Norton F1: review, history, specs

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Norton F1.jpg
Norton F 1
Manufacturer
Also called P55
Production 1990 - 1991
Class Sport Bike
Engine
588 cc water-cooled twin-rotor Wankel engine
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Top Speed 144 mph (231 km/h)
Horsepower 92.93 HP (69.3 KW) @ 9500RPM
Torque 56.8 ft/lbs (77.0 Nm) @ 7500RPM
Fuel System 2X 34mm Mikuni BDS Carburetor
Transmission Gear box: 5-speed
Final Drive: chain
Suspension Front: WP Upside-down Forks
Rear: WP Monoshock, Compression And Rebound Damping Adjustable
Brakes Front: dual disc
Rear: single disc
Front Tire 120/70-17
Rear Tire 170/60-17
Wheelbase 1465mm
Length 2060mm
Width 740mm
Height 1130mm
Weight 229.0 kg (wet)
Fuel Capacity 5.55 Gallon (21.00 Liters)
Manuals Service Manual


The Norton F 1 was a dual disk wankel Sport Bike motorcycle produced by Norton between 1990 and 1991. It could reach a top speed of 144 mph (231 km/h). Max torque was 56.8 ft/lbs (77.0 Nm) @ 7500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 92.93 HP (69.3 KW) @ 9500 RPM.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The Norton company tried to come back in business at the end of the 80's and chose something powered by Wankel engines. The F1 bike, with its simple, pure and very British design has the Seymour-Powell signature, the one who designed the less attractive Commander. The F1 has a 588 cc, liquid cooled Wankel engine.

The F1 was a road-going sports model that Norton based on its successful RCW588 racing motorcycle. The F1 was offered in only one livery: black with gold decals and grey and gold stripes, to reflect John Player's sponsorship of Norton's successful race team.

Norton F1

The Norton F1 was introduced to an expectant public in 1990, styled by Seymour and Powell and announced at a time when the factory John Player Special team were at the height of their success the new model was assured of attracting interest. Typed the P55 by the factory the development of the new model had been instigated by the head of the company, Philippe Le Roux, who recognised both the potential of a JPS inspired race replica and the need for the company to be seen to be producing some motorcycles. The stunning Seymour/Powell bodywork was complimented by high quality components such as the Brembo brakes and stainless exhaust system and an exceptional build standard. At its best on fast open roads, the F1 met with mixed reviews but is now highly regarded.

Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a liquid cooled dual disk wankel.

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 5-speed transmission.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 120/70-17 front tire and a 170/60-17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via dual disc in the front and a single disc in the rear. The front suspension was a WP Upside-down Forks while the rear was equipped with a WP Monoshock, Compression And Rebound Damping Adjustable. The F 1 was fitted with a 5.55 Gallon (21.00 Liters) fuel tank.


1990 - 1994 Norton F 1[edit | edit source]


References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

Original factory brochure (1990). Norton JPS F1. Norton Motors Limited. 

Perkins, Kris (1991). Norton Rotaries. The Crowood Press. ISBN 1-826126-062-8. 

Magrath, Derek (1991). Norton the Complete Story. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1-855532-181-5.