c.2013 Norton 1,000cc V4 Factory Racing Motorcycle SG2 (no. 21)

• Ex-Factory racing machine
• Believed to be Ian Mackman's 2013 TT bike
• Requires re-commissioning and/or restoration

In 2012, the Norton factory developed a racing bike, based on the Aprilia RSV4 engine housed in a Spondon chassis, intended to race at the isle of Man TT. Rapidly put together, it managed to have some time on the Island track in 2012 practice, but was ineligible to race that year. The following year two bikes were entered with Dan Hegarty, and Ian Mackman on board. Hegarty (on bike number 38) managed to finish 36th in the Senior TT race, but a DNF in the Superbike TT; Mackman (on bike number 21) was 24th in the Senior, and 18th in the Superbike. At the 2014 and 2015 races, Cameron Donald was the sole rider with two DNFs in 2014, whilst in 2015 he had a DNF in the Senior, but finished 18th in the Superbike race.

Rolling forward to 2019, Norton announced the sale of a Limited Edition of 200 road bike models named the V4SS, based on the experience with the race team, which was offered to the public to order in advance. The private vendor of this machine decided, at the suggestion of a friend, to invest in a V4SS, and duly paid the full amount for one of the new machines. It eventually became clear that the orders for the V4SS bikes were not likely to be fulfilled, at which time our vendor spoke to his friend who was also a friend of Stuart Garner, the CEO of Norton. It was agreed that our vendor would accept this machine, plus another racing bike (also offered separately in this sale) in exchange for the payment made. Stuart Garner duly delivered both machines to our vendor's home, in person. They have remained untouched ever since.

The machine offered here, wearing Ian Mackman's number 21 from the 2013 TT, is believed to be the SG2 machine he raced that year. Since acquisition, this machine has remained untouched, and is in 'as found' condition, with some components missing, although we can confirm that the engine turns over. It is fitted with carbon wheels, ISR front and rear brake calipers, Ohlins front forks, and Ohlins rear shock absorber. It carries Mackman's racing number from 2013, his nickname 'Mackers' decal on the screen, plus Cosworth decals, together with a 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed participant's sticker bearing the number 115, where it was ridden by Leon Camier, and later also paraded at the Classic TT. On one of these occasions, it was also paraded by Mick Grant. Later machines were ridden at the TT from 2014 to 2019 by other riders, such as Cameron Donald, Dave Johnson, Josh Brookes, and John McGuiness.

As this motorcycle was not a working machine when acquired by the vendor, and it is
evident from inspection that it is not presently operable, and not 'race ready' in any way, we must emphasise that the machine will need to undergo a thorough recommissioning process by someone familiar with the marque and/or racing machines, before running or returning to the track, and potential purchasers should satisfy themselves as to the condition, history, and authenticity of the bike prior to bidding.

That being said, anyone who witnessed these iconic machines hurtling around the Isle of Man TT course, with their visceral exhaust note, could only be thrilled at the prospect of potentially owning one to ride, parade or race for themselves.

We have consulted sources with knowledge of these machines, who advise us that the original TT bodywork from bike no. 21 was removed straight after the TT, and preserved for display purposes. It also transpires that, as is so often the case with racing bikes, soon after the TT several parts would have been removed from the machine for use on other machines. This includes the engine, which is thought now to be a stock RSV4 engine. The swingarm appears period-correct, and retains the correct linkage and rear shock. The BST carbon fibre wheels appear correct for the period. The forks, yokes and brake calipers appear to be of the correct specification. The fuel tank appears to be correct specification. The rearsets and exhaust appear to be of the correct type. The ECU and dashboard appear correct, and the wiring harness looks broadly consistent with the period build. Some of the components of this bike may possibly have come from bike no.38.

Documentation comprises a chronology of events by the owner, some copy emails and a copy invoice.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the track and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.

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