British brand Norton used last week’s Motorcycle Live event to show a surprise new model, known as the Superlight, on which Isle of Man legend John McGuinness is expected to challenge for the Lightweight TT in 2019.

The Lightweight TT features twin-cylinder 650cc machines which are almost exclusively based around humble Kawasaki ER-6 motors, but the Norton runs an all-new motor designed in house at the company’s Leicestershire headquarters. The basic design, which is largely derived from the company’s upcoming V4 superbike, is shared with the impending Atlas roadster models but is tuned for a staggering 105bhp. With just 158kg to haul around, the £19,950 Superlight promises staggering performance for a 650 twin.

While £20k might seem a lot for a 650, the Superlight comes packed with high end equipment and will no doubt be highly coveted by Norton’s passionate collectors. The twin tube chassis features an adjustable swingarm pivot and rake angle, aimed at racers rather than road riders, while the gorgeous single sided aluminium swingarm provides a home to a 17” BST carbon fibre wheel. Suspension comes from Ohlins, with NIX30 front forks, TTXGP rear shock and a steering damper from the Swedish giants keeping things in line. Brakes are Brembo M50 monoblocks, while the 18 litre fuel tank sits under the seat, much like a MotoGP bike. The whole thing comes wrapped in a carbon fibre fairing.

The standard road bike is fully Euro 4 compliant and comes with all the spec you’d expect from a £20k motorcycle, with full LED lighting system, 7” HD display, three riding modes, quickshifter, traction control, wheelie control and launch control that use a six-axis IMU. A race kit exhaust adds 6bhp and takes the weight down by an additional 6kg.

Sound like the bike for you? Head over to www.nortonmotorcycles.com and express your interest to the guys that matter!