Épisodes

  • Norton's £200M Comeback: Manx R Superbike & Inside TVS's Hosur Factory
    Nov 4 2025

    Norton Motorcycles has returned to the world stage with arguably its most significant product launch ever – the all-new Manx R superbike leading a four-model offensive that signals the British brand's bold resurgence.

    In this special episode presented by Autoglym, we dive deep into Norton's EICMA 2025 reveal and explore what makes the Manx R different from every other superbike on the market. No aero wings. A focus on real-world torque over peak horsepower. Reductive luxury design. And a 1,200cc V4 engine engineered to deliver explosive performance where riders actually ride – between 5,000 and 10,000rpm.

    But the real story behind Norton's comeback is the backing of TVS Motor Company, India's third-largest motorcycle manufacturer. Last month, I travelled to Bangalore to visit TVS's Hosur manufacturing facility, and what I witnessed was manufacturing at immense scale with sophisticated AI integration and automation. This firsthand experience provides crucial context for understanding Norton's resurgence – this isn't hopeful rhetoric, it's backed by serious industrial capability and over £200 million in investment.

    In This Episode:

    • The Manx R deep dive: specs, philosophy, and that controversial "no wings" design
    • Why Norton engineered for real-world performance instead of chasing peak horsepower
    • Inside TVS's Hosur factory: AI, automation, and the scale behind Norton's rebirth
    • Three additional models revealed: Manx, Atlas, and Atlas GT
    • Can Norton command premium pricing against Ducati and BMW?
    • The challenge of rebuilding a dealer network and brand credibility
    • What this means for the Australian market
    • Heritage brand revivals: what's the formula for success?

    Key Specs - Norton Manx R:

    • 1,200cc 72-degree V4 engine
    • 206hp @ 11,500rpm / 130Nm @ 9,000rpm
    • 204kg dry weight (1hp per kilogram)
    • Semi-active Marzocchi suspension
    • Brembo HYPURE brakes with cornering ABS
    • Carbon fibre bodywork and BST wheels
    • 8" TFT touchscreen with GoPro integration
    • Launch: Early 2026

    Norton's approach flies in the face of conventional superbike wisdom. While rivals chase maximum horsepower and add ever-more complex aerodynamics, Norton has stripped things back – focusing on torque, clean design, and a riding experience that's engaging on real roads, not just racetracks.

    With TVS's financial muscle, manufacturing expertise, and global distribution network, Norton finally has the foundation for sustainable success. But can a premium British brand maintain its identity while leveraging Indian manufacturing? And are superbike buyers ready for a motorcycle that prioritises character over outright performance numbers?

    Presented by Autoglym – keeping your pride and joy in showroom condition.

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    30 min
  • Automotive media pioneer Mike Sinclair
    Oct 1 2025

    Mike 'Sinkers' Sinclair joins the boys in the INFO MOTO studio.

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    1 h et 14 min
  • World class motorcycle mechanic Mario Rosa
    Sep 26 2025

    Our friend and most entrusted bike mechanic Mario Rosa joins us in the studio to discuss his incredible career and dicey racing escapades.

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    1 h et 1 min
  • Special guest Chris Harris!
    Aug 14 2025

    Long-time friend and colleague Chris Harris joins the boys at the INFO MOTO studio to tell Motorcycle Trader magazine war stories, and to discuss how the Australian bike industry has evolved throughout the years - from both sides of the fence.

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    1 h et 48 min
  • Spannerman executes a kangaroo
    Jul 21 2025

    Snag, Spannerman and Spence trade motorcycle stories live from the INFO MOTO studios.

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    1 h et 21 min
  • Who the f*ck wants automatic transmissions? + New bikes on the horizon, Motorcyclist Awareness Month, Phillip Island MotoGP
    Oct 9 2024

    Snag, Spanner and Spence convene once again to catch up on our motorcycling world.

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    1 h et 4 min
  • Spencer's Tibet trip was a sh*tshow! + Spannerman's book launch and Snag's new bike
    Jul 10 2024

    After a long hiatus the boys reconvene in the INFO MOTO Studio to catch up on their moto adventures. Spencer's back from a wild caper in Tibet, Spannerman's book is finally published, and Snag's bought a brand new bike. Tune in.

    Buy Spannerman's book: https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/ultimate-motorcycle-tours-by-grant-roff/9781741177367

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    1 h et 23 min
  • Spannerman and the Stolen Bike
    Mar 14 2023

    Spanner and Snag on the old bloke's criminal past, our superhero unloads on US gun laws, our knackered roads are put under the microscope, and we make a date to delve inside the murky depths of Spanner's hidden domain.

    We farewell a legend of Ducati bevel knowledge, Snag muses on the likely future for the big adventure category and Spanner reckons he once beat Snaggy in a race.

    Oh and Snag wrongly identifies a Honda engine as one from Suzuki.

    Oh dear...

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    1 h et 10 min