Performance Review: Norton F1 JPS - [1989]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton F1 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton F1 JPS is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1989. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E and the 1990 Norton Commander Police.This particular Norton F1 has a 588cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Honda CBR 650 R - [2024]

The 1989 F1 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2024 Honda CBR 650 R and the 2022 Honda CBR 650 R. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the F1's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1995 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1995cc.1994 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1994cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Norton F1 JPS in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 1989 Norton F1 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally - [2025]

In terms of power the 588cc 16 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 90 bhp (67 kW) @ 9000 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm].

The Rotary Two stroke unit throws out torque of 57.0 lb-ft (77.2 Nm) @ 7500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC [73.0 lb-ft (99.1 Nm) @ 7700 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Norton F1 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2012 Honda CB 1300 Super Four has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1989 Norton F1 JPS.

The 1989 Norton F1 JPS has a Power to weight ratio of 424.5 bhp per ton and 268.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1989 F1 competing with the 2012 Honda CB 1300 Super Four [448.8 bhp\ton] and the 2023 Honda CB 1300 Super Four 30th Anniversary [448.8 bhp\ton].

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Norton F1 generating around 268.8 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2010 Yamaha TDM 900 A [293.7 lb-ft per ton] and the 2009 Yamaha TDM 900 GT [293.7 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.7 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.9 secs, this makes the Norton F1 JPS similar in acceleration to the 2023 Suzuki DL 1050 V-Strom DE (8.7 secs) and the 2018 Honda CBR 650 F (8.7 secs). This Norton F1 JPS also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1989 Norton F1 JPS and the 2011 Honda CBR 250 R Mugen

When talking about the performance of the 1989 Norton F1 JPS on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2011 Honda CBR 250 R Mugen (0 secs) and the 2001 Honda VTR 250 DOHC (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1989 version of the Norton F1 JPS has a maximum speed of 145mph.

Top Speed of the 1989 F1 equals the 2017 Honda VFR 1200 FA DCT

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1989 Norton F1 JPS then how about a 2017 Honda VFR 1200 FA DCT (156 mph) and the 2014 Honda VFR 1200 FA DCT (156 mph).

Related Links:

1989 Norton F1 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison