Mick on his number 16 JPS Norton
The aptly named ‘Mick Grant Special’ commemorates both Mick’s involvement in the Works Norton racing team in the early seventies and his appointment as a team member of the new Norton Racing team in 2014. Mick’s famous number 7 John Player Special which he won the Scarborough International on became the inspiration for the replica model wearing its unmistakable blue and white livery and racing decals. Using Norton’s latest 961 Commando Cafe Racer platform the factory will be producing and incredibly limited run of only 7 of these bikes so acquiring one for your own collection is likely to be a rather difficult task. As part of the purchase process owners will have the opportunity to meet Mick at the Norton factory in Donington, UK, they will be given a tour of the factory where each Norton motorcycle is constructed by hand and will receive a signed certificate and photograph with the man himself.
Based on the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer the Mick Grant special will boast the same high-performance Brembo front and rear brake configuration. The suspension is provided by a set of 43mm Ohlins upside down forks and Ohlins rear shocks with remote reservoirs. The British designed and built, dry sump, 961cc parallel twin produces 80bhp and 90Nm of torque and is lubricated via an OIF (oil in frame) tubular steel frame. What makes these bikes so special is, of course, the limited edition paint scheme and a hand laid signature by Mick Grant. At £18,715 ($28,200USD) you’re paying a touch more than the standard 961 Cafe Racer, but that’s the price of exclusivity.
