The machine was prototyped in 2006 by Brian Crighton and is directly evolved from the racer he designed for the 1995 season. Featured in Motor Cycle News 10 March 1994, it was a projected onward development of the Duckhams Nortons which stormed UK circuits in 1994, when Ian Simpson won the British Supercup championship and team-mate Phil Borley was third.
Outstanding features of Crighton's latest racer are numerous computer-controlled functions and the retention of the 1994 twin-shock chassis layout, but with a single shock absorber on one side, taking advantage of the SPONDON swingarm's extreme rigidity. Many features on this machine are in common use on racetracks today, showing how far ahead of its time the NRV-588 was when first conceived more than 10 years ago.
Important UpdateThe NRV 588cc Rotary engine has been a great success for Norton throughout its years, and due to its success, we have now started to develop the race engine from 588cc to 700cc. Although the 588cc engine is quick and powerful, there are great expectations for the new 700cc rotary engine. As we develop the engine and evaluate it's potential.
2010 Norton NRV588 Race, UK Specifications
The NRV-588 has an advanced, up-to-date technical specification using computers to control all operations, but the general configuration is as follows:
Engine- 588cc twin-rotor Wankel type
- Fuel injected, direct spray into both bell mouths
- Fully variable intake tract to peak maximum torque between 8000-11,000rpm
- Electric water pump
- Ducted fan air cooling for rotors
- Fly-by-wire throttle
Power :
" Projected at 170 BHP @ 11,500 RPM
" Max torque 80 Ibs ft, at variable rpm
Chassis : Twin spar aluminium, by Spondon
Front Suspension : Ohlins upside-down fork
Rear Suspension : Ohlins specially made long-stroke single-sided direct connection unit
Brakes : AP Discs with radial mounted front callipers and rear 2 piston brake calliper.
Wheels : Dymag 16.5in
Tyres : Dunlop
Weight : 130kg (dry)