2023 Norton Commando 961 Sport 1st Ride and Review - Does it go as well as it looks?

[@1234567marks]

First of all I’d better declare that I’m a Thruxton 1200 owner 🙂, but I’m not a Triumph fan boy I have bikes from 6 different manufacturers at present, now the Thruxton is a great bike, it has its faults though, it’s a bit heavy, the turn in could be sharper, but in general it’s very good, and this is where the Norton differs, you see it’s simply not very good! 😂 It’s engine was poorly designed at the outset and noted for being coarse and lacking in power, Garner to a very small degree tried to improve it and TVS to a greater degree have improved it, unfortunately they are working with a sows ear 😕, the only fix would be to ditch that unit and design a new one from the ground up. I hope upon hope that Norton have other bikes planned (ignoring the V4 which is never going to be a mainstream machine due to its luxury price tag), I’d really love the Norton name to continue, but it’s going nowhere with the 961, despite a very determined sales drive from TVS it’s not selling , have a look how many have been registered in the UK in 2023 😱 It’s nice looking but is let down by poor engineering, and some random parts (switchgear etc), I’ve ridden 3 of these and they all vibrated like jackhammers and felt underpowered, it is nowhere near good enough for the price, please Norton bring something else out before it’s too late!!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

A supberly written reply! Thank you. Hopefully others will read this and learn... Happy New Year!

[@benkelly2190]

Wow! I feel your disappointment, like you I loved the old commandos and really wanted this to be a great bike! It’s pretty sad it rides like such a dog. But, while looks are Important in this class, it really needs to ride well too. I’m still on my speed triple RS 2018, love it..maybe a speed twin in the future. A good sound review cap, well done.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Thanks Ben! Happy New Year!@@benkelly2190

[@felixarbable]

It's interesting because older Norton are actually pretty smooth when they get going obviously totally ridiculous at idle. I wonder if going with a 360 crank would have been more interesting and given the bike more Norton character

[@benkelly2190]

@@CaptainRambunctious and to you, looking forward to more of you work.👍🏻

[@silverarrow2558]

one of the best reviews on here no wasted time on areas that 90% of riders will not notice just honest opinions in a machine... the fact they gave you a bike without a working speedo says it all

[@andrewgarnell2170]

I was shocked watching the video. I have a Thruxton 1200 S 2016 model from new and have always hankered for a Norton but for this money they have to be joking. No fuel gauge, no gear indicator, poor clocks. Many thanks Captain. After all it was you that got onto my first Thruxton in 2015 !!!

[@johnmooney7213]

Happy New Year to you both from Australia. Finally I got to see and hear an honest, "don't care what you now think of me now Norton" no holes barred review of such an iconic motorbike that many of us have been drooling for, ever since Garner revived the marque after 35 years. Too many reviewers seem too reluctant, or even scared to call out a poorly engineered motor for fear of future blacklisting from all motorcycle manufacturers, but hats off to you for taking that leap into the abyss. You have, I think given us all "dreamers", a good "Face Slap" to bring us back to reality. For a reputation to be built on a "Name", and to charge a premium price, the engineering, function, design and finish needs to above premium. Listen up Norton, and lift your game !........You have been called out. Don't waste your investment in the UK.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Ah, I'm not sure that there's any abyss... I don't do this for the revenue or any kick backs from dealers... I do it for fun and my own curiosity.... I have coveted this particular bike for a few years and was so disappointed... It's not about throwing them under the bus, but really, warning others not to have this on their wish list as there are so many better alternatives for less money out there... Thanks for watching, Happy New Year to you and your loved ones, and thanks for the great comment! Tally Bally Ho!

[@paulclarke1233]

Hi captain rambuncus and biggelsworth, happy New year and to your family's and all the best for your channels

[@CaptainRambunctious]

You too!!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good to see you guys again - I'm glad we concurred on the Norton, I was super dissappointed with it too.....

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Thank you… I’m starting to think that I was being overly negative… I don’t like to be, as you know!! Happy New Year chap! Have a fantastic year and hope you’re healing well…

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

​@@CaptainRambunctiousI'm definitely up for joining you for your second test ride! 😊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@CaptainRambunctious Thanks mate - very slow recovery unfortunately...roll on summer! Did you see my Norton review BTW?? kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6qwk5ivqbKEgNEsi=oYSizEugqMQdkbNP

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

​@@TheMissendenFlyerreally enjoyed your 2 Norton reviews... and it's definitely reassuring that we weren't being too harsh!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@badgerbigglesworth7078 I think we pretty much concurred 100% - so disappointed, I wanted to love that bike!

[@buddhastaxi666]

Congratulations on having audio from on bike radio, combined with video viewpoint of the relevant conversationalist. To me this 961 is definitely Heath Robinson. Its not as refined as the 1200 Thruxton. I have one, they are a living classic. The old Norton Commando was a fantastic bike to ride, more together than the Bonneville of the same era. The Norton needs more development, having the name on the tank is not enough.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Completely agree!

[@garrypepperman]

Great video chaps. I can’t help thinking that if Triumph were still making the Street Cup then this Norton would certainly not make any sense.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

A great point Garry.

[@LeslieLuckings]

Had my Norton commando 961 a few weeks now and not had a problem at all, Love it to bits every time i go out on it every one looks and waves don't get that with any other bikes , and i own a new honda but if the sun is out the Norton comes out.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

That’s really nice to hear! I must have had a lemon. I look forward to riding a good one this month when I go to Norton HQ… Thanks for your input! Nice to know there are some good ones…

[@LeslieLuckings]

Yes i am going to Norton HQ on saturday looking forward to it.

[@jfro5867]

@@CaptainRambunctious you must be aware that they will be as charming as possible, roll out a dolly bird guide and put you under pressure to do a puff piece turn around review. A honey trap if you like. Seriously, this might not be as cool an offer as it sounds.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

@@jfro5867 this was before I made this video… they asked me in October what I’d thought and I said all this… they didn’t know I’d made a review… It will be interesting what they give me to ride!

[@jfro5867]

@@CaptainRambunctious ahh, well’, kudos to you Sir for saying it as you saw it.

[@rogerinwales]

I agree with your findings, its a nice looking bike but it cannot compare with the Thruxton for value for money and performance. I guess a lot of the extra cost has to do with the bike being built in the UK. Thanks for posting, hope you do a video on the Norton factory.

[@bobbyblue1953]

I had a factory tour last year ( now it's 2024), the cost of the bike in my opinion is not down to the British workers wages, the factory is state of the art and brand new but the small scale of production means they are virtually hand built, the bike I rode was superbly finished and rode really well, the downside was the extremely mechanically noisy motor, the Norton guy said they had reworked the engine which was itself a Garner rework of the original American design as far as they could, they are working on a new liquid cooled bike to replace these older designs. There has been a lot of investment in the factory and its workforce, who by the way seem to be bike enthusiasts themselves, I wish them luck for the future.

[@ianlawrie919]

Thanks for the revelation. Have Rambunctious Hogmanay 🎉👍👌👏

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Happy New Year!

[@PurityVendetta]

The most down to earth and sensible road test of the Norton I've seen yet. To be honest I thought overpriced and unsophisticated. Cards on the table, I have three classic Nortons, a 99SS cafe racer, 88SS cafe racer and a Domiracer Lowboy replica. No way I'd hand over the cash for one of these things.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Thank you... No point in trying to gloss over the issues with this bike... It would have been competitive with other bikes about 25 years ago but not now, and not for that price!! Would love to know what you would think as you have other Nortons to compare it with....

[@PurityVendetta]

@@CaptainRambunctious I'd love a test ride but no idea of availability. It's the cost v experience equation that completely puts me off. I don't wish any ill on the new Norton venture but after watching a video of a drone tour of the factory I'm not convinced. It looked like a larger and better organised version of the Donington set up abate better financed. The only way I can see an effective route to success for the new Norton brand is to look at the Ducati formula but I'm not sure the funding will be forthcoming. They have to get over this constantly trying to hark back to the past. I'm sure there could be small stylistic cues but I'm sure if I were in the market for a bike like this I'd simply build a lightly tuned Commando 750 Roadster, stick a set of ohlin forks and shocks on and a couple of other upgrades that would upset the purists but I'm guessing you'd have an equally fun and much cheaper bike.

[@getheroutofthetruck]

They should have remade the original Commandos at an affordable price.

[@MrPotatochips4]

Exactly. I paid $2,500 for a new '74 850 Commando. Make it in India, aluminum frame, better tires, twin disk brakes, compression release, 4 speed tran -- same weight and power. Bring it in for $8, 500, sell 2 million.

[@HepcatHarley]

I've always had a soft spot for a late '70s Commando 850 Interstate electric start, the looks, the sound is awesome. They could have made a modern look-a-like of that and people would have been very excited, the performance wouldn't have mattered so much. Sadly all reviews of the 961 read the same as yours, the experience is that of a damp squib.

[@simonwalker7957]

Of course there is something close to a reissued 70’s Commando in the form of the Colorado Works Norton Commando. Only trouble is they cost 2-3 times the price of the 961! Oh and you’d have to import one but I’d seriously consider one for 961 money.

[@Womanwolfrider]

Yes me too and you can buy a minty one for £8k much better value than the new one me thinks :)

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Pretty much what Redford Baron says too!!

[@chrisholland3485]

As an owner of a 961 Commando I cannot identify with any of the Vlog for my own riding experience of the bike! I have no issues, it pulls absolutely fine and is an enjoyable, engaging ride. Its no modern superbike but that's not what it is trying to be or why i bought it. I accept its not to everyone's taste that's why we all ride different makes and models and indeed have different bikes to ride in our garages if we are lucky enough!! I was more concerned that the bike appeared poorly presented and maintained as a Demo by the dealership/workshop who after all are in the business of selling motorcycles!! and for that I cant blame the bike (whatever the make) but I wouldn't be rushing to buy any bike from them or use their service dept!!!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I’m going to Norton soon. Hopefully I’ll ride a bike that’s fine! The vibes wee terrible… maybe that’s why the engine light came on? Who knows? But thansk for the input. Maybe QC is so bad that they’re like Jags from the 70s, it depends who made them!

[@chrisholland3485]

Good to hear that you are going to the factory. I Look forward to your comparison/opinion. My own bike does have vibes but I don't find them intrusive or off putting. I was surprised at your thoughts that it ran out of puff early as 5th gear and 4500rpm has me at motorway speeds and pulls well beyond that. Its not gonna rip your arms off though!! 😂😂😂@@CaptainRambunctious

[@alancoath]

Hear hear. I loved riding it.

[@FunWithAJ]

Great two bikes to bring out together. Id get the thruxton 9.5 out of 10 (infact i did buy it). The Norton is beautiful but that price is ridiculous for what youre getting

[@ReRiderChi]

Good review;back on a Classic 350 myself after 20 years and looking to add something similar to the garage

[@raymorris952]

Nice to see you back captain. Norton looks like a bit of a bitser, It's for them that have to much money, buy it and stick it in a collection and not ride it , 10 years time it's worth more money.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

You probably have it right!

[@macumuzahn]

Well Capt, happy 2024 and all of that. Seems like Norton has produced a three legged Donkey with this one and let you go out with a faulty speedo.Get another Thruxton Mate. At least you know what Triumph is giving you. I hasten to add the Norton looks lovely, perhaps if they were going to produce a bike that looked 40 years old they should have included a 'featherbed , frame to complete the show and reduce the vibrations. Safe riding for ,24. Regards Mark.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Absolutely... The vibes totally ruined any enjoyment there could have been.

[@Trevor_Austin]

The Norton Commando 961 is a beautiful looking bike. Unfortunately they missed their opportunity to deliver a complete package - one with a bit of whoosh! I have a Bonneville and might have been tempted if this was a better bike.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Definitely keep the Bonnie.. This is no better than my old air-cooled 865 thruxton with better wheels, suspension and brakes. So definitely not worth the money!!

[@brianperry]

An honest review..I've thought for ages that Norton should have gone down a similar route as Triumph and Royal Enfield. Using the Dommie series making use of modern suspension and a lower capacity engine More importantly a lower price and according you, better finish/upgrade to some of the parts...Older Baby Boomer would view with a Sixties nostalgia. Later generations perhaps a back to basics, which doesn't mean poor/lower quality and a price only a Rich kids would buy to pose in a bikers cafe carpark..... They are relying on the name. In the end that wont be enough...

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Very well said... I agree with everything here.... Ultimately, too vibey, to heavy and too slow...

[@ttrguy9952]

Captain Great video good Sir! I rode one here and it was just like riding an antique, do nothing bike. I actually like the Royal Enfield GT better! But all in all, Nothing will replace my Thruxton R with the fairing. Ride SAFE and BE safe my Captain! Sir Ed of Sandy Hook.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Happy New Year Sir Ed! Keep the Thruxton R for goodness sake,... Tally Bally Ho!

[@michaelcallan4121]

Good review!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Thank you! Happy new year!

[@RedfordBaron]

Its the perfect bike for someone that does 500 miles a year and sits in the garage polishing it all week . And as for that brown jacket 😆😆😆

[@JamesandRibble]

I have a small model one on my desk. So I can appreciate the design without having to ride it.

[@simonwiltshire]

Wow that was disturbing, i realy like the look,the name, the classyness of that bike but after your review i suppose i'm a little disapointed. Anyway lovely to see you out and about again,,i like a good honest opinion thankyou for not distorting things just because you'd like to like the machine! All the best with your search for a new toy!

[@buddhastaxi666]

I have 37/17 sprockets...changed the 42/17 setup on 1200 Thruxton. Now i ride at in the 3500 to 4500 rev range and avoid its vibration zone. Maybe the Norton needs different gearing so you dont have to max it out at higher speed.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

That's a great suggestion... the issue is; for the money they are asking, it should be perfect right out of the box!

[@johnhawden4118]

78 HP, I ride a 2002 80 HP air cooled twin. A BMW........2002 and paid £3000 for it. I would be gutted to pay all that money for a 2023 Norton. Other bikes I own are Nortons though, ES2s and model 18 so I love Nortons.

[@rickmancr]

The tank is more AJS 7R/Matchless G50 than Manx Norton, and the rear view of the seat reminds me of the 1971 Harley Super Glide. 🙂

[@Geshmaal]

Seems like you're getting the performance of a T100 or V7 for 2x the price and with lower quality control? Norton don't seem interested in making an actual good product and instead just expect the brand alone to carry them. I reckon they're destined for failure again at this rate.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Completely spot on! Happy New Year!

[@Zeus-lz2sd]

Happy New Year Cap'. Your review concurs with others I've seen. If only Norton could have gone down the Triumph route and made more of an every day bike instead of a heritage toy. For authentic heritage and old school look and feel but with every day usability you can save yourself 8K(!) and get a Guzzi v7 Special.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I completely agree. There are so many other options out there...

[@MTBrider26]

As they say, 'you should never meet your heroes'

[@simonwalker7957]

Brutally honest review, TMF got close but refrained from burning too many bridges. I too love the looks of these bikes, I salivated over them at this year’s bike show but you show in reality it’s just not the finished article especially if those vibes (I don’t mind vibes myself up to a point) get progressively worse with rpm, wtf? The old 850 lost all of theirs over 3k rpm apparently and my Kawasaki W800 Cafe likewise over 4k: both bikes having an old school 360 degree crank unlike this imposter. A 270 degree twin that shakes your fillings out, that must be a first surely? The one big positive that engine has are hydraulic tappets. Even so I bet they charge a pretty packet to service it.

[@jfro5867]

When I visited the Norton dealer, they were talking £1600 for a 3 year service plan. Make of that what you will……👎

[@TheBlibo]

Having owned 70s boneviles and ridden 750 and 850 commandos i can appreciate that kind of handeling and performance but why the vibration on the norton today. 10 years ago i returned to biking because family stuff took priority i bought a gpz900r because it was an 80s development and it just works just like my bsa b31

[@robertboomsema4422]

Well you’re not the only one who comes to that conclusion, sadly it is obviously what Norton wants or is capable to, hard to believe, but for the price they’re asking can’t see many of them sold…. which makes Nortons future quite uncertain I think 🤔

[@CPUspeed]

WOW 👍🏼 so in the UK you can just go to a dealer and buy a Norton? Wow I don’t think that’s the case in the US. definitely remove those passenger pegs. I love it purely on aesthetics, so cool. Thanks for the vid!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

You’re welcome!! There are a few about!!

[@bobbyblue1953]

I had a factory test ride earlier this year on the new 961, it was a nice bike to ride and it sounded brilliant, what I couldn't come to terms with was the awful mechanical clatter coming from the engine, what did you think? Happy New.year.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

You’ll have to see but I was extremely disappointed… Norton have asked me to HQ for a ‘chat’ and to show us another bike that should work better!

[@jfro5867]

@@CaptainRambunctious Norton HQ (think Corporal Jones)….‘don’t panic, don’t panic!!’

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

I've got to say, I don't mind a machine with a bit of "character". I've recently purchased a very lightly used W800, pretty much for that reason. But 16 grand is a heck of a lot of cash to part with for brand new "character". I want something pretty speccy for that sort of coin.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Absolutely!! Well said!

[@simonwalker7957]

I bought my W for that very reason, sounds a bit like a ‘muted’ Commando 850 too and for less than £6k brand new

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

@@simonwalker7957 I cut the baffles out of mine which is a bit of an improvement over stock. They sound fantastic with a decent set of pipes but unless you're rolling in cash, you want to buy them second hand. I've got to say, they're a great, fun bike, just the same. Puts a smile on my face every ride. I don't know what it is, but there's just some sort of magic ingredient.

[@blrmotorcyclesinc.]

Great video and comparison with the Thruxton, According to some reviews it's more comparable to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 in character than the Triumphs,do you also think it's true if you have test rode the Royal Enfield 650 twins.

[@jfro5867]

I too was a bit confused by the overall finish. Sublime in most areas but it did have a whiff of cheapness to it aswell. Never seen so many horrible black cable ties on a bike. They could have gone for those neat rubber bands like the ones RE or Guzzi use for example, cost is pennies especially when they are asking £17k for these.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

The price just doesn't add up in the slightest against any of the competition...

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

Great video matey. That was a fun day, despite the frustration of the Norton. I really do hope that Norton don't just persist with the 'expensive plaything' ethos but after they ditched the Nomad and Atlas designs I'm not holding out much hope!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Absolutely! Tally Bally Ho!

[@buddhastaxi666]

In my humble opinion, I think this bike would be Pre Production if the Factory was more established and had a cash flow. They have just invested £millions and want some cash flow even if the product is in obvious need of refining. Maybe they need a John Bloor who reincarnated Triumph and over time produced the current 1200 Thruxton or a SpeedTwin. Norton have a v4 as well, maybe they need to focus on the twin. I rode Commando's in the mid 1970's. It was smooth, grunty, handled great,light...a well finished quality bike....ok we all know its faults...it felt even better to ride and greater quality, than the Bonnevilles, nice as they were The Triumph Thruxton is already a premium priced bike. Customise a Thruxton with just Factory fairing and vince and hyde pipes you looking at £15,000. Thats bullshit Harley territory. As an example of quality premium brands, a MV Augusta is a bike thats got it all together in style and substance and therefore justifies the cost....to most non excessively affluent consumers. So for me I would like a Norton in my collection, ....that is usually 2 bikes, occasionally 3.....but it would have to be as good as my Thruxton while stll being different.

[@davidforsdike4343]

It was built to honor the orders from the previous owner. To make it worth will they have built a batch. They have invested 200 million to date. There is going to be a lot more to come.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Dominator or nothing 🤠💥

[@alexmorgan3435]

So in conclusion, it's a lemon. Ridiculous price as well. So many far better bikes for a lot less money. Don't think Norton will sell many. I would go for the Kawasaki 900RS SE £13,150 or a Street Triple 765RS £11,295. Could you or Bigglesworth do a review of his Thruxton? It looks a thing of beauty. HNY Capt. R.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Definitely planning on a revisit review of the Thruxton R... It's probably going to be a second bike for me at some point...

[@drewiediggler1]

I wonder if they've got that wet weight correct because I've owned a Thruxton and a 961 and I don't remember the Norton feeling heavier than the Triumph. I thought it was 189kg dry/ 200kg wet or somewhere in that ballpark. 🤔 My 961 (2019) was de-catted with open pipes. I didn't mollycoddle it during break in and by the time it had 1000 miles on it, it flew. It topped out around 125mph before I ran out of straight. The sound of the engine with it's hydraulic tappets and open pipes was like nothing else available today. It really felt like a proper, visceral cafe racer from the 60s. The 961 is like the air cooled Ducatis of the early 90s, which the masses never appreciated nor understood. Spanner wielding individuals with a love of old brit bikes and their mechanicals will love and cherish a 961. The vast majority will pass it by. I would probably have another but I agree that top yoke paint has always looked sh*t 🤣 Polished alloy only for me please.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

That’s really good info! Thanks… well I got the wet weight for the Norton from their website! There Thruxton R is 203 dry and the RS is 197 dry… I’m really trying to work out why that one was so bad! Hopefully when I go to Norton HQ they’ll give me one that works!!

[@drewiediggler1]

@@CaptainRambunctious yes I noticed the weight figure when I checked the Norton website last night. I think they've strengthened the frame and added catalysts (by looks) but it seems to have piled the beef on a bit if 230kg is correct. I'm not sure why they don't just sell them louder and de-catted/re mapped like CCM do with their bikes. Especially if they don't have to comply with Euro 5 regs. If I was Norton I would get one properly run in, loosened up and mapped etc and let people test it then. Could make a world of difference 🙂

[@CaptainRambunctious]

@@drewiediggler1 as I said, lighter, a bit more power and less vibey and it’s there!

[@drewiediggler1]

@@CaptainRambunctious just had a quick Google at the specs for a 2012 model 961. Most say 188KG dry. It must have put on some middle aged spread. I know the feeling 🤣

[@alancoath]

Why do you think 230kg is heavy? Norton publish wet weights. Triumph, as you would expect, dry weights. The Norton would be about 210kg dry - less than a Bonneville.@@CaptainRambunctious

[@sproutandkidneysoup2296]

I'm surprised Norton let you ride it with all those problems on it. It's not a good look for a manufacturer spending millions trying to up its game and place itself at the premuim end of the market. The dealer admitting it was the only one they had that worked is not a good sign, either. Like you said, it's disappointing. I was hoping you would be bowled over by it because they are beautiful bikes.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I was hoping I'd be bowled over too, but it needed about 20bhp more and no vibrations... being lighter with better handling would have helped... Happy New Year! Tally Bally Ho!

[@TheSpectre223]

10:07 - Sounds like you nailed it there, with "is the name worth enough to pay more for a worse bike". It would be nice to support and own a truly British brand and bike like Norton, rather than a somewhat faux-British like the Triumphs, which as much as we love them are almost all made in Asia now. However, the bikes need to be equivalent for that price difference to be worth it, otherwise there's unfortunately a limit to patriotism.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

A very good point here... Thank you.

[@jamesclarkson3009]

I think it looks stunning and I like that it has high end suspension and brakes but I agree with you for the reasons you talked about it's too expensive. Have you ever considered trying a moto guzzi v7?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I have a mate who keeps trying to get me to ride his… this year definitely!! I’ve ridden a Motoguzzi, a massive one. No issues at all… Tally Bally Ho!

[@alancoath]

You wouldn't like it. It's a quirky air-cooled twin that vibrates. I love it!@@CaptainRambunctious

[@rbattson7171]

The power to price ratio alone is hard to swallow! A lot of famous motorcycle names have disappeared, so, I really want them to survive, but this, offering, just from a value for money standpoint is not good enough. Unlike some other comments here, I actually do like it's looks. That being said, other marques are giving you more for less.

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

We both really, really wanted to like it more than we did. 😢

[@David-uj5gr]

I can lmagine it feels sluggish, 5kg heavier than my Honda CB1100 but 10hp less. Euro 5 killed off the air-cooled CB so wondering how the Norton gets on ?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

No idea how it passes the tests

[@jfro5867]

It’s SVA. Single vehicle approval. Literally every bike has to be inspected and ‘rubber stamped’ as fit for the road but it’s not compliant with Euro regs (currently Euro5). Pros and cons with this. Honda sells across the globe so has to make their bikes comply, the CB air cooled engines could no longer meet emissions regs. So it was canned, here anyway. I’ve had CB’s, lovely bikes.

[@MrPotatochips4]

soon some genius will ride a '74 Commando next to a 202? 961 Sport, spend the day, trade off halfway, but until then, I'll dream of how it once was.

[@jjnewman65]

I’ve seen this Norton close up. There are some very nice design features such as the tank, wheels, seat and does sound great. However Norton have let themselves down with poor quality gear switches, indicators, gear shifter. The SpeedTwin is a better built bike and at least £2000 cheaper.

[@jfro5867]

Agree. It was death by black cable tie, damn things were everywhere on it. 👎

[@AwareWolfOnWheels]

I judge this bike based on those foot pegs. It shouldn't cost more than £13k in my eyes. "A 40 year old bike with modern shit thrown at it" is the best description for this bike.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Well exactly. There are quite a few taglines to take from this video we made... Thanks for watching, commenting and Happy New Year!

[@Twinpot1962]

What bike do you prefer…the Thruxton or Commando?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

😂

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

Thruxton by a country mile, in every single way! It's not even close.

[@westho7314]

Does the new Norton have the isolastic engine mounts like the old 850 did? Odd that the common complaint on most new bikes is the hard seat, cheap turn indicators and crappy hand grips. Master cylinders could be made of metal also instead of plastic.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I don’t know about the engine mounts I’m afraid but I’ll try and find out!

[@jfro5867]

@@CaptainRambunctious save you messing…..ans. No.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

@@jfro5867 thank you. That also answers the vibration issue too!

[@grahamtricker4103]

Don't forget that price is for the bike without pin striping and polished engine cases. If you want those then that is about another £2-£3K more. They made these options in October... For me the suspension in too firm and as you say it just isn't special enough. You would be better buying a good used or restored original Commando.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

That's what I am thinking.... I need to ride some others.... Norton have told me to go to HQ and try one from there instead as the one I rode was definitely not a happy bike...

[@jfro5867]

or buy a Guzzi V7 Special and save £10k or a RE Interceptor and let’s say £12k. Both thoroughly decent and authentic bikes.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I have a friend who has red V7 special and keeps getting me to try it... I'll have a go this year!@@jfro5867

[@grahamtricker4103]

If anything, I think it shows what great bikes the Triumph Bonnevilles are and certainly better bikes and better value for money...

[@motorvatedltd8048]

​@@CaptainRambunctious "Same Icon, different standard" is their slogan....so finding a lemon out of a relatively small production run aint ideal, if their QC didn't pick up on it. I really want them to succeed and sell many re-release 961's, as eventually some of those bikes will hopefully find their way to my workshop. But it appears that they're not as big a hit with the public as we had all hoped.

[@brendanmccabe8769]

I think you are reviewing this bike all wrong? I really don't think this bike is aimed at people who like bikes (or even want to ride them), I think it's aimed at the section of society who like expensive things because they are expensive, and lets face it there are plenty of them. My 50p says most owners of these bikes keep them on a plinth in their living rooms or "den" (whatever one of them is) and spend nearly as much time polishing them as they do preening their beards. At best they take them out on the handful of days in a year where they're quaranteed no rain and ride them up to the nearest poncey coffe shop and back. No, this bike is not for you sir. Or me. If this was another make, Harley Ferguson for instance, this would be funny but this is Norton and I'd really like to see them review well. This is what it must be like watching the England football team in action, you'd really like them to win because they're representing your country but you know their hearts aren't really in it and they fall apart long before they get to the final whistle. Norton under various guises have been hawking this concept around not for, what, 15 years or more? And it's still nowhere near. Back then it had to compete against air-cooled Triumphs but the world has moved on since then. 30KG heavier, about the same deficit in BHP, lots of vibes (and the rest) how could this bike ever compete for someone who wants to ride? I'd say the best thing about this bike is it shows what a great job Triumph have done with their 'classic' range, the Thruxton looks so much better in every way and I must say Biggles' bike in green looks very nice. OK, so you may see a few more of them when you go to your local bike meet (which I don't do anyhow) but so what, if that Norton is the price of uniqueness it's not one I want to pay.

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

I think you're right... kind of like one of my final comments. Maybe we were looking at our wrong... it's an expensive plaything for a small number of people who don't ride much. And maybe that's OK I suppose... if it makes someone happy, then I guess it's a good thing that it exists!! But we certainly wouldn't have one!! 😂

[@brendanmccabe8769]

@@badgerbigglesworth7078 that's a good point, I guess it's better that Norton is still around in any form than consigned to history and they are not the only ones in the category I described. Last time I went to the Motorbike show at NEC (about 6 years ago) one thing I noticed was the amount of what Henry Cole typically describes as "Boutique manafacturers" (which I always think is similar to using "character" to describe products which aren't good enough) many of which had bought up names from days gone by and cobbled together some piece of blingy tat with a price tag which could be mistaken for their phone number. Going from memory Brough Superior and Ariel were at that show. I guess helping to extract money from people with more of it than sense is s service they offer. Oh, and I see Aston Martin have recently moved into the motorcycle manufacturing trade. I must say I think the most telling thing about the video was how quickly you wanted to give it back making it quite clear how little you wanted to ride it.

[@triumphriderinblack7406]

If Norton are going to produce a new bike it looks like it will have to be an electric one as I can't see them coming up with a brand new ICE bike before they are 'outlawed'.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Pretty fair judgement!

[@movieknifedude3265]

Morn captain. Can I ask what size your Goldtop jacket is???

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Too small! 😂😂😂 44.

[@movieknifedude3265]

@@CaptainRambunctious seriously I’m after one. Wondered if they are generous fitting

[@movieknifedude3265]

@@CaptainRambunctious seriously I’m after one. Wondered if they are generous fitting

[@CaptainRambunctious]

@@movieknifedude3265 the opposite… a little tighter than triumph… normally a 44 on me is just right, this is a little snug… I think it’s due to the thickness of the leather which is excellent… It would always be worth going to their shop Friday- Sunday…. But if you can’t, I’d order a size up… although you could always send it back but I understand if you’re trying to avoid that hassle! Really really good quality…

[@movieknifedude3265]

Thanks so much

[@cottenham]

What a shame. Great roads. Where were you?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Just north of Northampton up to Market Harborough and back round.

[@volvoheadgasket]

i wonder how it would compare to a 70s commando

[@CaptainRambunctious]

That’s where Redford Baron comes in! He has had one!

[@richardcooley9730]

Please don't use the advanced stop line (bicycle box at traffic lights). Use the opportunity of filming to show exemplary riding, thanks.

[@jjnewman65]

😆

[@brendanmccabe8769]

@@jjnewman65 agree with your comment although I don't really understand what purpose these serve other than to annoy powered road users turning them against cyclists which seems a bit pointless as there's plenty of that around already. I really wish they'd involve more cyclists in their road plans for cyclists that way the gallons of paint and red tarmac they spend tax payers money on may be put to some good use.

[@adrianj1000]

Beautiful looking but I don’t think Triumph have anything to worry about. The whole idea of a Norton is to stand out and be a cut above with drop dead looks and performance. It sounds gutless and tinny. For the same price you can have a Thruxton fe. Not a good advert for Norton seeing as the speedo or abs wasn’t working. Really disappointing. I think this is one of those “never meet your hero” scenarios, what a shame! Switch gear looks like it’s come off a cheap Chinese knock off indicators poor, plastic mirrors water cooled pillion pegs and those ohlins look cheap and nasty. What a total shame . Thanks for being honest. I’ll stick to my tricked Thruxton 900. I can’t get over how crap that Norton actually is

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Agreed! I was extremely disappointed… if inside one that’s much better I’ll amend all this… I loved my tinkered with Thruxton 900 too! Enjoy!

[@TheBlibo]

Being air cooled is no excuse for lack of power just remember any water cooled engine is ultimately air cooled especially not for a single or twin

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Fair point! I’ve just noticed the correlation between liquid cooled and more power, but then again, it’s really air and fuel that do that.. Well said.

[@rsc68er]

i got motion sickness watching that

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Sorry about that... There's not much I can do about that apart from say not to watch it on a TV, but on a phone or tablet.... if you already were, then I'm sorry and thank you for watching...

[@simonchristie4117]

Perhaps money spent on a LED headlight rather than a carbon mudguard would've been better

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Certainly a better option but something to stop the vibrations would be my first port of call. It completely ruined the experience.

[@simonchristie4117]

@CaptainRambunctious that's ashame, price was a real shock! Triumph haven't much to worry about for now

[@alancoath]

I don't really think there is any point in you doing another review on the 961. It's an inappropriate comparison anyway and not about outright power. I realise you are just expressing your opinion, and that's fine, but you have a duty to at least put people right about the price. It's not about paying £16500 just for the Norton name as you say. You are buying a machine, hand made in England, where each frame takes over 5 hours to hand weld. This means that the bike can never be made, as some think, for the same price as mass produced machines churned out in the far east. How could it be? When I rode the 961 the biggest revelation for me was the way the bike made me feel inside. I felt connected with it. The many detractors' comments about being filthy rich to afford this bike (and you do nothing to counter them) make my blood boil. It's about priorities and what is important to you.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I’m sorry but I really don’t agree with you. If the bike I had was a diff example then surely riding a better example would help to set the story straight. I like the Thruxton but that doesn’t have much to do with the fact that this bike wasn’t nearly as fun as I’d hoped. It was slower than my old air cooled Thruxton which has 68bhp and less fun. I have no duty in the slightest. This isn’t my job. I do it for fun. I enjoy riding bikes… I said I’d have a moto guzzi or a BMW over this. Also, many of my viewers and subscribers get that I love triumphs but also love old things… other Norton owners have said that this newest model is worse than the one from 10 years ago. I am a traditionalist and have been yearning to ride this bike for years. I will be riding loser nortons too, but this was just horrible. Yes, it became a big comparison with the Thruxton, but that was just down to me trying to get my own head around this disappointment. I have owned old classic cars too and love them. That’s not what this is about. But to say there’s no point in me doing another review on it is just your own pique getting the better of you. Thank you for watching and commenting, but quite frankly, continuing to repeat yourself and how bad this review is, is just getting wearing. If you don’t watch another of my videos, so what? I don’t do this for views, or subscribers or money… so it doesn’t matter. What matters is that people enjoy themselves and if my videos don’t do that for you, then fine. But I can only ever try to state what I think at the time truthfully, and then change my mind, or learn, or have my mind changed by further knowledge to progress and improve. I disagree with what you say now, but who says that in the future, maybe I’ll change my thinking too and then agree with you, but constantly going back and forth with the same view is just a waste of your and my time.

[@alancoath]

Let me just say that I'm not at all disagreeing with your right to express your view on the bikes worth. I'm just saying the machine being hand made explains the pricing of it, not the worth of it, and obviously the reason why Norton have priced it as they have. We all have a viewpoint and it is just that, but when you have a platform where others can be, and are, influenced then the duty surely is to give the whole picture. And I'm not at all piqued, and I'm not interested in scoring points. My view is that if you support comments that the engine is a dog and was poorly designed from the start then I struggle to see why you would want to do another review. The bike will still have the same engine, which is the bone of your contention. Minor defects may be corrected but the bike will still essentially be the same. The other thing is that the weight on the review is stated on the review as 230kg dry when it is actually 230 kg wet. An honest mistake I'm sure but it needs correcting because it can be important to some. @@CaptainRambunctious

[@JakeStrada]

It's a beautiful looking bike for sure, but the price it commands, looks only go so far. The new owners and management had a real opportunity to make a great new bike from the ground up, but seems they would prefer to capitalise on nostalgia at this point. Alot of these bikes will end up sitting looking pretty in man caves and once a year bike shows

[@westwater73]

I'd buy one without the ignition ECU & fuel injection and put twin flatslides on it personally. To buy this bike and convert it to carb would add a couple of grand, probably push £20000. And that would wipe me out completely.

[@rover100bunson]

it appears that they are more expensive due to each bike having to be inspected individually by dot, so they dont have to pass emissions

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Really?! Wow! I did wonder how they were still air cooled, but even so, just not good enough for the price!

[@triumphthunderbird1]

Really want to like the Norton but it is very disappointing! I am sure, eventually, they will get it right. They need a new, ground up, Commando.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I agree! I’ve been yearning to ride this for years and was so disappointed. I didn’t want to be so negative but everything I say is valid! I’m riding another one soon from Norton HQ so maybe mine was just a bad apple.

[@triumphthunderbird1]

@@CaptainRambunctious Merlin is such a great bike!

[@adrianj1000]

The old Thruxton 900 was 68bhp not 60

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Thanks for the correction! It’s been a while since I had it! It must have been the old Scrambler that was 59 which is the number I had in my head! Thanks for watching!

[@adrianj1000]

We’re human and it’s a great review. Again thanks for being so honest. What a let down 😢

[@TheBlibo]

Such a good looking bike and such a pity it dose look unfinished with a mis match of parts the carbon mudguard is wrong a short polished alloy would suit better and why is it not functioning correctly abs & speedo ? It can't be that hard to make stuff that works properly when you only have a 2 modle line up especially at the prices they command

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Exactly! 😎

[@theangrygamer6427]

When I first saw the thumbnail, I wondered if this was Merlin's replacement

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Absolutely not! 😂

[@hgm8337]

at goes as well as you would expect for 78 bhp, with 5-gears only

[@articfox1066]

When you say it's quite vibey do you mean you are experiencing unwanted vibration 😢😢😢😢

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Yes. It was very uncomfortable after only 5 mins and would buzz through my feet as well as my hands… I thought the BMW RnineT was vibey but this was at least 5 times worse…

[@hgm8337]

@@CaptainRambunctious BMW RnineT is 110-bph or 116-bhp with a full Akra, and its more of a gentle shake than a vibe imho

[@grahamtricker4103]

Not forgetting the Norton is at least 10 years behind the competition. All Norton have done is to reproduce and refine the Stuart Garner design, nothing more. A massively missed opportunity IMO. There is no way in 100 years I would change my 2022 Triumph Speedmaster Gold line edition for this Norton. I would be more likely to buy a restored original Commando from the 1970s, that is if I wanted a bike with the Norton badge on the tank...

[@jimcockburn4652]

How would it have gone if you used your left leg a bit more. Sad to hear that you weren't happy with the 961 Commando.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Do you mean change through the gears? I did that a lot... I rode it for 2 hours in total and a lot of footage was removed to get the video time down.

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

​@CaptainRambunctious maybe to increase the power by pushing yourself along like a kids' scooter?? 😂

[@michaelwallace9867]

Missing the point, it's an engine from the 60s, it's the real deal, vibes and all. Don't compare, except what it is a bike how they used to be.

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

Well, the real deal would be an actual 1960s classic Norton! 😂

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Well Redford baron has one from the 60s and isn’t anything as vibey as that was unless apparently you go over 70! 😂 We have to compare when it is being sold at that amount! And as I said in the video, I’ve always coveted Nortons… I’m not bashing the brand even if people in the comments are.

[@michaelwallace9867]

@@CaptainRambunctious The point I was making is it's the same design motor from the 60's, push rods and all, and you were floging and comparing this bike to a modern retro. All wrong in my opinion, should be riden sensibly. Appreciate that you have a resurected Norton underneath you and just enjoy that fact. It is what it is and if I had the money and a new back I would have one tomorrow

[@CaptainRambunctious]

@@michaelwallace9867 I accept that hat you’re saying but in my opinion it should have been fun, and to me, it was quite the opposite. But I do value your comments! And thank you for watching. Hope you have a most excellent New Year!

[@h2allan]

@michaelwallace9867.... allelujah..! at last someone understands ! lol

[@TriumphBeezaman]

So in short what you've described is it should have been a Triumph with Norton on the tank.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Not at all… but it should have handled better without issues with vibrations, more power, lighter and cost less… To charge that much, it needs to be much better…. I get that it is an old engine, but then charge older bike money… I wouldn’t say no to a Triton! And Redford Baron who owns and has owned nortons says this latest one is awful… happy to have him on my side…

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

Definitely not. Triumph, BMW, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Royal Enfield etc all do modern classics in very different ways, and that diversity of product is fantastic! Some are more 'authentic' than others, but my own personal opinion is that Norton could have occupied a great position in the market with a truly premium product, with character PLUS performance. But again, it's all just opinions. 😊

[@pacifist5355]

Wonder how it compares against the T120 ?

[@jfro5867]

Well. I owned a T120 a few years ago. Extremely smooth engine, very tall geared, 6 speeds, sit up straight comfortable and overall a lovely bike. Not fast but plenty fast enough. There were some early adopter quality control issues and my bike had them but that was ….2016 so a good while ago now. Compared to the 961 chalk and cheese IMHO.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Well if compared to this Norton then the T120 is better in almost every respect other than looks.

[@pacifist5355]

@@CaptainRambunctious Thanks a ton ! Clears the fog in my head

[@pacifist5355]

@jfro5867 thanks for responding. I shall keep that in mind.

[@c-31100]

Where are Norton bilds ?

[@grahamfrazer8936]

Over priced , the Thruxton is a much better bike in every sense . Shame with such a great name .

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

I've think that's the frustrating thing.... they could've done so much more.

[@michaelwallace9867]

Appologies for my inappropiate comment, and disappointed with myself for saying such a thing. Very easy to sit behind a screen and be rude or otherwise. I hope no offence was taken.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Not a problem at all! You’re welcome to your own opinion especially if it comes with extra facts that have been missed. It also opens up discussion about motorbikes which can never be bad!

[@paulredfearn1042]

I have a New Solihull commando and it’s broken down twice in less than a 1000 miles the quality is poor and Norton senior management seem to treat customers with contempt. I have 7 other bikes including a 1975 commando which is a much better bike than the new one which will sit in my garage untrusted and under delivering. Just brought a 1200 triumph speed twin which is fantastic.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I’m so sorry to hear that… maybe it’s not the norm, but the occasional lemon, and they can sort it out soon…?

[@paulredfearn1042]

Thanks but TVS need to sort out customer service big time and that needs to start at the very top of the management team.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

What a disappointment and only 16+ grand, hardly worth that price for a bike with all those problems. Think I'll stick with my GoldStar and spend the 10 grand saving on something else.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Exactly!🎉

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Pretty bike from 20 feet away. Exhaust sounds good but the engine doesn't. Too much money with too little performance. It makes feel like a got a great deal on my almost eight year Thruxton R.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

You definitely did...

[@splodge57]

Not worth it. I'd rather a nice restored 70's Commando 850 for under £10,000. They were a lovely bike to ride.

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

I think you've hit the nail on the head really.... if you want an authentic Norton experience, buy a classic Norton! If you want a modern motorcycle with some classic styling and a bit of soul, buy a modern classic from Triumph, BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Kawasaki, Yamaha etc. 😊

[@sambagogo777]

How disappointing. About the only thing to have impressed me was the beautiful-looking crankcase and maybe also the sound of the exhaust.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Yes, that's a thing of beauty...

[@silktvPDR1]

Buy a Mk3 original Commando much much better bike and will go up in value not plummet down !

[@TheBlibo]

Switch gear is the cheapest crap they could find and looks it probably even worse than the old lucas stuff

[@TheBlibo]

The tank is the best part of the bike it looks just like the fiberglass tank on my mates rocket gold star cafe racer th seat on the norton is a bit like a tamed down hyabusa horrible And why usd forks they are oversized for a bike without performance

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I think it’s a top trumps thing where they just flung on a selling point! Look ere, it’s got real Ohlins!

[@donaldperepchuk9426]

With the side-by-side comparison, the Norton looks like the Thruxton after it has been stung by a bee 🐝 ..

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

😂😂😂 brilliant.

[@Khar_Toba]

I don't understand how it can be on a 13 plate

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Nor do I… I questioned them, and they said it was registered in the summer… the DVLA says so too…

[@Khar_Toba]

@@JohnnyXoz it's funny, I have a 1990s CB750 and the specs and other characteristics of the bike aren't far off. Except the CB750 doesn't have the check engine light on...

[@splodge57]

You can put a plate on a bike that makes it look older but not newer than it is. But I do wonder if that bike was manufactured in 2013 even though it was registered in 2023. It sure seemed like a piece of old crap.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

@@splodge57 that’s exactly what we wondered as it seemed older but were told categorically that it was a new Norton… will see what the bike from Norton HQ is like this month and will repot back…

[@splodge57]

NOS.😊

[@DonNzz]

for ur money assessment i think a Chinese bike would be a better fit

[@robertbaylis9714]

I think Notton are going down the route of making ridiculously expensive bike for fat wealthy blokes in their 50s + which will sit in heated garages ! Pointless brand. Shame really they could have actually made some nice bikes that normal bikers could afford.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Absolutely a suspicion there... It's just too buzzy, although Norton have said I should go to HQ and ride a bike that isn't dying...

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

Yep....I honestly don't understand why they binned the proposed Atlas and Nomad. They looked great, and the concept made sense.

[@LonesomeTwin]

It's not BMW, you're not paying for the name, you're paying for it to be made in Solihull. You want Chinese prices, you need to live a Chinese lifestyle. Enjoy.

[@jfro5867]

My Beemer was made in Spandau, where they’ve been making bikes since 1969. Guzzi has been in the same place for over 100 years. Royal Enfield the same.That’s heritage and like them or not, it’s real. With Norton you are most definitely paying for the name, it’s got no heritage link whatsoever back to the 1970’s, any more than say the new BSA. TBH I’d rather have a multi million pound robot weld my frame perfectly every time to some guy who’s just argued with his wife, not slept that well, and is having a bad day. Hand built is often over romanticized If you are making only a handful of bikes the Quality Control should be absolutely top notch, this is not the only Norton bike to have had problems (VikingventuresUk). Oh and regarding Chinese bikes (Benelli for example) I think you are being snobbish because I personally know someone who has a 500 variant and really likes it, and generally speaking they seem good value, decent quality and well specified. Save £12k and buy an Interceptor, that 650 engine is an absolute peach, spend a few hundred quid if you must to personalise it. They’ve sold tens of thousands all over the world for a reason.

[@LonesomeTwin]

@@jfro5867 Bikers are not generally the stupidest people on the road and are well aware of both Guzzi and Enfield heritages. Nortons heritage is of a failing once-great concern continually trying to reinvent itself in a quixotic affair with Wankel engines, then being run into the dirt by some glib shyster who ran off with the pension fund. RE illustrates my point, having run aground in the early 70's in their 'heritage' inception, but the name was saved by an Indian plant making the same bike cheaply for a captive market for 50yrs before being revived by a guy with both vision and cash, not easy to find in the UK. Pity about the 650's unnecessarily low power though. The Thruxton relies on its' British heritage despite being made in Thailand for the same reason as the Interceptor - vanishingly low wages and almost invisible bureaucracy. Hinckley can't compete with either because we expect a much higher living standard. The West in general has sacrificed its manufacturing ability for instant financial gratification, and I'm convinced it will come back to bite us sooner than we think. Nothing to do with snobbery.

[@jfro5867]

@@LonesomeTwin Yea. I don’t disagree with you but Norton, IMO, is leaning heavily on faux nostalgia whilst simultaneously marketing itself as a boutique brand with pricing of its clothing and accessories to match. I get the low production volumes and kudos that brings BUT the product has to be fundamentally sound. If an engine vibrates like a jack hammer, isn’t refined and is relatively weak in performance terms it doesn’t matter that it’s made to incredible tolerance and put together by hand does it? At this critical stage in the bikes launch every bike that goes out onto the dealership floor must be fault free. Clearly they are not.

[@RorySeanWainer]

Sounds like a difficult choice. The Thruxton looks better, goes better, everything works, it costs less ... and let's not forget the fuel gauge.

[@stephencroft6481]

Yeah but triumphs are like bum holes everyone's got one.

[@kerrydunn7760]

Norton must be abit fed up with my views on this bike I owned the original comando 850 This bike first is to wide its garthy around the midriff wye . It's tall like the new kawasaki 900 the switch gear is cheap The mounting of the rear brake slave cylinder feels like a Royal enfeild job The foot controls are awful your hole sole of your shoe operates the rear brake lever not your toe And apparently its gutless Q/ wye is there a black cheap fuel filter fitted to the clutch line

[@CaptainRambunctious]

All valid points!

[@h2allan]

its nowhere near as tall as a kawa 900 and its a very narrow bike

[@Banditmanuk]

Style over substance, in my opinion. It's the sort of bike wealthy folks like to have on show in their lounge and occasionally ride to a cafe in the summer. These bikes look almost identical to the ones Garner was slowly turning out at Donington Park. I'm concerned about Norton's future. TVS way overpaid to buy the dregs of what was left of Norton. They've spent a fortune on a new factory but are producing this, and a seriously overpriced, underperforming superbike. As a Brit, I really want Norton to be a success, but this bike definitely isn't going to do it for them. Why did the dealer even let you out on the bike with faults???

[@badgerbigglesworth7078]

I'm really interested to see what their strategy for the company is. I think the Atlas and Nomad would have given the company decent sales to allow them to do more, but with those canned I can't see what their plan is. 🤔 Maybe just as a very low volume, expensive 'luxury' brand? I dunno. Like you and many others I want them to succeed.

[@Banditmanuk]

@badgerbigglesworth7078 We were really interested in the Atlas. A modern retro with water cooled engine and decent power to weight and crucially at a price we could afford. We lived near the Donington Park site and saw and sat on the early prototype in Stuart Garner's living room. We actually then believed what Stuart told us and put a small deposit on one. Well, it's well documented how that went. We got our deposit back from the credit card company, but we would need to see something really good from Norton before we would consider going near the brand again