Performance Review: Norton V4 RR 1200 - [2017]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton V4 RR Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton V4 RR 1200 is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2017. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2018 Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin.This particular Norton V4 RR has a 1200cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

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

The 2017 V4 RR 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 V4 RR'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 V4 RR 1200 in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, give or take 50kg.

The 2017 Norton V4 RR shares the same bhp with the Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade - [2024]

In terms of power the 1200cc 16 valve Transverse 4 cylinder engine produces 200 bhp (149 kW) @ 12500 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 95.8 lb-ft (129.8 Nm) @ 10000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE [73.0 lb-ft (99.1 Nm) @ 7700 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 V4 RR you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2012 Buell-EBR 1190RS V-Twin has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2017 Norton V4 RR 1200.

The 2017 Norton V4 RR 1200 has a Power to weight ratio of 1005.0 bhp per ton and 481.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2017 V4 RR competing with the 2012 Buell-EBR 1190RS V-Twin [1029.4 bhp\ton] and the 2011 Buell-EBR 1190R V-Twin [1010.9 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 V4 RR generating around 481.4 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 1985 Honda CR 500 R [493.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 2015 Honda RC 213 V-S Kit [483.5 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 V4 RR 1200 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 V4 RR 1200 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 2017 Norton V4 RR 1200 and the 1972 Honda CB 250 K

When talking about the performance of the 2017 Norton V4 RR 1200 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 1972 Honda CB 250 K (0 secs) and the 2021 Honda CB 500 F (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2017 version of the Norton V4 RR 1200 has a maximum speed of 0mph.

Top Speed of the 2017 V4 RR 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 2017 Norton V4 RR 1200 then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).

Related Links:

2017 Norton V4 RR Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison