Norton Commando 961 - specs, brief history & first ride impression - part 1/2

[@jeffshootsstuff]

My absolute holy grail bike.

[@petehook2866]

Would love to own one. Looking forward to your upcoming episodes

[@Merch131ho]

I would add that the official RRP isn't what the bike actually costs. There is a 'Dealer Contribution' of £2024 along with other incentives. one of which was a P/X of a minimum of £1500 on any bike.. even a rusty old moped etc. I paid £15000 for mine in June, and I know that later in the year it could've been a bit cheaper still. Folks compare it to the Triumph T120, but that's a modern bike pretending to be a classic, the Norton is the real thing. Its only sold in the UK as it doesn't meet EU regulations on emissions and noise.. which is great as it means the fuelling is spot on and the exhaust is pleasingly loud, compared to modern bikes. So far, nothing has gone wrong with mine, the build quality is excellent and I'm really enjoying it. The first of the new Norton models will be announced later this month, but I hear the dealers have asked Norton to keep making the 96,1 even if in smaller numbers, as they feel it will continue to be a steady seller.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for the detail, I didn't know that and I think people will be interested to hear that if they are keen on maybe buying one

[@bikefever3569]

I have a 2015 model CR. Gearbox isn't great. Thought suspension would feel better than it does being hi end. Burns oil like its going out of fashion 😂 Smokes and yet she only has 3k on the clock. But I can live with that because of the looks and the sound she makes. I get so many people turn to see what it is. Love it.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

This is really good owner feedback, thanks for sharing it, I'll be referring to all these comments from owners in my final opinion of the bike so they really are valuable, thank you

[@Merch131ho]

I have the same bike, looking forward to the next vids..

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on, one very lucky man right there!

[@cams2575]

Coolest looking bike on the road. No exception

[@AlexElliott-sw6pi]

Well done on the history lesson Alex. Nice bike! There are some people who would probably rate Stuart Garner as a bad egg in the recent history of it all, but in the turn of this pre decade and beginnings he was a great influence in shaping the brand, particularly in motorsport. Kenny I've heard of but a bit more research will cure. I've only seen one of these think, but funny how modern bikes have that smell.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks Alex, yeah, that smell, a classic rider knows it and the new Commando definitely has it! Same exact smell on everyone I've seen, not a bad thing :)

[@davidforsdike4343]

Have had mine for a year. Done afew thousand miles. Trouble free . Has plenty of power for me . Handling and brakes are top notch. I did shorten the stand 1/2 " .

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Ha, I have a feeling that when I put more preload on the suspension it will sort out the stand height a touch, will be doing that when the Slacker tool arrives asap

[@kretonslovechild7999]

I remember being fired up about the 961 fifteen years ago until I learned the price and that they were having all kinds of production and dealer issues so I got a Ducati GT1000 instead, which cost barely half what the 961 did. Fast forward to 2024 and I still wouldn’t pay anywhere near what they’re asking, especially since the current version’s cylinders look more like those of an early ‘80s Honda CM450 than an old Commando.

[@peterston4039]

Cool recommendations. Good video.

[@digger8180]

Nice,✌🏻

[@garyives1218]

The gold fork is hideous and destroys its otherwise great looks.

[@collyernicholasjohn]

Hideous is a strong word, but offputting yes

[@mjm7187]

I'll stick with my 72 750 Combat, love the torque , handling and sound.

[@juanangelescalada3147]

A dream

[@theodavies8754]

Love the one you're with. It's unfortunate that there is such a squeeze on the target market. I don't agree with the style period chosen for the exhaust silencers.

[@stephencroft6481]

I looked at one on display at cadwell park and although a lovely bike the gear change linkage is just a bit of bent bar and looks a bit heath Robinson and in need of upgrading .

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

It's a lovely bike but I have heard so much downs and I think it is to expensive but if I win the lottery I am going to have one

[@davidforsdike4343]

15k is not to bad for a hand built bike. They are abit special. No regrets with mine. Have had 30 plus bikes. This is my favorite ever bike.

[@bobharris5759]

Tried one recently and REALLY wanted to be won over. But found it just not worth the money when you looked at what the bike provides. Handled sweetly but lacked “get up and go” for me. Bike definitely vibrates at times which could be an issue over time and runs out of puff too early for me. The bike looks fabulous and the quality is, in the main, fantastic. BUT the cheap and nasty ignition key, top yoke and nut look poor and simply wrong. In the end, after much heart searching, I decided not to buy. Perhaps if a very nice second hand bike becomes available, I could be tempted……

[@suprajam3000]

@@bobharris5759 agreed,see how the second hand market looks in a few years, reliability and value should be clearer by then

[@Treker-yv7nz]

If it had 6 gear’s I’d have one but until then ill keep my Thruxton

[@GrandadTinkerer]

Far too expensive.

[@mattlambert1890]

@GrandadTinkerer it's actually a British bike, not an imitation which is why there's a premium. I own a T120, but I'm very aware that it's not built/assembled here but still costs over £12,000 brand new.

[@gavinstubbs3949]

By a pre used on i got a 6 month old one with big savings

[@johneastwood9540]

Lovely looking bike, wooden engine 😢

[@robertscheinost179]

Nah, I'll take an old Norton Commando over this imposter any day. The best bikes were made 40+ years ago IMO. That's just me. You youngsters can buy the new stuff. That means there's more old stuff, at a cheaper price, for me. I'm one of those guys that knows the difference between a Vice and a set of Vice Grips, a skill that seems totally lost on youth these days. My take is; If you can't fix it, you shouldn't own it, and I don't work on computers. Let's see what these bikes go for in 5 years. Hopefully for the people that buy them, more than the new BSA 650 "Gold Star", where money goes to disappear, never to be seen again.

[@mrmoon1482]

No way is it worth that price,