Norton Motorcycles

If motorcycle names count for anything, the Norton Manx, International, Dominator and Commando are among the coolest in history. Fortunately, they also happened to be great machines. Which is precisely why one of England’s most storied bike manufacturers is now making a comeback. Based at the regal Donington Hall, Norton is reemerging with three dramatically styled new streetbikes – fully modern, of course, but aesthetically patterned after the 1970s Commando roadster, and also including a few design cues from the old GP Manxes. Officially, the models are the entry-level Sport naked bike, the crouching mid-range Café Racer, and the premium bikini-fairing Commando 961 SF. All Norton motorcycle models feature a 961cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine, five-speed gearbox, steel frame, Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes. Start of production for US-bound Commandos was scheduled for October 2013.