WMB Logistics recently played a key role in supporting the international press launch of the highly anticipated new Norton Manx R, with drivers James Bond and Lee Gibson spending four weeks in Spain helping deliver one of the motorcycle industry’s most exciting events.
The assignment began at Norton Motorcycles’ headquarters in Solihull, where James set off in WMB Logistics’ flagship Scania 770S V8, otherwise known as “T50” by the WMB truck cognoscenti. Accompanied by fellow WMB driver Lee Gibson in one of our Scania 560S’s (T24), the pair undertook a 3½-day journey to the renowned Circuito de Velocidad Monteblanco near Seville, one of Europe’s leading motorcycle testing and development facilities.
Both vehicles were loaded with motorcycles, equipment and support infrastructure essential to the successful delivery of the launch programme, highlighting the scale of logistics required behind a major international motorcycle event.
Supporting The Launch Of A Revolutionary Motorcycle
The new Norton Manx R represents a significant new chapter for the iconic British manufacturer. Powered by an all-new 72° V4 1200cc engine producing an impressive 206bhp at 11,500rpm, the motorcycle delivers 130 Nm (96 ft-lb) of torque at 9,000rpm, with 75% available from just 5,000rpm. A sophisticated multi-point sequential fuel injection system featuring eight injectors helps deliver exceptional performance both on the road and on the track.
With international media, content creators and motorcycle industry professionals descending on southern Spain, WMB Logistics was entrusted with helping ensure the entire operation ran smoothly from start to finish.
Life Behind The Scenes
For three weeks, James and Lee became an integral part of the launch programme, supporting road rides, track sessions, photography shoots and video production activities designed to showcase the capabilities of the new machine.
Each day was typically split between road-based activities and track sessions. Working closely with Norton’s content crews, James assisted with setting up marquees and support facilities in spectacular canyon locations, establishing drinks stations, cleaning and preparing motorcycles for filming, and helping coordinate support vehicles involved in capturing footage of riders both on public roads and around the circuit.
While based at Monteblanco, Lee took on a variety of support duties using a locally hired van, helping transport equipment, supplies and personnel around the venue and surrounding filming locations. Together, the pair provided the flexible support required to keep the demanding launch schedule running smoothly.
There are countless tasks that take place behind the scenes at a major international launch event, and WMB Logistics was proud to be part of the team making it all happen. From preparing bikes for filming to supporting riders and production crews throughout the day, the role demanded flexibility, professionalism and attention to detail.
Supporting Norton Dealers
During the final week of the programme, James took on an additional role supporting Norton dealers participating in the event. Operating as a chase vehicle, he followed riding groups throughout their routes, providing refreshments, assistance and support whenever required, ensuring riders remained fully supported throughout their experience of the new Manx R.
This vital support allowed participants to focus entirely on experiencing the new Manx R while knowing help was always close at hand.
Four Weeks On The Road
The project saw the team spend almost a month away from home, including 3½ days travelling to Spain, three weeks supporting the launch programme and a further 3½ days returning to the UK.
The successful assignment once again demonstrated WMB Logistics’ ability to support prestigious motorcycle industry events both in the UK and internationally. Whether transporting motorcycles, supporting manufacturers or assisting with dealer programmes, WMB Logistics continues to deliver the professionalism and reliability that leading brands expect.
We would like to thank James Bond and Lee Gibson for representing WMB Logistics so professionally throughout this exciting project and helping ensure the successful launch of one of Norton’s most significant new motorcycles.
To learn more about the new Norton Manx R, visit the official Norton model page at Norton Motorcycles.
