Performance Review: Norton Superlight SS - [2020]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Superlight Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Superlight SS is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2020. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo and the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder.This particular Norton Superlight has a 650cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

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

The 2020 Superlight 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 Superlight's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2024 Honda CBR 650 R | 2024cc.2022 Honda CBR 650 R | 2022cc.

Power and Torque:

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

The 2020 Norton Superlight shares the same bhp with the Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GX- GX+ - [2024]

In terms of power the 650cc 8 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 175 bhp (130 kW) @ 12500 rpm similar to the 2024 Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GX- GX+ [152 bhp (113 kW) @ 11000 rpm] or the 2024 Norton V4SV 1200 One of One [185 bhp (137 kW) @ 12500 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 92.0 lb-ft (124.7 Nm) @ 12500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].

Power to Weight:

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

The has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2020 Norton Superlight SS.

The 2020 Norton Superlight SS has a Power to weight ratio of bhp per ton and lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2020 Superlight competing with the No rows returned.

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 Superlight generating around 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 No rows returned.

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 0.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 0.4 secs, this makes the Norton Superlight SS similar in acceleration to the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ (0.6 secs) and the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT (0.6 secs). This Norton Superlight SS 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).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 1984 Honda VF 700 S Sabre

When talking about the performance of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS 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 1984 Honda VF 700 S Sabre (0 secs) and the 2010 Yamaha XP 500 T-Max (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2020 version of the Norton Superlight SS has a maximum speed of 0mph.

Top Speed of the 2020 Superlight 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 2020 Norton Superlight SS then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).

Related Links:

2020 Norton Superlight Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison