2026 Norton Manx R Review | Noob’s first go on a 200hp bike!

Join me for a ride on the all-new Norton Manx R, the first bike in a new generation of Nortons engineered under the ownership of Indian giant TVS. As you’ll probably know, the Manx R is a 200hp+ sports bike seemingly built to compete with the likes of the Ducati Panigale V4 in terms of price, performance and prestige. But on its own terms. I’m riding the bike here on track and on the road as part of the international press launch, and it’s the first time I’ve ridden a bike with anything like this kind of power. What could possibly… Watch ad-free and support the channel over on MeeTV.net/midlife or follow me here on YouTube as you prefer – either way, thanks for watching! Chapters: 0:00 – Intro: be afraid … be very afraid 0:29 – Well, it’s no Panigale rival… 1:52 – Manx R prices, line-up and rivals 2:40 – Engine and power (the short version) 3:29 – Track onboard: what the hell am I doing here? 7:41 – Road onboard: a road bike … REALLY? 9:13 – Road onboard: engine and performance 10:11 – Road onboard: riding position 11:02 – Road onboard: suspension, rider electronics and handling 14:17 – Road onboard: basically like a supercar? 15:51 – Verdict: hit or miss for Norton’s new era? Number crunching against rivals, UK market prices correct as of May 2026 Norton Manx R • £20,250 (£38,750 as tested) • 1,200cc V4 • 206PS@11,500rpm, 130Nm@9,000rpm • Manx R: 210kg, Manx R Signature as tested: 203kg, both wet, not fuelled Ducati Panigale V4 • £24,995 • 1,103cc V4 • 216PS@13,500rpm, 121Nm@11,250rpm • 191kg (wet, not fuelled) BMW S 1000 RR • £18,050/£23,060 with M Package • 999cc four-cylinder in-line • 210PS@13,750rpm, 113Nm@11,000rpm • 198kg (fully fuelled) Honda CB1000RR-R Fireblade • £23,669 • 999cc four-cylinder in-line • 217PS@14,000rpm, 113Nm@12,000rpm • 201kg (wet) Suzuki GSX-R1000R 40th Anniversary • £17,599 • 1,000cc four-cylinder in-line • 195PS@13,200rpm, 110Nm@11,000rpm • 203kg Kawasaki ZX-10RR • £24,799 • 998cc four-cylinder in-line • 197PS@13,200rpm/207PS@13,200rpm with RAM, 110Nm@11,400rpm • 207kg (wet/fuelled) For more great motorbike content don't forget to like, subscribe to @midlifecrisismotorcyclist and hit the bell to be the first to find out when a new vid drops. Meanwhile, if you want to support me and watch the channel ad free come and join me at https://www.meetv.net/midlife for a free 14-day trial, or sign up using the code MidLife – following the trial period it costs just £4.99/month and you can cancel any time and watch here on YouTube as before but if you stick with it you’ll really be helping the channel and your support would be most welcome! #motorcycle #motorcycling #motorcyclereview #motorbike #motorbikes #motorbikereviews #midlifecrisis