1992 Norton Rotary F1 Sport
1992 Norton Rotary F1 Sport
Revival and domination
In the late 1970s, the famed Norton firm finally closed its doors. Norton had been started by James Lansdowne Norton in Birmingham in 1901. It soldiered on through good and bad times to create some of the quintessential cycles that have served to define what a motorcycle should be. From Norton has come the International, Manx, Dominator and, last but hardly least, the phenomenal Commando. It was a sad day when the great firm finally shut down.
Rotary Revival
From 1983 to 1987, Norton sparked a revival of sorts by building some 200-300 air-cooled, rotary-engined Interpol models for police use. In 1987, Phillipe Le Roux took over the old firm’s name and reinstated regular production with a civilian version of the Rotary called the Classic. But it was not until 1990 that enthusiasts were ready to believe what they had only hoped were truthful rumors: a Norton rotary racer had swept Great Britain’s Fl Championship, breaking the Japanese stranglehold.
From F1 to F1S
In 1990, Norton offered its racer replica Fl model for sale to the public. It was dressed in John Player Special colors, like the racer that had won the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy that year, ridden by Trevor Nation. A mere 205 F1s were built in a limited edition before Norton announced the updated F1 Sport or F1S for 1992 and limited production took on a new meaning: only 78 were constructed.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 588cc liquid-cooled rotary engine
Power Rating: 95 hp
Valves: rotary engine ports
Fuel System: SU carburetors
Transmission: Yamaha 6-speed gearbox
Suspension: White Power upside-down telescopic forks (front): swing arm (rear)
Brakes: twin discs (front); single disc (rear)
Wheels: PVM 17 inch wheels
Weight: approx. 400-440 lb
Maximum Speed: 160-180 mph
The ultimate in exclusive British motorcycles, only 78 Norton F1S cycles were built in 1992; this is believed to be the only one in the United States.
This and many other Atlas Editions Classic Motorcycle cards are available for purchase.
