Charley Boorman review / Norton Commando 961 SP

[@stevenguajardo6049]

What I really like about this bike is that they didn't put all the shity tech. No touch screen,no different riding modes,no cell phone hook ups, just get on and ride. Carve the hell out of those back roads. Beautiful bike.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

Like the kawasaki w800, while they kept the w800 as a parallel twin and norton designed it opposite to british tradition as an inline twin with 180° crankshaft…. So I thought and I am happy to research and see by actual picture that it is old-school parallel twin inside the engine, too. Wowsers. 2 classic architecture bikes on the road aside moto guzzi v7/v9, simpler indian, royal enfield and harley, sadly all are EURO4 or EURO5 compliant and yes, for that you need a digital box and ODB. “Shity” tech is on them, combustion sensors error-reporting engine lights that report no real engine failure is a feature since EURO4. Go for carbs, then you’re surely classic, but that time has gone in new registered bikes.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

Oh, sorry, it seems I saw an original US 961 360° crank before it went (been sold) over to UK (Gardner) as a 270° crank engine architecture, so, no it seems to not be a 360° parallel twin, but a 270° inline twin with 90° firing between 2 cylinders, just like Yamaha’s TRX 850 derived from the old super tenere and used in the TDM. That makes the bike a non-classic at heart, just like any trinkley trump. All that’s left is the “hand-build” burning TVS’ cash for it’s slow procedure having the factory in finger2nose loop-mode.

[@philipparana9225]

Just the price of 2 modern superbikes

[@barrybarnes96]

@@GiancarloBenzina An "inline twin" would be a Harley...the Norton is still a parallel twin.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Totally agree. What a beautiful machine.

[@mr.d.6529]

My Uncle had the original 850 commando absolute beautiful bike it was ridden behind the Hurse at his funeral I always remember the thud and popping of the exhaust pipe notes hitting our ears as we travelled in the the car behind him.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Original was 750 no?

[@mldiode]

I always wanted a Norton. As a young man there was a Triumph/Norton shop in Montvale, N.J. near where I lived. I’d stop by often and just look in the window at the Nortons. I could never afford one. I settled back then for a 1976 Yamaha XS650C which I bought new at 17 yrs. old. Still have it. Needless to say I’d love this new Norton but… The dealer network in Central Florida is just about non-existent. The price is still on the high side compared to Triumph T-120 . This Norton truly is an enthusiast motorcycle. Beautiful!

[@stephenbaron5681]

That dealer was the Sport Spot on Hamburg Turnpike. I bought a Moto Guzzi there in 1989 as they went out of business. I own two Norton 850,s and would buy the new 961 if available in the States!

[@barrybarnes96]

The Triumph now has a [shudder] car radiator hanging off it. The Norton engine looks beautiful. Just wish they had styled the bike closer to the original Commando.

[@keysersoze_6]

Justifying the price is very hard, even with the heritage bikes.

[@tylerstanford6433]

Forsen

[@ulrichholl364]

Norton is doing the same fault like other companies before trying to built classing bikes. Overpriced with old Technik. It looks phantastic, but that's all. Triumph showed the way how to do it, modern reliable bikes you can afford and looking great, nothing left from the old unreliable stuff like my 2 Commandos I had in the eighties. So my next bike will be a Tiger, because I live in Bulgaria now, a Bonneville or whatever will not suit the bad road conditions here. Kind regards

[@elemental9039]

@@ulrichholl364 If I wanted a modern water-cooled retro with reliability, I'd just go for a Kawasaki. It's the classic British bike experience that one seeks in these kind of bikes, and that's where the Norton is miles ahead. So buying a Triumph for the apparent reliability makes no sense to me, just go for the Japanese Z900RS.

[@quacktac]

A Thruxton is just over £14k, I think a 3-5k premium is justifiable for wealthier buyers that want something a bit more exclusive.

[@barrybarnes96]

@@quacktac If I'm going for a British icon I'm not plumping for the one with the Morris Minor car radiator hanging off it.

[@DatOldeBiker]

Thanks Charley, I wish them luck, but predict an uphill struggle to make this successful.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Looks beautifully finished.

[@patrickcaudill2939]

Not going to compare this bike to another. Having a Norton Commando would be fantastic. Bike doesn’t need more power or anything else. Simply priced beyond what it should cost Thanks for sharing your lovely ride with us

[@andovernorton-thesource]

Charley, You need to come a ride a few of our Classic Nortons!

[@cannedcatfood377]

Charley, I hope you see this. I want to thank you for all the years of motorcycle entertainment you have given the world over the years. Like you, I have been a motorcycle fan since my first Honda Z50 in 1976 at age 10. I love the new Nortons and like you I probably would go for the black bars too. Now I need to get one out to British Columbia without my wife finding out!

[@danapeck5382]

Nice to see! Missed my yellow S for decades

[@kdsowen2882]

Nice machine , I'm old-school all the way (nearly 70) and I really enjoy riding this-style of machine . 70-80hp is ideal in a twin and as you-say , fun to work where you have to put in a bit of effort to get results , adds-up to a lot of fun . My old, modded TR1 is about the same . Dave nz

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Very nice review Charlie. Tiny point but it would have been nice to hear the engine note under load.

[@speedtriplerider7853]

It's a looker that's for sure

[@NortonUnofficial]

Great review Charley. I totally get your thought on the bars, I have a 961 Dominator and have swapped the clipons for flat bars for the same reason. Brilliant to see Norton making bikes again, can't wait to see what they bring out in the next few years.

[@gerrypowell2748]

Beautiful bike,price is high🥹

[@davidkern442]

A friend of mine has it. I would always choose the Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS over it.

[@curtstuhltrager4192]

Loved my original 850 the most fun of all my motorbikes.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

I love those blunt cheesy ads, it reminds me of 70s TV ads, where Aunty Clara presented her shiny blankets after washing them with CleanBrightSoapBubbles of Henkel or whatever. Charly the island hopper does a great job in repeating moves and monologues so it really doesn’t matter what bike he presents, just replace the bike and the acoustical mentioning of a brand and model with some other. Well done, worth the money.

[@JB-up4pm]

Very nice overview.

[@CW4PWR]

I really like that you wear American made boots. I have the same Thorogood boots in black.

[@greywolf9292]

I've heard the engine needs an anti vibration Quadlock between it and the frame. They're taking the Mickey now, I don't remember the Ohlins being an additional couple of grand. Such a pity, I had high hopes, still it'll look nice in someone's living room. I bet that injured wrist was throbbing after a few miles.

[@cams2575]

Thanks Charley. Nice quick, little sales pitch there 😉 It worked!!. I just bought the SP in Black 😊

[@Charley.Boorman]

Haha good on you.

[@ianloram2770]

Quite fantastic looking bike that stands out in the crowd.

[@scottengh1175]

Yes, please

[@lewisstredwick7616]

Crikey it really makes me want one . Keep the videos coming Charley I like the format 🙂

[@martinlegrice1414]

She is a beauty!

[@Twinpot1962]

Hi Charlie, not seen you since we met in Afghan, nice review of a classic bike. Looks lovely in the black and gold.

[@MrZahir.]

Love the vids and the high production values of the camera work👌🏽

[@greywolf9292]

Only the camera zoom/ focus could have done with an anti vibration Quadlock, I'm off to take some motion sickness pills 😂

[@michaelpauley125]

It looks just like a pieced together Triumph !

[@BK-rr2ws]

Well done Charley. Excellent bloke. 😊

[@davapod]

How much! OK it has the Norton badge and Ohlin's but this can't be the way forward.

[@jeanpaultown5065]

Thank you Charley

[@yonniboy1]

I so wanted the Commando to be even close to being as good as it looks as they've nailed it aesthetically, unfortunately it's overweight, under powered and wildly over priced, people tend to forget that the original Commando and the Bonneville were the R1 and Fireblade of their day, yet 50 years on the "modern" version makes almost identical bhp, less torque and weighs 40kg more than the 1973 850 Commando and price differences taken into account costs twice the price.

[@maycodes]

Great review, very well presented angles. aesthetics 100

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

It looks a lovely bike and premium. 19k is a lot, but it is specail and a lot of older guys will like it

[@winchester92stevebrook44]

I am one of those 'older guys' that appreciate it's heritage appearance and high quality components. However until my lottery numbers come up it is just a little above my budget. 😪

[@pcthayer]

@@winchester92stevebrook44 Looks like the old Honda GB500 that grew up in size and became more rich and sophisticated. 🙂. (Sorry if those are fightin' words to anyone from GB.) No doubt she is a beauty

[@shauntaylor4912]

This new bike is a significant improvement from the Garner era, but I agree that compared to other bikes in its category, others do it better. Perhaps another way of expressing how Norton could get the Commando so right while allowing the negative sentiment and symphony of noise to effectively kill any chances of selling a new or used V4SV or V4RC. The V4SS issue will not stop haunting Norton until they stop burying their heads in the sand and pretending they can tough it out when it's evident that they are hurting more than the V4SS owners. Is Norton really that different under TVS than it was under Garner, as it's once again a brand attracting attention for all the wrong reasons and with a product line-up that does not quite make it?

[@arceyes]

Such a joy that British bikes are back! The really do capture that feeling of nostalgia. I’m a Triumph rider and I have people chatting to me in traffic to enquire about my bike. Bring Norton to South Africa 🇿🇦

[@Celtictribes]

It's about as British as a Suzuki !

[@arceyes]

@@Celtictribes Norton’s are made in Solihull and my Triumph in Hinckley. I didn’t see those places on a map of Japan.

[@bulthaosen1169]

@@arceyes triumph is made somewhere else. Thailand I think. And Norton owned by an Indian company. We live in a global world.

[@elemental9039]

@@bulthaosen1169 Norton is handmade in Britain, and I don't care where the funds to make it come from.

[@bulthaosen1169]

@@elemental9039 so you only care where about where it's made? I guess you are like those harley fanboys.

[@27andyD]

i would watch missendenflyer an (honest review) before buying.

[@Bruttus4377]

Pure bike and thats good ,charlie i liked you in the emerald forest ,by eny means ,the long way round was down ,en i like you as bike tester

[@rv16ad]

beautiful bike

[@eamh2002]

Haha, just picked up a cafe racer/mad max modded ER-5 Kawasaki for a friend and I did that 5:28 peg flip like 4 times by accident on it. Its not my bike so I didn't check if its spring loaded with the spring missing but exact same "problem" with it 😅

[@MrPotatochips4]

Love the spokes, which the brake disks mostly cover --- but I wouldn't kick her out of bed for having big feet.

[@Theoriginalramjammer]

The thruxton 1200 whoops this things backside.

[@benkelly2190]

You have missed the point…

[@Theoriginalramjammer]

@@benkelly2190 no I haven’t. The Thruxton is 30kg lighter, significantly more powerful, cheaper to buy, better to ride and also with a British badge on the tank. The Norton brand is unproven in the hands of its new owners and yet another update of the prototype the two owners ago American owners displayed before the previous Norton brand owners made badly. You would have to SERIOUSLY want a Norton badged machine to shell out 20k for a reworked leftover design with less power than a T120.

[@tkdwelshlad]

​@@Theoriginalramjammerchasing horsepower is for bragging rights in the pub. More than enough power for the road, it's more about the experience.

[@markfranks1329]

​@@TheoriginalramjammerNo, it ain't perfect yet. How about giving it a chance and wishing the company well instead of playing Top Trumps.

[@benkelly2190]

@@Theoriginalramjammer point missed again!🤷🏼‍♂️

[@RichardT2112]

Hello Charley! Greetings from Vancouver Canada!

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

I would have liked a more upright seating position

[@PierredeCur]

Had one of the old ones in the 70s', but I would not change my current Duke 890 R for one of the new ones. :-)

[@parsivalshorse]

I cant help but think how much better in every possible way a 900rs would be for half the cash

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Youve lost the point. Its not about BHP but feel and how the experience is. Keanu Reeves understands what im talkin about. The commando was flawed and prone to go bang but no twin could touch it for the addiction to a bike ride in the early 1970s.

[@parsivalshorse]

@@Ian-bq7gp No, the original was famous because it was a very fast bike in its day - the new one is not. The original was also surprisingly smooth and vibration free, which the new one is not. A buyer of the original got a state of the art high performance bike, the new one is just a shadow.

[@timothyvaher2421]

​@@parsivalshorseHey, Whoa! If that 961 vibrate's 📳 the sale is off. The original Norton Commando frames mounted the engine and transmission on Isolastic rubber mounts! Smooth 🍦! That's a Real Norton it's Not to Vibrate 😤 🫨 I'll research this Thanks👍

[@parsivalshorse]

@@timothyvaher2421 Exactly.

[@1234567marks]

@@timothyvaher2421I have ridden 3 of these Nortons, they suffer from harsh vibration, and feel underpowered to me, as always take one for a test ride and make your own mind up, but I was not impressed!

[@hgm8337]

I would have a few more criticism, such as where is my 6th gear and why can't I get 100+bhp per the BMW / Triumph competition... that said, I prefer Charlie's bike reviews over his Waitrose ready-made meals

[@davidyersz8668]

Just one word to describe this bike, STUNNING

[@jacksyful]

when you feel a sty coming use vaseline overnight and it will not develop. Only had one and learned this lesson . Never had another, so it works!!

[@DarthDainese]

Me dad had a Norton Commando before I was even born in 77

[@pcthayer]

What a work of art. It is almost too nice to be someone's daily ride. That is something to take out only on weekends or "special occasions".

[@Celtictribes]

And that's the problem, where are the bikes for normal people to ride.

[@pcthayer]

@@Celtictribes Reviews like this are for the average person to experience a bike that most of us aren't willing to stretch our budgets to buy. There are plenty of reviews for the FZ07/MT07, SV650's, etc. that the average person is willing to buy and own. We want to see the fantasy bikes too, (On car reviews I love to watch Porsche reviews but doubt I'll ever own one.)

[@Celtictribes]

@@pcthayer Nonsense ! Motorbikes & cars are made to be ridden/driven not for old men with too much money to drool & wank over ! All this classic garbage has destroyed motorcycling & driving for normal people.

[@pcthayer]

@@Celtictribes When people have too much money, someone is going to come up with a product to take it from them. (Unfortunately people don't always give their excess money to charities rather than spending it on themselves.) What they do with that product in the privacy of their garage is their own business. (It is cheaper than a mistress and a divorce though.)

[@allsearpw3829]

Every day is a special moment .

[@scottnathanphoto]

A lovely thing that I pray has been sorted this time. I was a temporary custodian of a 961 with carbon rims from the Garner era. It was less reliable that my 60's Jag. I then took a modern Domiracer. Again, truly beautiful, but the loudest, most uncomfortable iin motorcycle history. My ears rang for 3 days. The best of the three, and my 30 year steed, a 72 Combat Commando Interstate. The most reliable of the bunch and most fun to ride.

[@quacktac]

I can see people paying the premium, but I'll be sticking to Triumphs for now.

[@blrmotorcyclesinc.]

Great to see you on a Norton Commando 961 Charley ....lovely looking motorcycle have test ridden the union jack paint limited edition ...just looks and feels very so authentic. Lovely review video.Please do keep more videos on some retro classic motorcycles coming...Cheers 🍻

[@iancooll12]

So does my old Norton mate, and I can achieve all that myself and have, personally I love the old Twin's regular beat and growl, tired of copycats just building 90deg Twins when that's not the entire solution anyway and only an easy approximation. Been there and done that, 50 years ago with a 500cc Norton Domiracer, then our racing club, at the time Banned them, but let out CB450/500 Twins, which I happen to love, but they were banned back in the day? So I built a 1955 wideline 500cc short-stroke engine with a 650cc SS head, retarded cam timing, and when it came on it flew all day at 8,000 rpm and still is, all these years later. Peter Williams went over that Bike, are you really telling me TVS know so much more?

[@milabaigar]

Looks beautiful Charlie , but bit pricey 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@sealow08]

Just found your channel - stoked! Liked and subscribed. Keen to keep up with the great content!

[@terryboyle]

that is a beautiful bike. So wish I could afford to own one

[@usmanbradley]

Can we have a machine made, as opposed to handmade, version so it’s affordable for most 😊

[@PaddleDogC5]

No Commando Girl?

[@iain777uk]

This is class, Love it.

[@ConstantGeekery]

Beautiful bike… but the price is double a Moto Guzzi V7 850 Special, which is just as pretty. I’d still like one though 😁

[@sacredgeometry]

Gorgeous bike

[@dougiegarcia3113]

nice bike charley ill need to win the lotto lol 😊 hope the eye gettings better soon maximum vision on the motorcycle your riding all best

[@maycodes]

TVS 200 million investment really paid off..love what Indians did to revive Norton.

[@rietveld840]

This is a two wheels history- Lovely bike

[@bigblue7091]

Fell for iT at First sight , I’ll take Both Colours, Review 👌

[@everestvirtue309]

Dear Charley Thank you for making another helpful presentation of your thoughts on this one. All Happiness to you and your family Until next time Take Care my Friend 🙋‍♂️

[@KakuiKujira]

When's The Nod podcast coming back?

[@hatchetjack1031]

These bikes are so rare and expensive, I might as well be watching an AVAILABLE super model dating site. I think I'll go look for Rolls-Royce discounted models.

[@motowipeout5670]

that's a beautiful bike!

[@privatebribert]

A better review than Andy's,I don't think he gets it

[@Brit_Toolmaker]

I agree, I think it flew completely over his head and yet he gets Harleys, a bit weird that methinks!

[@amigojefe7708]

Another cracking review - much easier to listen to a real-world rider over a journalist with an interest in motorcycles.

[@xtremeelectronics2862]

👍👍👍👍

[@garyives1218]

I think that massive chunk of gold on the front destroys the looks.

[@bernardlesperance742]

I wouldn't exactly call 'upside down' forks a "heritage" or "old school" look.

[@Achilles22]

Needs more HP or a lower price, lovely bike though

[@UncleWally3]

Is this a review or an advertisement or perhaps, to be generous, an opinion piece?

[@30smsuperstrat]

And with all that money, the seat feels like it's granite.

[@oregonziggy2391]

Really beautiful bike. Hope you and Ewan do another trip.

[@tiggy2756]

Great looking bike already a classic bike but even with its looks its going struggle against the Thruxton RS ,even though the Thruxton is a little bit fake classic , but wouldn't mind Norton in my garage alongside my Thruxton though if I had the money to spare

[@daveatkinson644]

I can believe that - haven't ridden the RS, but even the Thruxton R is a _lovely_ bike... Handles like a dream and it's making the best part of 100 gee-gees. The Norton does look lovely though 😎

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

Greetings from Georgia, USA 🍑 Thanks for the review! It's a beautiful bike and I wish the new Norton owner's/company a long and prosperous future. 🪶

[@jfro5867]

Great looking bike, I am sort of interested in getting one however I don’t think it’s a wise move. Can’t find hardly anyone who’s bought, little to nothing on forums and it seems only 3 have been sold this year. So. Big gamble.

[@Charley.Boorman]

Yes, they are pretty new to the market. Having taken over from Stuart Garner. They have been spending a lot of time changing them to how they like that. So I think they haven’t been selling the bikes for very long. I think it will be interesting to see what happens in time. Fingers crossed they’ll make a good goal of it.

[@davidchampkin5999]

Used to own a 961 commando mk 2 from the Stuart Garner era . I regret selling it but needed the money at the time as it was a great bike . My only criticism was I felt the bars were bit too low Plenty of Norton Dealers to test ride the new machine from TVS.

[@jfro5867]

@@davidchampkin5999 Hi David. Gorgeous looking bike. What bothers me is aftercare, parts, warranty issues. The relative lack of performance I could live with. I’m yet to be convinced it’s going to be there if there’s a problem. Realise someone’s got to be the first to buy and build up some confidence in the brand but I don’t think it’s going to be me. If it was £7k a la new BSA probably would, £17k mmmm not yet anyway. Maybe next year.

[@duncancleverley6366]

A stunningly beautiful bike.. but that riding position is excruciating after a few miles… why on earth are they rearset like a sports bike on a 77bhp retro… I would buy one today if the pegs were set similar to a T120 Bonneville… such a shame.

[@richardsieben815]

Charley, any insight from the factory as to when we might expect this bike here in the USA? I own and ride multiple bikes both on and off road here in Nevada, California, Baja, Utah and the surrounding mountains. I had a 1972 Commando when I was is college in the late 70's and early 80's that I wish I had never sold. Current bikes in my garage - 2016 BMW r1200rs, 2022 Triumph Speedmaster, 2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660, 2017 Husqvarna FE450, 2001 Kawasaki W650 custom cafe and a 2011 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic. Not like I need another bike but I am certain you understand the desire for just one more. Keep the content coming, your perspective is always appreciated. Cheers from across the pond.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

It is truly one of the best looking bikes around. Too bad the U.S. wont see it for a long time, probably about the time the outlaw petrol bikes😂😂

[@scootjockey]

230kg 77 bhp 20 grand errr no thanx.

[@simonwalker7957]

Lovely bike brilliantly presented but would have preferred to hear it instead of the music; 50% of the experience is missing imho

[@ponytrishpip]

A beautiful sexy looking bike

[@prawnstar9213]

The seats they are making these days are so un comfortable. You can’t ride more than 30 minutes without thinking that you’ve got to get off soon.

[@roberthocking9138]

I would have liked you to start it and here the engine exhaust Charlie, but no doubt a wonderful bike if you can afford it.

[@allsearpw3829]

A nice looking bike , but some have said it is very vibey to ride . ? When are you coming back on TV ?

[@Squatch_Rider66]

Regardless of any other concern, it is a beautiful bike, makes my Roadking look like a dump truck

[@briemosborne7017]

That is a lot of quid to have a pair of hideous-looking brake/clutch reservoirs from the Dark Ages in your face.

[@ryanthailand]

Nice but way too expensive.

[@FunWithAJ]

Thanks for sharing Charley. Unfortunately I don't have much nice to comment about it. The price is a bit ridiculous. I'd rather have a Thruxton R all day. The name was prestige doesn't fit the look of the Bike. Should have been called the Norton Hornet instead. Also no US option.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Some dont understand how nice the commando is to ride. I rode a few fastback 750s years ago and its the nicest bike to ride ever and the engine and exhaust note is the best apart from manx norton.

[@Don-lw4cb]

Seriously over priced, good looking bike spoiled like many today by those discoloured down pipes. They should double skin and chrome them.

[@mollyfilms]

Oh no I switched off as soon as the American music started. Why!!