Performance Review: Norton Nemesis A - [1998]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Nemesis Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Nemesis A is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1998. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1999 Yamaha YZF1000 R1 and the 1998 Yamaha YZF1000 R1.This particular Norton Nemesis has a 1479cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 9 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

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

The 1998 Nemesis 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 Nemesis's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja H2 R 1000 | 2020cc.2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2 R 1000 | 2019cc.

Power and Torque:

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

The 1998 Norton Nemesis shares the same bhp with the Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade - [2024]

In terms of power the 1479cc 36 valve Transverse 9 cylinder engine produces 235 bhp (175 kW) @ 12000 rpm similar to the 2024 Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade [215 bhp (160 kW) @ 14000 rpm] or the 2024 Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade SP [215 bhp (160 kW) @ 14000 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 110.8 lb-ft (150.3 Nm) @ 9000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2023 Honda CB 1300 Super Four 30th Anniversary [86.2 lb-ft (117.0 Nm) @ 6000 rpm] and the 2023 Buell-EBR 1190 Hammerhead [101.6 lb-ft (137.7 Nm) @ 8200 rpm].

Power to Weight:

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

The 2011 Buell-EBR 1190R V-Twin has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1998 Norton Nemesis A.

The 1998 Norton Nemesis A has a Power to weight ratio of 991.5 bhp per ton and 467.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1998 Nemesis competing with the 2011 Buell-EBR 1190R V-Twin [1010.9 bhp\ton] and the 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja [1009.0 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 Nemesis generating around 467.7 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 2015 Honda RC 213 V-S Kit [483.5 lb-ft per ton] and the 2017 Norton V4 SS 1200 [481.4 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 3.7 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 3.8 secs, this makes the Norton Nemesis A similar in acceleration to the 2020 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 DOHC (3.7 secs) and the 2019 Yamaha YZF1000 R1M (3.7 secs). This Norton Nemesis A 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 1998 Norton Nemesis A and the 1999 Honda CBR 600 F4

When talking about the performance of the 1998 Norton Nemesis A 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 1999 Honda CBR 600 F4 (0 secs) and the 2017 Suzuki DL 650 XT V-Strom (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1998 version of the Norton Nemesis A has a maximum speed of 0mph.

Top Speed of the 1998 Nemesis equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1998 Norton Nemesis A then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).

Related Links:

1998 Norton Nemesis Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison