Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1545293
P126 RIDE REVIEW I 2026 NORTON MANX R Braking performance and stability from the Brembo and Marzocchi setup were the same regardless of whether traction and slide control were on or off, which is a good thing because there were no issues on track. This made for an interesting conun - drum, in that the slow steering on the street didn't seem so prevalent when pushing for a lap time, especially with everything switched off. Don't ask me how or why, but that's how it felt. VERDICT At the end of the test, I left feeling a little perplexed. How was a bike that was a touch recalcitrant on the street so much better when pushed on the racetrack, even though it was designed the other way around? I can only think it comes down to the intrusiveness of the electronics and their effect on everything from throttle response to chassis performance. The Manx R doesn't feel like a current- generation superbike, but one from 15 years ago. It requires a different riding style, one that works with the chassis, engine and electronics to gently coax the most out of it, compared to many current-generation bikes that do much of the work for you. In that regard, the Manx R is an extremely rewarding bike to experience because you are genuinely part of what's going on. It's not a bike where you just sit on and twist the throttle, you need to think about your ride and work to get the most out of it, which is a thoroughly engaging endeavor. Those characteristics aside, I think I speak for everyone when I say I am so happy to see the great Norton brand firing on all cylinders once again. Everyone loves a good comeback story, and Norton's most certainly is one. The brand knows this is its last chance at sustained success, so it has to keep putting its best foot forward. The Manx R is a welcome addition to the premium sportbike marketplace. Hope - fully we'll still be talking about the brand in another 100 years. CN 2026 NORTON MANX R Engine 72-degree V4 Valvetrain Titanium inlet valves, chain-driven cams with idler gear for reduced engine height Cooling system Liquid Displacement 1200cc Bore x stroke 82.0mm x 56.8mm Compression ratio 14:1 Max power (claimed) 206 hp @ 11,500 rpm Max torque (claimed) 96 lb-ft @ 9000 rpm Fuel system Electronic fuel injection system, 38mm throttle bodies Exhaust 4-2-1 Transmission 6-speed, slipper clutch, quickshifter Electronics 8-inch TFT dashboard, Twin LED headlights with signature DRL (Daytime Running Lights), six-axis Inertial Measure- ment Unit, cornering ABS, traction control, slide control and wheelie control, launch control, cornering cruise control, keyless ignition, Norton Rider app integration, rear wheel lift control, hill hold control, electronic combined braking, five riding modes (two programmable). Chassis Twin spar aluminum frame w/single-sided die-cast aluminum swingarm Front suspension Fully adj., semi-active inverted Marzocchi 45mm forks with DLC inner tubes Rear suspension Fully-adj, semi-active Marzocchi shock Front-wheel travel 4.7 in. Rear-wheel travel 4.9 in. Front brake Dual 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Hypure 4-piston calipers with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO Rear brake Single 245mm disc, twin-piston caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO Front wheel Rotobox Bullet Pro Carbon Fiber 3.50 x 17 in. Front tire Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP-V4 120/70 ZR17 in. Rear wheel Rotobox Bullet Pro Carbon Fiber 6.00 x 17-in. Rear tire Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP-V4 200/55 ZR17 Rake 24.1° Trail 3.72 in. Wheelbase 56.4 in Seat height 33 in. Fuel capacity 3.8 gal. Weight (curb, claimed, no fuel) 448 lbs.