Being relatively new to this whole motorcycling thing I seem to find new bikes that I'd love to own everyday. This is one I found today.
From:
http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2009/07/norton-commando-961-se-to-be-launched.htmlNorton Motorcycles are looking at launching their first new motorcycle in many years – the Commando 961 SE – in September this year. The company will start with producing 200 units of the limited edition 961 SE and will then start making the standard version of the bike. Also, according to a report on Dealer News, the iconic British company is now looking for distribution partners outside the UK. Deliveries are expected to start by the end of this year or early next year.
The new Norton Commando will be fitted with a 961cc air-cooled fuel-injected parallel-twin that produces 80 horsepower and 90Nm of torque. Other bits include a tubular steel chassis, five-speed gearbox, adjustable Ohlins suspension (43mm fork at the front, reservoir-style twin shocks at the back), 17-inch wheels and Brembo brakes (twin 320mm carbon-steel discs with radial mount callipers at the front, single 220mm disc at the back). The bike weighs 188 kilos dry, though the SE version will come with various carbonfibre bits for reduced weight.
‘The Commando 961 SE has been engineered by a team of experienced motorcycle design engineers at Norton's new facility at the Donington Park grand prix circuit. It was felt that, to bring the Commando up to date and deliver a good value product, a 'ground up' engineering exercise was necessary. This work started in 2008 and has now progressed to completion,’ says Simon Skinner, Head of Design at Norton.
‘The biggest challenge for the UK design team was the full integration of the fuel injection and engine management systems. This needed to be done without compromising styling and the classic look of the Commando. The fuel injection system is necessary to pass modern worldwide emissions legislation but also offers other benefits such as improved drivability and reliability,’ says Skinner.
Hmm… we are quite excited about the reborn Norton and we think the Commando 961 might – just might – turn out to be a very good machine indeed. Pricing would be crucial as would be R&D budgets for continued development. But we hope Norton can take those issues in their stride, put their series of false starts behind them and make a fresh, successful new beginning. This is one motorcycle brand that definitely deserves to be resurrected!
More info from their site:
FRAME
* Frame: Steel tubular cradle with integral oil tank
* Swing arm: steel construction
* Wheelbase: 1420mm (55.9 in)
* Rake: 24.5 degrees
* Trail: 99mm (3.9 in)
* Front suspension: 43mm Ohlins RWU - Adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping.
* Rear suspension: Ohlins reservoir-style twin shocks - Adjustable ride height, preload, compression, and rebound damping.
* Front wheel: 3.50 X 17" BST Carbon Fibre
* Rear wheel: 5.50 X 17" BST Carbon Fibre
* Front tyre: 120/70 X 17"
* Rear tyre: 180/55 X 17"
* Front wheel travel: 115mm (4.53 in)
* Rear wheel travel: 100mm (3.94)
BRAKES & HYDRAULICS
* Brembo 320mm semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel front discs
* Brembo 220mm rear disc
* Brembo 4 piston "Gold Line" axially mounted front callipers
* Brembo 2 piston "Gold Line" rear calliper
* Brembo “Gold line” front brake master cylinder
* Brembo “Gold line” hydraulic clutch master cylinder
* Brembo rear brake master cylinder
* Brembo hydraulic clutch actuation slave cylinder
POWER ASSEMBLY
* Engine type: Parallel twin with push-rod valve actuation, dry sump
* Displacement: 961 cc
* Cooling system: Air
* Valve Actuation: Push rod, hydraulic lifter, two valves per cylinder
* Bore x stroke: 88 mm X 79 mm
* Compression ratio: 10.1:1
* Power: 80PS @ 6500RPM
* Torque: 90Nm @ 5200RPM
* Exhaust:1 3/4" header system with merged collector and twin silencers with catalytic converters.
* Ignition: Crank fired electronic
* Euro 3 compliant with electronic fuel injection and multiple 3 way catalytic converters
CARBON PACK
* Front mudguard
* Chain guard
* Rear wheel hugger
* Rear number plate hanger
* Headlight mounting
* Front wheel
* Rear wheel
TRANSMISSION
* Gearbox: constant mesh 5 speed
* Final drive: 525 "O" ring chain
* Wet clutch
* Electric start
ELECTRONICS & CONTROLS
* Charging system: 300 watt hi-output charging system
* Instrumentation: Norton electronic analogue speedo and tachometer with dual trip meters and ‘hidden until lit’ warning lights
MISCELLANEOUS
* Fuel tank capacity: 17l (4.5 US gallon)
* Dry weight: 188kg (414.5 lbs)
* Seat height: 813mm (32 in)
* Billet machined upper yoke
* Billet machined lower yoke
* Tapered aluminium handle bars
Maybe I'll get two. One for the road and one to put on the mantle over the fireplace.
