News
If Jaguar made motorbikes…
We’ve ridden the blazing new Norton Manx R and … it’s got us thinking about Jaguar! Here’s why…
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 20 May 2026 | 0 min read
On the face of it the Norton Manx R we're fresh from riding and the new Jaguar Type 01 we drove recently don’t have anything in common, beyond both representing the reinvention of classic British automotive brands. And both being based in the West Midlands.
We’ve still got some time to wait before we see the Jaguar in its finished form. But we’ve just tried the Norton. And there are some similarities in the way the brands are going about their respective resets. Not least the input of (seemingly) outgoing JLR creative director Gerry McGovern in how they look, and the modernist twist on tradition they represent.
We’ve still got some time to wait before we see the Jaguar in its finished form. But we’ve just tried the Norton. And there are some similarities in the way the brands are going about their respective resets. Not least the input of (seemingly) outgoing JLR creative director Gerry McGovern in how they look, and the modernist twist on tradition they represent.
Both are also powered by investment and the manufacturing muscle of powerful Indian conglomerates, and while there don’t appear to be any formal links between JLR owner Tata and the money from TVS Motor Company powering Norton there are some familiar faces with feet in both camps, including former JLR boss Dr Ralph Speth, who now works as Chief Advisor at TVS and seemingly still linked with Tata.
For those more interested in what it’s like seeing your life flash before you on a 206 horsepower, carbon fibre clad motorcycle than the corporate back-story behind it you can read our full review of the Manx R on Autotrader’s bikes page. Is it as exciting as the 1,000 horsepower of the new Jaguar Type 01? Well, we’ve had a brief taste of that already and it’s safe to say both honour the racing pedigree of their respective brands! Though, in fairness, only one demands that leather is what you wear rather than what you sit on...
For those more interested in what it’s like seeing your life flash before you on a 206 horsepower, carbon fibre clad motorcycle than the corporate back-story behind it you can read our full review of the Manx R on Autotrader’s bikes page. Is it as exciting as the 1,000 horsepower of the new Jaguar Type 01? Well, we’ve had a brief taste of that already and it’s safe to say both honour the racing pedigree of their respective brands! Though, in fairness, only one demands that leather is what you wear rather than what you sit on...
