch from TVS’s Hosur facility.
The FTA’s ~90% tariff cut makes Norton bikes much cheaper, bringing their prices closer to Ducati and Triumph. This could grow India’s ₹15 lakh and above motorcycle market by 15–20% in 2026.
High-spec CBUs will function as rolling billboards, enhancing Norton’s halo effect before volume models arrive. Additionally, TVS’s technological infusion—from Euro 5+ engine mapping to carbon-fibre expertise—could trickle into its Apache range.
With verified specifications, high-profile teasers, and a clear “halo-first” strategy, Norton’s three-model launch in 2025 is more than plausible—it’s imminent. Enthusiasts can gear up for a true British-engineered triumph, where heritage and innovation ride in tandem.
