Norton 450 Urban 450cc naked motorcycle, Digi Mart USA News: Norton has unveiled a new 450cc naked motorcycle at this year’s EICMA show, using the provisional name 450 Urban, which the publisher notes is not yet the confirmed production model name. The bike is the next step down in displacement for the British brand, which has recently expanded with the Manx and Manx R superbikes and the Atlas and Atlas GT middleweight adventure tourers.
The model will arrive in two trims next year: a naked roadster and a street tracker. Both are built around a new 454cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 47 hp at 8,000 rpm and 33.2 lb.ft (45 Nm) of torque at 6,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed transmission with an optional quickshifter.
According to the source, these figures would give the bikes more power than Triumph’s 400cc models, including the Speed 400, Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400.
Norton positions the 450 as a gateway into its family rather than a stripped-back beginner machine, bringing the styling and attention to detail of its larger motorcycles to a more approachable package. The source author, however, is not a fan of the design, describing an angular headlight, exposed frame elements and busy side panels that the author feels pull in several directions.
The design is said to draw on Norton’s back catalogue, including the 1927 CS1.
The roadster runs 17-inch silver cast wheels, a silver frame and road tyres, while the tracker has black cast wheels, a grey frame and swingarm, extended mudguards, handguards, fork protectors, a flyscreen and a different seat. Engineering highlights include an aluminium frame that Norton claims is a class first, a 43-mm fully adjustable KYB inverted fork, a KYB rear monoshock, a 320-mm front disc and 240-mm rear rotor by ByBre with cornering ABS, and a target curb weight below 397 lb (180 kg).
The 12-litre (3.17-gallon) fuel tank is also noted.
Both versions are described as having traction control, cruise control, three ride modes, an eight-inch TFT touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, keyless ignition, heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring and a USB-C charger. Pricing and other details have not been revealed and are expected next year.
The source notes that the 400-500cc segment is very price sensitive, so the eventual price will be a key factor in its competitiveness.
