2024 Norton Commando 961 SP | First Ride

[@kentalanlee]

I think for many of us who've been riding for 30 or 40 years, the return to a less-stressed, torque-heavy machine is simply like eating comfort food. It isn't that expensive. But you have to know where to go to buy it. And it satisfies. Specifically because it's a familiar recipe. The mere fact that it exists, is a testament to how many of us are enchanted by that experience. Well done, Norton! A worthy machine to carry such a well-loved name.

[@marksmallman4572]

I have been riding on and off for 50 years, retired this year and treated myself to a new Triumph Trident 660, here in Mallorca, best bike ever..

[@dejoussineaudamien8483]

I m a french motorcyle man, you make me dream whith this LEGEND, thanks a lot. I spoked about the first one, but it's very amazing too.

[@vernonjjf]

I agree with you, too many KZbin "journalists" where chomping at the bit to criticize for the sake of criticizing and for views. You summed it up 100%, its an old new bike and should be celebrated for that. A work of art at a premium. Wish I could afford one but my old Sv650S will do. Enough pucker factor for a 60 year old. That Norton will always be worth a look over your shoulder as you walk away.

[@darylclifford]

I’d definitely be looking back at that beauty each and every single time i walked away from it ❤️

[@Achilles22]

Why oh why do they persist in making an old engine and charging well over the odds for sub standard performance??

[@HalfdeadRider]

If I ever reviewed it I'd say what I feel, I'd probably enjoy riding it but styling wise it is certainly not for me.

[@darylclifford]

@@Achilles22 The Commando 961-SP was never designed as a performance bike, and it’s priced “over the odds” as you put it - because it’s a limited-run vehicle, which demands a price premium!

[@Achilles22]

@@darylclifford what a poor marketing decision , I wonder why?? No wonder Norton have had problems.

[@shauntaylor9251]

I like the fact that it's still air cooled and looks like a Norton Commando

[@davidlutton4560]

What a beautiful piece of kit. With so many bikes around now, packed to their gills with electronic wizardry, it is so refreshing to go analogue for a while. Love the in-depth appraisal and your road skills certainly exploited those 70+ horses to the limit. Great stuff. I enjoyed every minute.

[@chrisbolton5461]

What a superb review. You really understand that bike. Love the appreciation of British manufacturing .

[@anxiousappliance]

The British manufacturing that killed the industry? This was designed by an American who took the time to pick up the tatters of what was left of Norton, and is built by an Indian company, who bought Nortonafter the British company stole from pensioners and went bankrupt. Sorry to be harsh, but ...

[@chriswhitehead1173]

Ooo..yes! Time to get out the bed and grab a cup of tea! Can't beat one of these vids dropping on a Sunday morning 👍

[@SPM1966SPM]

Wonderful looking machine. Watching this review takes me back to the early 70s, my mate owned a Commando, I had an Enfield, we went up and down the country going to various race meetings, sometimes two up on the Commando. You didn't really think too much about comfort then, you knew it was going to be hours of fairly uncomfortable riding, but nevertheless, enjoyed the experience anyway. Thanks for the video Chopsy, and for bringing back those memories!

[@nickclarkuk]

Thank you for helping us understand this bike. It’s a new classic bike with some high quality upgrades and incredible attention to detail. It’s one for my dream collection.

[@andrewsmith-cm9qw]

That’s a mighty fine looking bike

[@clownworld-honk410]

My old man had a Norton Commando back in the day in Sydney... Until he got the wheels wedged in the tram lines there. That brush with disaster turned him off biking. He took the expression "tramlining" and interpreted it quite literally!

[@LambChopRides]

Oh blimey sounds terrifying! 😬

[@Jimmy_TV]

Excellent video Chops. Loved the look of these since they were first released. My dad has a 1972 750 Commando, and he's been looking at these new versions for a while now. I think this video might help tempt him into taking the plunge.

[@christopherhorton5449]

A great review Chops. The Norton looks and sounds amazing. Its great to see the brand in good hands. I hope you managed to show it to your dad. I bet it would put a smile on the old boy's face

[@headrace4863]

I’m still (just about) Sportsbike through-and-through, even though I have the Africa twin keeping my ‘blade and ZXR warm in the garage; but in my fantasy garage of 10 bikes, there’s a place for this. Just as a thing to own/enjoy and show off once in a while if nothing else. Very impartial review, much appreciated. Nice work. 👍👍

[@LambChopRides]

Yes same here 👍

[@darrenhall6509]

I nearly bought one of these, but went for a Speed Twin instead, no regrets. I usually have Yorkshire tea in the mornings but have started having camomile in the afternoon, good to ease bloatage after too much white bread...

[@steveparish9210]

Beautiful and 16.5 for a hand assembled bike is not bad especially with the level of fit and finish. Triumph and BMW retro standards are just as much or more, though they are modern bikes with much more horsepower and can be toured worry free. But for a weekend bike for a few hours blast what a sweet bike. I love it!

[@jfro5867]

Err not quite. Look on the Norton forum to see what the level of fit, finish and reliability is actually like. Appalling. Go read it all for yourself.

[@1100andFortyEight]

I love that the Commando is more repro rather than retro; the air cooled engine differentiates it from most retro bikes, it might be low on horsepower in comparison to its liquid cooled rivals, but the riding experience goes hand in hand with the looks.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes absolutely 👍

[@MrAndrew1953]

Absolutely brilliant. I’m really surprised at how close it is to the original Commandos that used to blow me away on my T250R in 1972. Norton used to make a lovely canary yellow and British racing green fastback. Lovely conical shaped exhaust cans.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Andrew 👍

[@Thespian-wp6xq]

Lovely looking piece of engineering.

[@travelinben1966]

I always wanted a Norton,and I hope Norton will finally be successful in making the Norton marque comeback a giant one,with markets all over the world.I'm delighted that it will be made in Great Britain too.😊👍👍

[@alanshearing7515]

Nice to chill and enjoy some nostalgia. You can see the quality even on a video , immaculate paint . I suspect these will be loved by anyone who buys one . Great video Chops

[@tonyciriello6872]

My first "legal" road bike was a 1973 Commando. At 15 years old you can imagine what a thrill that was. Now at 68 I would love to come full circle. Even though you complain about the brakes, compared to the 73 its must be worlds better. Then there is the Ohlins. Yeah, you get it. Not available in the States. Oh well, just have to carry on with my FTR.

[@paul.vanhout57]

50+ years into my motorbike addiction and I have always had a soft spot for the Norton Commando. If this modern interpretation ever shows up in the USA and proves to be reliable I could be tempted😬

[@KelvinChilvers]

Enjoyed your review, the great thing about biking it there is something for everyone. Even if a style isn’t your preference, you can appreciate all bikes. Looking forward to seeing further videos.

[@andrewshore262]

I’m 63 when I first started riding in the 70’s there were a few original Commando’s knocking about, but even by then if you’re arse wasn’t parked on a big Japanese 4 you were considered a relic. So for me there’s no connection, I’m not into nostalgia (vinyl records etc., modernity has the past licked in my opinion), that said I have seen one parked up and they definitely look great - but let’s be honest they’re flogging a “lifestyle image” and a relatively expensive one…….but I’m glad it exists it’s different.

[@61greybeard]

Nice video Mr Chops great review of what the Norton is . My father is no longer with us a biker in his youth always loved it when I popped round on a new bike to show him he loved the modern stuff I hope you take the Norton for you Dad to see and hear it ❤️👍👍👍

[@Doncan0823]

What an absolutely beautiful machine. Meant to enjoy the ride, the road and the scenery.

[@mikehuesser1058]

"Oh God yes " Sums it up perfectly. Thanks for the video!

[@nickenyfiken9913]

Seems like a very nice bike with old school feelings, wonderful. Something different than most other produceras who develop 150+hp that you don’t need. Thank you for your great review 😎👍

[@FoundingStockNZ]

That guage cluster looks like a friendly robot face when you're riding it 😂

[@MichaelRofe]

You cheered me up! Thanks for an excellent video. Reminded me of my father describing his original Norton. Definitely on my watch and wish list! One fine day! Back in England! Never say never! Just so many great bikes to choose from in this the future! Excellent video and fair assessment! Thanks again!

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Michael 👍

[@AlbertK-eq5gd]

I got 3 Harleys man I would love to have one of those machines I have always loved a Norton.👍 guess I will have to check into getting one. Nice video

[@manuelabreu8764]

As always a very complete and profesional review for any one considering a new Norton bike. It gives a very good idea about the dynamics of the bike.

[@almccallie4314]

Sometimes I just want to go for a ride. I don’t want to check what “mode” I’m in (rain, sport, normal), or set the ESA. I just want to start it up and go. This new Norton may just be the ticket.

[@jamest5149]

Hope your dad managed to get to see this bike, little things like that means so much to the elderly especially when ill, gives them something to day dream about for ages afterwards especially if you can capture a photo of them with the bike 🏍️👏

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Beautiful bike Chopsie, 5 minutes in I was thinking it would look dead cool with clip on handlebars. I totally agree with you on the old tech engine, its what the bike needs. I'd love to have a shiney polished retro bike in my garage. Long live Norton, . . . again.

[@jimbandit1250sa]

Awesome bike one of a kind I’d have one next to my Triumph T120 absolutely loved that video chopsy fantastic mate I’ve learned a lot about the bike no emissions and noise testing bloody amazing ☺️👌👊🤝

[@LambChopRides]

Glad you enjoyed it 😁👍

[@deanmsimpson]

Great review Chopsy 👍. A reviewer who understands the bike, unkike many. This is a true retro bike. Air-cooled, push rod, but with modern brakes, suspension and ignition. It's a beautiful bike 👍

[@martinbisschoff988]

Superb workmanship. Beautiful.

[@h2allan]

Waited a while for you to finally post this review Chops, but very much worth the wait. I really think there is NOTHING you can buy new today that gives the same feeling, emotion and exhilaration within somewhat legal road speeds. To me, it's a modern classic... not a retro- certainly not refined like a Z900Rs or a Speed Twin, but all the better for it. A lot of nay sayers, but if you don't know, there's no point in me trying to explain....

[@luciferdracul7320]

Great vid, that wing mirror though 😊

[@iainian]

Well done LCR. Ive bought a bike on the strength of your review. The same with Username Kate, however this brand won't be on my list. NB. I loved Norton's especially (JPS) racing.

[@dannyhampshire2825]

Great review and I’ve seen the Norton up close and there are beautiful

[@robertakerson7186]

Mr. Chop- This is a beautiful bike! Good review too. For about twice the cost of the other classic-type bikes, this handmade motorcycle with all premium parts is not completely out of the question for many riders to afford; I hope this factor allows for Norton to be a successful company (I'd not mind owning one of these bikes myself). Bob

[@benlark8603]

I have one and love it. Great balanced and realistic review, thank you. Some of the reviews from you tubers who did not grow up with bikes, born agains and those buying into the so called retro fashion fad don't seem to get it. Which is a shame....thanks again!

[@CPUspeed]

😢 it’s so beautiful no I’m not crying there’s something in my eye

[@robertodebeers2551]

I remember when the Norton Atlas, that developed 55 horse power was considered a real handful, if not downright scary.

[@specialcircs]

Beautiful looking bike, except for those fluid resevoirs, need some covers for those!

[@wattie1050]

Nice one chopsy , lovely looking machine very detailed finish . I like the raw old school sound aircooled etc brilliant . A pricey bike but for what it's designed for a nice Sunday short ride out bike for someone with some cash to spend its idea! .Great stuff .👍😁

[@evanjohn503]

Even the 'old school' run out of petrol was there - a under-rated gorgeous bike. Cheers

[@mtkoslowski]

I really miss my 1968 Norton Dominator 600 with the Featherbed frame. I acquired it and enjoyed it in the late ‘70’s. Today I’m riding a ‘22 KTM 1290 Super Duke R. Quite a difference but I really miss that old carbureted Norton!

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

what a beauty, sublime machine.

[@garrytab4362]

To me your buying for the looks,and the Norton experience.Lovely looking machine 👍

[@iancharlesworth3654]

You must go and show your Dad John. He'll love it and it will bring a smile to his face. I can't do that anymore which I dearly miss so yes go and show him. It is a great bike. 👍 Dad died in April this year, a biker obviously. He left hs bikes which sadly had to be sold but I have kept his BSA BANTAM D10 of which he had from brand new in 1968. When I was born. Nothing special but it was Dads. Go see him John. THANKYOU.

[@LambChopRides]

I did Ian and he loved it, actually brought a tear to his eye. Sorry to hear about your Dad x

[@iancharlesworth3654]

@@LambChopRides Bless ya.

[@the_mad_leprechaun]

Looks amazing sounds amazing! Looks to be finished beautifully. Hand painted pin stripe? Beautiful 😍

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! I wish it was available in the US. I would definitely buy one. No doubt. Best!

[@SteveBrowner]

Good honest review 👍I must go into our local dealer and have a poke around. Keep the quality videos coming 👏

[@RE650NZGraeme]

I love the looks of the new Norton, my brother (well the middle of three) had a black and gold Norton 750 Commando. I rebuilt the points and retimed her by gut feel and approx 12 thou points gap, and checked for pinking and knocking. Was an uncomplicated bike. Brakes were heavy. This one, is surely so close to the old school bikes of the 70's with suspension improvements, fuel injection, USD Forks, Brembo brakes, electronic spark control, etc, but on other reviews, the engine sounds very noisy at startup and idle - clashy - rattling sounds - it did come across like that in your video at 16:45. Also only 5 gears too? Thanks for the ride review and the love of the old bikes!!!!

[@denas123]

Love your reviews brother! Keep it up!

[@nickrider5220]

A very fair review, as I'd always expect from you. They've reworked the engine eg 270 degree crank now, but it is based on the original unit - a true retro and a gorgeous looking bike 👍🏻

[@300zxdriver]

It’s great looking motorcycle. All the new sports bikes look the same as each other.

[@markhall3434]

Dang.. that looks awesome.. raced a Norton Command back in '75 (I believe it was the 850?) with me on a '73 Kawasaki H2 750 2 stroke. He walked away missing my smoke screen! The ultimate embarassment, getting beat by a smokey (but sweeet smelling) 2 stroke. That engine case looks very similar.. from memory the '75 had these external oil lines going from the crank case to the head.. Nice memory!

[@paulfowler7618]

Really enjoyed your review of this and if it wasn't so expensive I'd seriously consider owning one just for the way it looks and sounds. I'm lucky to own several bikes so it would be just for special occasions.👍

[@drdoolittle5724]

Just watched your super review but it was filmed back in the spring, why the delay, company policy?

[@martyndunn1905]

It may not be packed with electronics but it doesn't need it, that is a beautiful motorbike.

[@careyhamilton4793]

Please take it to your Dad Chops. You'll regret it if you don't. Cracking vid as ever from my favourite KZbinr 👌

[@RGSABloke]

Hi Chopsey, I had 2 Dominators, my first bikes. I built the first one from a box of bits, brings back massive memories. Joe

[@aussiesam01]

It's a shame that it doesn't have the 360 degree crank, which is what gave the original engine most of its character and torque.

[@yngve6640]

It is awesome looking. The beautiful engine, light weight frame, Brembo brakes, gold colour Ølins forks and black painted bike, polished alu speed and revcounter over the nice big round headlight, nice stitched sadle and racing tale. This is a bike i would love to own. It will turn heads on bike lovers. A bike you can grow old with, and pass on to your offspring. It will always be a cool bike.

[@essexboydave]

I tested one a couple of months age And my opinion was “it’s a bit slow vibration though your feet and arms was terrible” but I absolutely loved it 😁 It’s not a good bike but it has so much character and it looks fantastic

[@nickcheema907]

A beautiful Norton, a work of art. I'll take this over a "made in Asia" Triumph

[@davidforsdike4343]

Was a big Triumph fan. Had 6 some new. The last one was made in Thailand. Was all plastic and electrical problems. Have a Norton now.

[@logangodofcandy]

My Thai made Bonnie 1200s are flawless, and no plastic

[@davidforsdike4343]

@logangodofcandy What are the fake carburetors made of ? My Triumph made in Thailand . Had gearbox and electrical problems. Do still have a 07 Bonneville much better quality.

[@stephenrobbie7683]

⁠​⁠@@davidforsdike4343 Really? I’ve owned early Hinkley Triumphs and various models all the way through to the latest bikes. That’s 10 bikes… Have currently owned a Scrambler 1200XE for 5 years, with NO issues ( Not my only bike). One of my last bikes was an air/ oil cooled Scrambler. I loved it. But no way was it better built. Don’t mention the hideous chrome plastic rear light, poorer wiring loom or rusting spokes. There is nothing inferior about the Thai-built bikes. It’s stuck in the past that killed the British bike industry. There are few plastic parts on my 1200. So not sure which bikes you’ve looked at? If I sound harsh? It’s because your comments don’t reflect those of most owners I’ve met. Maybe comment on the Indian money that bank rolls Norton?

[@davidforsdike4343]

@stephenrobbie7683 No problem with indian bikes. Have had 4 Enfields and 6 Triumphs still have a Bonneville. Just not keen on the cheap plastic parts on the new Triumphs. May well get one of the new Himalayans.

[@calebgriffiths9062]

Pushrod motors can go quite hard, when well set up. You can get 120-130 HP out of a 1200 Sportster if you get the right gear from Hamner Performance. So running out of puff early means it it hasn't been turned to the max. Maybe the bottom end isn't up to 100 HP. It will be interesting to hear whether they reall fixed ALL the issues.

[@ragerider6283]

Great review & bike chops. Totally agree with you that a lot of people have really missed the point with this bike. They don't have to like it obviously but if they're going to review it, they really need to do their homework & understand what it is & isn't first as it's not like anything else around. Would love to see you review their V4SV & V4CR too if you're in their good books.

[@debbieclegg2485]

Oooo .... that is V special chopsy 👍.... niiice ... good review again 👏

[@randlcars4582]

Great bike for a Sunday Morning Blast nice to see someone not Slagging it off Sounds Great you Need a tv Show

[@LambChopRides]

Glad you enjoyed it 😁👍

[@Lucan44.40]

Take it round and show it to your dad, trust me, it will make his day. 🎉

[@ducky237]

Love the vlog as always 👍 Can't help but think I'd take the thruxton RS even though the Norton is a special bike.🤔

[@clintnorthwood8058]

Good start to a Sunday 👍

[@Cyprusmichalis]

What a gorgeous bike, love it ❤

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Missed this when it was published for some reason (may have been away on tour) - great video as ever, although I completely disagree with your conclusions. You said it had great attention to details - what did you make of the the parts bin indicators that look like they're off a chinese bike? The flimsy switchgear? The plastic pisspot-brake and clutch reservoirs? The tarnished wheel rims? I love the idea of Norton, I love British engineering and British bikes, I'm a huge fan of retro styled bikes (I own three!) - but the draw for me is that they look retro but have the ride, reliability and quality of a thoroughly modern machine, my Speed Twin is a better bike by any reasonable measure and a fraction of the cost. If I want an "old school feeling" bike with "character" then why not buy an actual old Norton from the 60's?? Anyway, slight rant over, we all like different things and the world is a better place because of it......despite what I've said here I do wish Norton a succesful future and would love to see them bring out some proper modern bikes with mass appeal at good prices (remember the Atlas?)....but sadly I think that's a way off.....right, what else did I miss???

[@jfro5867]

Handsome looking bike but I think you’ve got to be an absolute Norton fanatic to buy into this latest re-incarnation and look past the many niggles. It’s a fundamentally compromised machine with very poor dealer network and aftercare that you are likely to need and according to forums, it’s not always been a great ownership experience. Think you upset a lot of people Andy with your first impressions review but to be fair I think you have been proved right. If it was really that special they would have sold out wouldn’t they? Many have ridden but not many been bought. That says it all.

[@milodebruin4821]

The noise ❤

[@SPSteve]

I wish they were available in the USA, it's a piece of artwork.

[@Twinpot1962]

Nice honest review. I wish some would review the dropped bar ‘cafe’ version.

[@GPR111]

I like it. A great machine for an occasional touch of Brit classic old school biking.

[@timothybrockbank7474]

Stunning

[@lepod]

Nice review. As someine else has mentioned if you didnt like the front brake on this one you really wouldn't like the original. I often used to wonder if i was going to stop in time :)

[@graybailey6015]

I live in ALABAMA and have a friend rebuilding a commando right now.Its going to be cool.

[@raymondstone9636]

Fark looks like a real bike.Unbelieveable.😁🤣

[@moza1080]

My favorite youtuber 🤫

[@tezmcg17]

Nice review as always chopsy. I own a Honda CB1100RS, a bike similar to this bike. Would love to see you do a review on the Honda and maybe the Honda up against the Norton with Gregorio.

[@jesseshepherd10]

Had a 73 Commando Combat. Nice memories

[@NamaanXI]

Beautiful looking bike, only recently found your channel...subbed. enjoy your vids👏😎

[@LambChopRides]

Welcome aboard! Thanks very much 👍

[@glennturnbull8568]

Good Review Chops, hope your Dad got to see it.

[@LexPips]

Had that same bike except was a 2016. Honestly it was a complete dog engine wise, I hated its lack of power. Only thing that was really nice was its vintage look & upgraded parts like Ohlin shocks & Brembo brakes. Traded it in for Tuono v4 1100 just a couple months after got it, best decision ever. Would NOT recommend buying one, no way Jose.

[@TheLoathsomeCowboy]

I like the way that Norton has been faithful to the styling ethos from days of old. My only hope is they’ve upped their game on the build quality ethos from days of old. I bought a new ‘71 750 Roadster. I was young and stupid and thought it would make a great daily. It was the sexiest thing on two wheels, handled great and would see off pretty much all of its contemporaries in a straight line. However, it too many flaws that made it hard to live with, such as an air-cleaner that would fill up with water in any decent rain, and bring the bike to a spluttering stop. I could go on, but when I see this 961, I’m tempted - just not as a daily.

[@omgitsabloodyandroid5161]

Lovely that is. Quick ride on a Sunday, grab a pie & pint, off home

[@bigred8438]

Motor Guzzis are still made by and large with push-rod engines, but they have a four valve head in some cases. the cables going to the throttle bodies is exactly what I have on my 24 year old BMW.

[@MrSmileyshaun]

Great vid as usual 👍 and a great looking British bike I keep thinking of taking one of those out after owning the 900 and the 1200R Thruxtons and Triumph don’t make bike in the uk Norton is very tempting 🙈

[@blacksheep1971]

I'm not old enough to interest me in these kind of bikes - but I can appreciate the look's and sounds 👍

[@ashleyreynolds6604]

Motoline have a 24 plate with 76 miles for £5k under list. Lovely looking thing.