1992 Norton Interplus
1992 Norton Interplus
Sports bike with a secret
Aggressively styled, brightly colored and deceptively fast, the Norton Interplus hid a guilty secret. The limited edition sports machine was based on the Interpol II – the air-cooled rotary that Norton produced for’ police forces throughout Britain in the 1980s.
Gamekeeper Turned Poacher
The Interplus was the creation of two motorcycling businessmen, who bought a series of police Nortons and turned them from gamekeeper to poacher. Although heavier and less sophisticated than Norton’s own F1 rotary sportsters, the Interplus was fast, neatly engineered and much cheaper than the official factory machines.
Stripped for Action
The Norton’s transformation started with the police bike being stripped of its uniform, after which the pressed-steel frame was overhauled, the Marzocchi forks refurbished, other parts including wheels powder-coated and the Brembo discs skimmed to save weight. A fiberglass half-fairing and tank-seat unit gave the Interplus its new identity, and with a new exhaust system, helped reduce weight considerably to a respectable 400 lb. Norton’s air-cooled rotary motor produced 85hp, enough to send the Interplus spinning to a top speed of 130 mph with eerie smoothness. Although the tall Interplus revealed its age with a crude chassis and slow steering, its stability and generous fairing allowed easy cruising at a speed that would not have amused the bike’s previous pilots. Given Norton’s problems with their expensive Fl models, perhaps this was the sports bike the factory should have produced.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 558cc air-cooled twin-chamber rotary
Power Rating: 85 hp @ 9000 rpm
Fuel System: 2×38mm SU carburetors
Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: Marzocchi telescopic forks (front); twin Koni shocks (rear)
Brakes: twin Brembo discs (front); single disc (rear)
Wheels: 18 inch cast alloy (front & rear)
Weight: 400 lb
Maximum Speed: 130 mph
The lnterplus has a totally different look from the Interpol police hike, thanks to new bodywork and a half-fairing that leaves Norton’s unique rotary engine in full view.
This and many other Atlas Editions Classic Motorcycle cards are available for purchase.
