Two-wheeled war hero rides into sunshine

Everything about Norton Motorcycles spells big. Among a handful of iconic, instantly recognisable bikes, with a storied history to boot, it roars on to a new future today under its Indian owners

- SHINE JACOB

For bike lovers, the name Norton Motorcycles does not spell just any old two-wheeler — it’s a British design classic and a massive World War II (WW2) icon.

In the 1950s, it was a Norton that the dashing revolutionary Che Guevara picked for his journey of self-discovery through Latin America, memorably captured in the book and movie The Motorcycle Diaries. More recently, James Bond, that other quintessentially British icon, rode it in the movie Spectre.

This was a brand that seemed destined to stay on the big stage — before taking a tumble as demand and funds dried up. Today, it is being showcased as the curtain lifts on the world's most popular two-wheeler auto show, EICMA (Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori), in Milan, Italy. It marks the start of a unique brand revival script with four new models that Norton’s Indian owners hope will take it once again to the global stage.

Founded by James Lansdowne Norton in Birmingham in 1898, Norton started making motorbikes in 1902. It became widely popular as a racing bike, grabbing eyeballs at races such as the Isle of Man TT. It symbolised freedom, rebellion, and technological prowess, particularly during the two World Wars. The rugged WD 16H model stood out as a reliable dispatch and reconnaissance vehicle for the British and allied forces. The UK produced more than 100,000 Nortons for war purposes.

Its most famous models are the Dominator and Commando, while the Norton Interpol was a model widely associated with the UK police.

Most of its vintage bikes are now collectors’ items.