Last week Jonathon, Chris and Lee from the Car Barn team travelled to Seville in southern Spain, to experience the all-new Norton Manx R as well as get in some vital manufacturer training.
Jonathon will take it from here:
‘The launch of the Manx R is an exciting event and when they told us they were taking us to Seville to try it on road and track, I was excited to say the least!
Circuit Monteblanco was the venue, the same circuit used for all the global press rides (in fact they were leaving as we were arriving). The day was to be split in to two sessions; one on the bikes, and one classroom based.
They spit us into groups and we got the riding first, so straight out on track! I hadn’t ridden on track for years, so it was certainly a case of going in at the deep end. As soon as the bike fired up, I knew it was special; the noise it makes is fantastic - lovely V4 rumble. So straight onto track following my lead rider, important to show you which way the corners are going! I started in Track mode on the bike too (there are various modes to make the bike more suitable to the surroundings it’s in). Gradually, over a few laps, the pace increased as I got more comfortable with the bike. The first thing I noticed was the brakes! Amazing stopping power… Then it was back to the pits for the other guys to have a turn. Before long it was me again, this time I put the bike into Sport mode so I could tell the difference. I think because I’m not a track rider this actually felt more natural for me. I kept going faster (seeing 257km/h on the back straight) and the bike was complimenting my ham-fistedness nicely.
After that it was on to the road, with a two-hour ride out up into the hills. After pootling through a couple of villages, it was into the turns and by now I was fully ‘into’ the bike and smiling from ear to ear the whole time - the noise on full throttle is intoxicating. The other thing to note was how well the bike rode the bumps. It has very advanced ‘Semi-active’ suspension and prepares the bike for what’s coming up by sensing how you are riding. A stop for photo and some water at the top and back down the hill to the circuit. The ride down the hill was one of my favourite motoring experiences ever. Our group had got split up and it was just me, the road and a 206bhp Superbike. Bliss.
The afternoon session in the classroom wasn’t quite as exciting, I must admit, but it was just as interesting. We learned a lot about the bike and the story behind the design. It’s important to note that it’s been designed as a road bike rather than to go racing and it’s all the better for it.
I can’t wait to get it in our showroom next month and look forward to seeing as many of you as I can!'
Looking to sample the Manx R for yourself? Get in touch today to be one of the first to ride our Manx R demonstrator, coming soon…
"Aston Workshop Limited t/a The Car Barn_ is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486). Permitted activities include acting as a credit broker not a lender.
We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers. We do not charge fees for our Consumer Credit services. We typically receive a payment(s) or other benefits from finance providers should you decide to enter into an agreement with them, typically either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow. The payment we receive may vary between finance providers and product types. The payment received does not impact the finance rate offered.
All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18's or over, Guarantees may be required."
