Production of Norton motorcycles began in 1913, and they soon became one of the great names of the British motorcycle industry, producing machines which dominated racing for decades. The Isle of Man Senior TT, the most prestigious of events, was won by Norton motorcycles ten times between the wars and then every year from 1947 to 1954.

Post war, the Norton brand was renowned for the quality of the design and handling of their motorcycle frames, particularly the Norton Featherbed frame. Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, famously toured South America on a 1939 Norton 500 he named La Poderosa (Mighty One).

A new era has begun for Norton Motorcycles. The 961/SS Commando is the first new Norton model to be launched from the all new Commando Platform. This platform is the basis for multiple models in the coming years, including the Commando, Commando 'S', Dominator, and Atlas. Each new model will draw inspiration from the past and build on the Norton legacy for the future.