Riding my Norton 961 Dominator - rear wheel LOCKED UP!

[@cecilwilson5442]

That's one cracking bike i think it is the top yoke conversion,does it for me,, just a pity that it let you down,, merciful you got to tell the story 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland

[@NortonUnofficial]

Thanks. The top yoke conversion made a world of difference to the rideability of the bike. I love the look of the clip ons, but the riding position was far too aggressive for me - my back especially! I’ve got more sensible pipes on it now too, so I’m looking forward to putting more miles on it next year.

[@neilmackinnon3371]

Wow that was a lucky escape, a few minutes earlier and it doesn't bear thinking about. Slightly worrying and disappointing that TVS will not make spares available to Donnington made owners. I can get gearbox parts for my 1975 Triumph T140V without issue. I hope you have many more happy miles on your Norton's.

[@NortonUnofficial]

Thanks! I was so very lucky. It did rain a bit while I was waiting for recovery. I dread to think what would have happened had it been wet when the wheel locked. It’s like TVS have cut out the Donington era from their history. A shame, as many owners myself included are passionate about their bikes. Making spares available would help build a lot more loyalty to the brand.

[@Merch131ho]

I have a TVS 961, the dealer has sold over 50 so far and only had one with any issues. That bike had a failed sensor which sits in a hollow on top of the air box. The owner jet washed the bike ever time he rode it, which caused the failure. Norton have since relocated that sensor to protect it better. At 2000 miles my 961 has been fine... touch wood...

[@NortonUnofficial]

Thanks for your comments. I was thinking of swapping my Donington Commando for a TVS one. Are you enjoying the bike?

[@Merch131ho]

@@NortonUnofficial Yes very much so, I wish it had a bit more power.. hit the rev limiter a few times when overtaking, but I knew its specs when buying it. It can keep up with mates on faster bikes, though I have to work harder than them which is part of the fun... Pity there were no new models announced at M/c live today.. Are you still planning to build a 961 scrambler?

[@NortonUnofficial]

That’s great to hear. I’m happy enough with the power on mine, and the torque is great too. I’m not a fast rider at all lol. I’ll be up at MC Live on Monday, having a mooch around the Norton stand no doubt! I’ve kinda given up on the scrambler idea for now, I’m loving the Commando as it is. But if prices keep dropping like they have been, I might look for a cheaper 961 that needs some TLC and use that as a project bike.

[@Merch131ho]

@@NortonUnofficial Ah, I have the same idea, buy a cheap 961 and mod it. But prices of the older bikes are holding up surprisingly well, given all their known issues.

[@philmorrow2446]

I do hope you managed to get your leather trousers cleaned!!🤣🤣 Seriously though, Thank goodness you were upright etc. Could've been a very bad day. Glad you're ok.

[@NortonUnofficial]

Haha! 😜 Thanks! To be honest it all happened so quickly it was over before I realised what had happened. If it had been wet though, or there was a car or lorry close behind, it could have been a completely different story. It’ll take a while to build trust in the bike again, I think. Cheers, thanks for the comments.

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

Hi, glad you made it out unscathed! Funnily enough I just read a FB post by a chap whom claims to have had a bad experience with TVS Norton… he’s yet to elaborate! But I’m receiving mixed signals. My concern is many of the old hands at Norton have been re-employed by TVS (which is par for the course)… but did the work shy and not-so-conscientious workers come back too?! These professionals are expected to be able to work unsupervised, so regulate themselves. But if they’re having a bad day or need an early ‘Friday’ shoot…. who suffers?

[@NortonUnofficial]

I'm in two minds whether to go for a TVS 961. I like the idea of having factory support, but my 2015 Commando has (so far) been super reliable - it's taken me all over Europe in the past 12 months. Is it a case of better the devil you know? 🤔

[@markdrummond7]

Delighted you and the bike are OK. My investigation unit dealt with a high speed lock up on a motorway ridden bike many years ago and the rider was killed horrifically as he struck several crash barrier supports. That is a high failure rate though, can you imagine the flood of videos if you applied that rate to a Japanese manufacturer?

[@robvanduren761]

These bikes are sexy as. They are timeless and are what most people need in a bike.

[@NortonUnofficial]

Thanks! Yes I totally agree, she’s a beauty. It was definitely a purchase from the heart not the head. But that’s what riding a bike is all about for me.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

I got 6500 on my Endield GT this summer 🌞 new tiers and oil and ready for next year. I bet your new set of gears last a lifetime 🤠.

[@NortonUnofficial]

Fingers crossed! I put 5000 miles on my Commando 961 this year with no issues 😎

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

@@NortonUnofficial it's the best looking caf race bike yet.

[@woodstockwoodstock2116]

I believe you repeat your script at 3.08 and 3.19. Slightly different camera shot. (The good news is you know, you are followed closely.) Thanks for posting. I'm an Enfield guy but I like the Norton 961s and always watch your vlogs. Never say never as I look for that one "last" bike.

[@NortonUnofficial]

Thanks! I just fixed it 😃 I really appreciate your feedback. A mate of mine (KZbin - Grumps Rides) has a RE 650 Interceptor, we plan on doing a comparison video with the Commando in the next few months.

[@lipsee100]

Stuff happens,,On my BMW rt I had my gearbox lost all (most) drive,, I was able to ride home in 1st gear ,,turns out one of the shafts had snapped in two,, and I got drive by the ends rubbing together and so drive only in 1st...On inspection it was abit of a mess inside.....

[@NortonUnofficial]

Sounds like you had a lucky escape as well! Yes, these things happen I guess, even on supposedly bullet proof bikes like BMW. I haven’t had much luck with the bike from new, various items needed sorting such as rust on the frame, and an oil leak. I’m hoping now I’m through all that and I can start putting some miles on it.

[@SkinPeeleR]

Even if it was a fluke, it takes months before that nagging feeling dissapears and you start to trust your bike again.

[@hughmac7423]

Odd breakdown.

[@NortonUnofficial]

It was pretty scary at the time!

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Tell me when Norton actually made a reliable motorcycle.I owned several when I was a kid.

[@NortonUnofficial]

Thanks for your comments. My other 961 Commando (2015) has so far been very reliable, it took me all over Europe this year. But yes, these Nortons do have a poor reliability perception. Hopefully the TVS bikes are built to a higher standard, although some comments online would suggest otherwise. I plan to do a video on that topic soon. Cheers. Ride safe.