Norton RCW588

The Norton RCW588 was a works racing motorcycle produced for the 1988 to 1994 racing seasons, first with an air-cooled version of the twin-rotor Wankel engine used in the Classic and from 1989 with water-cooled versions. Brian Crighton, who joined the Shenstone factory in 1984, developed the engine largely in his own time until the factory sanctioned it in late 1987 and Malcolm Heath raced the prototype. With John Player and Sons as major sponsor, riders including Steve Spray, Robert Dunlop and Ron Haslam brought the Norton Rotary significant success. Steve Hislop won the 1992 Senior TT, the first Norton win in the class since 1961, and Ian Simpson took the 1994 British Superbike Championship. The FIM accepted the unusual 588 cc Wankel capacity in 1990, letting Norton enter the 500 cc Grand Prix class. The road-going F1 was a de-tuned replica of the factory racer.