Innovations like these might be the ones that come to mind when you picture Norton motorcycles, though there’s one that’s often overlooked in their heritage.
It was all about going faster, stopping faster and handling better. Norton laid the foundation for what would become one of the best-known motorcycles, from patenting the featherbed frame in 1949 to the essential fairing and fat tires. The Norton Commando 961 took birth in 1967. Now, this is a 124-year history.
| Brand | Norton |
| Name of bike | Commando 961 |
| This article is about | Commando 961 Specs, Feature, Mileage, Launch Date and more |
| Category | Café Racer and Naked |
| Norton Website | Norton.com |
| LivingWithGravity Website | LivingWithGravity.com |
Buying Decision
Some motorbikes are about power. Some are about speed. But for resto-mod fans, it’s all about the story, and the Norton Commando 961 has a great one. Now, this is a bike that means something.
It’s not just something you ride. It’s a serious piece of machinery which deserves your respect. And it comes from an era when motorbike riders knew how to ride and treat their bikes.
Christian Gladwell, Chief Commercial Officer of Norton Motorcycles, says, “The Norton Commando is a brand in itself, impacting popular culture for decades. In this new era of Norton Motorcycles, we are proud to launch the re-engineered Commando in Sport and the more limited Café Racer”.
Further, he says, “We’ve spent two years and countless millions in taking over 350 parts, and, even though they look the same, making them out of better materials and to a far higher level,”.
Read Also: Norton unveils V4SV
| Engine and Transmission | |
| Engine Type | In-house developed parallel twin with dry sump lubrication |
| Displacement | 961 cc |
| Max Power | 76.8bhp @7250rpm |
| Max Torque | 81Nm @ 6300rpm |
| No. of Cylinders | 2 |
| Valve Per Cylinder | 2 |
| Starting | Self Start Only |
| Fuel Supply | Fuel Injection |
| Clutch | Wet Multi-Plate |
| Ignition | Crank-fired electronic fuel injection |
| Gear Box | 5-Speed |
| Bore | 88 mm |
| Stroke | 79 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Emission Type | BS6 |
Norton Commando 961 Video
Why Norton Commando 961?
When the idea of a revitalized Norton Commando was first proposed, it was clear the bike had to respect its heritage and legacy completely. The overall design brief was obvious: to deliver a new Norton Commando 961 (NC) that could be built at a competitive price, on time, with all of the essential performance, reliability and durability qualities one would expect from such a machine.
There are few motorcycle brands as iconic as Norton. So, with tremendous pride, I introduce the all-new Norton Commando 961. It’s simply the bike that defines Norton – and one Norton believes will create a whole new generation of Norton fans worldwide.
What’s different about this bike? Well, under the skin is an all-new Commando 961 with the same DNA, developed and refined to give you astonishing poise on the road. So sit back, throttle up and let your new Norton take you anywhere you want to go with confidence.
Also check: Norton begins its electrification journey
Norton Commando 961 Features
Norton has built a potent, powerful and uncompromising motorcycle as the name, commemorating a model that every owner craves. In Commando 961, Norton’s engineers have united the myriad of forms, functions and details into a package that does not leave a single part unturned.
It is designed to retain the most vital attributes the Commando name has always stood for – power, strength and awe – while delivering them with an experience that brings new dimensions to the table.
When it comes to the Norton Commando, there’s an air of mystique and a legend all of its own. However, with heritage and thanks to a rich history in performance bike building, there’s a lot more to Norton than its classic look evokes. The Commando 961 is rooted in the past and infused with new-school values.
| Features | |
| Instrument Console | Analogue |
| Speedometer | Analogue |
| Tachometer | Analogue |
| Tripmeter | Digital |
| Odometer | Digital |
| Seat Type | Single |
Norton Commando 961 Sport (SP) and Cafe Racer (CR)
The Commando 961 SP is the true modern classic for the discerning rider. With a unique, conventional high handlebar, relaxed seating position and hip-hugger seat that can accommodate a second passenger, this bike has been developed to deliver more presence, comfort and fun.
If ever a bike made a statement, it’s the Norton Commando 961 CR. Most might assume it’s just another retro-styled commuter, but when you look at it closely, you’ll see the Commander’s potential is far beyond mere transport.
Break the everyday routine with a ride on the Commando 961 CR, a classic roadster which is as comfortable and confident in the city as on open-road adventures. Lose yourself in the moment as you grasp the 961 CR’s clip-on style handlebars for an engaging and visceral riding experience.
| Console | |
| Speedometer | Analogue |
| Tachometer | Analogue |
| Odometer | Digital |
| Tripmeter | Digital |
| Fuel Gauge | Digital |
| Pass Switch | Yes |
Design
From the distinctive fuel tank and forward-canted engine to the Commando 961’s signature hourglass silhouette and beautiful flowing lines, Norton’s new Commando 961 is a statement of its own.
The vision for the new Norton Commando 961 project combines innovation, creativity and craftsmanship to create a homage to classic motorcycles while also creating a distinctly modern bike.
The Norton Commando 961 is a love letter to all things classic. It’s old school, but it’s modern, with beautiful detail work and high-spec components with carbon fibre mudguard, solid aluminium aerospace grade billet top yokes, and distinctive gold anodized Öhlins forks.
At the same time, the exhaust system and chassis are hand-built, perfectly complimenting the hand-polished engine covers.
| Body Type | Sports Naked Bikes, Cafe Racer Bikes |
| Dimensions and Capacity | |
| Saddle Height | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1400 mm |
| Electricals | |
| Headlight | Halogen |
| Tail Light | Bulb |
| Turn Signal Lamp | LED |
| Tyres and Brakes | |
| Front Brake Diameter | 320 mm |
| Rear Brake Diameter | 240 mm |
| Radial Tyre | Yes |
| Drive Type | Chain Drive |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Suspension and Brakes | |
| Frame | The frame is hand TIG and MIG welded at Norton HQ |
| Fuel tank | 15 Litre |
| Kerb Weight | 230 kgs |
| Suspension Front | 43mm Ohlins upside-down forks, adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping. |
| Suspension Rear | Ohlins twin shocks with remote reservoir – fully adjustable. |
| Brakes Front | Disc |
| Brakes Rear | Disc |
| ABS | Dual Channel |
| Tyre Size | Front :-120/70-17, Rear :-180/55-17 |
| Wheel Size | Front :-431.8 mm,Rear :-431.8 mm |
| Wheels Type | Spoke |
| Tubeless Tyre | Tubeless |
| Exhaust | Complete stainless steel exhaust system with multiple 3-way catalytic converters |
Exhaust
At the heart of that sustained raucous howl is a beautiful pairing of exhaust pipes designed and crafted at the Norton factory, echoing into your life from the vast emptiness between your Norton Commando and the world beyond.
Shades
The Commando 961 is available in two stunning hand-painted finishes: The Manx Platinum features polished rims, while the Matrix Black colourway can be paired with either polished or black rims.
Engine
At the heart of the Commando 961, there’s a para twin, air-cooled 961 cc engine that makes 76.8bhp @7250rpm and 81Nm @ 6300rpm. Built at Norton’s state-of-the-art production facility in Solihull, England, it has been created with enthusiastic rider needs in mind.
It sounds smooth and crisp when you open up the throttle, and it drives the bike effortlessly. To give you all the performance you need, it also has a new throttle butterfly angle, giving you instant power when you open your throttle fast for more responsive acceleration.
Suspension and Brakes
The fuel tank holds 15 litres. 43mm Öhlins upside-down forks at the front – adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping – and fully adjustable Öhlins twin shocks at the back.
A complete Brembo braking system complements the suspension with radial-mount callipers at the front and with ABS.
Top speed
As per the California Specifications, the top speed of the Norton Commando 961 is 120 mph (193 kmph).
Mileage
The fuel efficiency is expected to be between 10 kmpl to 15 kmpl.
Price
Expect the price of the new Norton Commando 961 to start from Rs 20.99 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) Delhi. However, in the UK, the SP version costs £16,499, while the Cafe Racer costs £16,999.
Expected Launch Date in India
Norton plans to launch the Commando 961 Cafe Racer on 11 Nov 2022.
How to book it?
- Go to the NortonMotorcycles website here.
- Choose Title and enter details like First Name, Last Name, Country, Email and Phone.
- Once done, click on Submit.
And then Norton Team Members will contact you shortly.
The Goods
- Norton resurrected the iconic Commando 961
- The new Commando 961 connects you to the Norton DNA.
- New Commando 961 boasts robust mechanical quality.
- For simple motorcycle enthusiasts, it doesnt have traction control, ride modes or modern-day radar systems, which is good.
- Handmade carbon fibre, transmission cover and exhaust system.
- Excellent stitched leather seat.
- The design is very similar to the old Commando 961.
- Top-notch hardware.
Not so good
- Modern riders will miss the traction control, ride modes, modern-day radar systems or a modern electronic package. However, we will see more Innovation from Norton in future.
- Due to low clip-ons and versatile position, the Cafer Racer is a bit impractical to ride.
Conclusion
The Norton Commando 961 is more than just a motorcycle. It’s more than a legendary name. It’s an unmistakable road icon and has now been crafted to a new standard.
Much more than a motorcycle. The Norton Commando 961 is an icon of freedom, capable of taking you anywhere, at any time and in every kind of weather. At home, no matter where you are on the road, it’s a bike that rewards you with its remarkable handling, acceleration and sustained top-end speed.
It’s a bike for the rider who seeks unparalleled performance, safety, and unequalled exhilaration. In short, every Commando is bred from the genuine soul of the most iconic motorcycle name in the world – Norton.
Source: Robb Report and Financial Express
