The first 588cc rotary engined Norton race bike, used for development in 1987 and a few races in 88.

The RC588 was superceded by the RCW588 in 1989.

Technical Specification

Engine: Twin rotor air-cooled rotary

Displacement: 588cc

Compression ratio: 9.2:1

Carburation: Twin 34 / 36 mm amal smoothbores

Ignition: Norton "hall effect" triggered CDI

Gearbox: Five speed

Clutch: 20 plate wet

Power Output: 135 bhp at 9,500 rpm

Frame: Spondon twin spar aluminium

Suspension: White Power upside down forks, White Power single rear shock

Brakes: Twin Lockheed calipers and rear Spondon front discs, single  Brembo caliper and rear Spondon disc

Tyres: Dunlop radials

Weight: Less than 145 kgs

The second 588cc rotary engined Norton race bike, used throughout the 89, 90 and 91 season.

The RCW588 was superceded by the NRS588 in 1991.

Technical Specification

Engine: Liquid pressure cooled twin-rotor rotary

Displacement: 588cc

Compression ratio: 9.2:1

Carburation: Twin amal smoothbores

Ignition: Norton "hall effect" triggered capacitor discharge

Gearbox: Five speed, constant mesh

Clutch: 20 plate "wet" clutch using sintered bronze friction plates and diaphragm spring

Power Output: More than 135 bhp at 9,800 rpm at shaft

Maximum torque: 77 lbs / ft at 8,000 rpm

Frame: Spondon twin spar aluminium

Brakes: Twin 320 mm front discs with four piston Lockheed calipers.  Single 220 mm rear disc with twin piston Brembo caliper

Wheels: 3.5 x 17 three-spoke magnesium Dymag front wheel.  5.5 x 18 three-spoke magnesium rear wheel

Tyres: Dunlop radials

Weight: Less than 145 kgs

The third 588cc rotary engined Norton race bike, used for the factory teams final two seasons of 92 and 93.

The NRS588 replaced the still competitive RCW588 which had been used for the three preceding seasons.

Technical Specification

Engine: Liquid pressure cooled twin-rotor rotary

Displacement: 588cc

Compression ratio: 9.2:1

Carburation: Twin flat slide downdraught

Ignition: Norton reluctor triggered capacitor discharge

Tachometer: Stack, 30 minute memory system

Gearbox: Norton six speed, constant mesh

Clutch: 18 plate "wet" clutch using sintered bronze friction plates and diaphragm spring

Power Output: More than 135 bhp at 9,800 rpm at shaft

Maximum torque: 78 lbs / ft at 8,000 rpm

Frame: Fabricated aluminium twin spar, designed by Ron Williams, fabricated by Harris Performance and assembled by JPS Norton Racing

Subframe: Composite saddle

Suspension: Front - White power upside down forks Rear - Multiple cantilever single shock

Brakes: Twin 310 mm front discs with four piston one piece Lockheed calipers.  Single 210 mm rear disc with twin piston Lockheed caliper

Wheels: 3.75 x 17 three-spoke magnesium PVM front wheel.  6.00 x 17 three-spoke magnesium rear wheel

Tyres: Michelin radials

Weight: Less than 135 kgs

Formerly known as the Roton this is the bike developed by Brian Crighton.

The Crighton Norton's ran alongside the JPS Norton team as a separate factory assisted team who carried out their own development work until the end of the 94 season.

Technical Specification

Engine: Twin cylinder liquid cooled rotary

Displacement: 588cc

Compression ratio: 10:1

Carburation: Twin 36mm Amal smoothbore carburettors

Ignition: Crighton "Hall Effect" capacitive discharge type

Gearbox: 6 speed, close ratio gearbox

Clutch: 20 plate hydraulically operated aluminium wet clutch

Power Output: 150bhp at 10,000 rpm

Maximum torque: 78 lbs / ft at 8,500 rpm

Frame: Twin spar, triple section, aircraft specification extruded aluminium

Suspension: Whitepower upside down, fully adjustable front forks.  Twin Whitepower rear dampers.  Adjustable ride height all round.

Brakes: Front: Twin cross drilled 320 mm front discs with AP one piece 4 piston caliper.  Rear: Single 190 mm cross drilled rear disc with twin piston Brembo caliper, Ferodo pads

Wheels: 3.75 x 17 magnesium alloy front wheel.  6.00 or 6.25 x 17  magnesium rear wheel

Tyres: Dunlop radials

Weight: 134 kilos