Norton Commando 961 - MCN Show London

[NuTTs]

Hi gang,

I was recently in London for the MCN bike show (my sister booked me the flight and tickets for my christmas pressie) and I came across what I can only describe as my next bike. I mean, this thing is breathtaking. The detail, the quality components, the nostalgia.. it just makes me wanna weep with joy..

Chris "The Stalker" Walker of BSB / WSB fame is the UK sales manager and talked me through the bike. He spent a good 30 minutes talking to me, the attention to detail is just fascinating.





























The black bike is the Commando 961SE - UK allocation is sold out. £15,900

The silver bike is the Commando 961 Cafe Racer - in production for mid 2010 £13,800

The red bike is the Commando 961 Sport - in production for mid 2010. £11,500.

Ideally I'd have the black 961SE but, after sitting on the Cafe Racer I loved the riding position.

If you do decide to purchase a bike, after paying your 10% deposit, you get invited to the factory where you are shown the build process etc. and you can choose: bike colour, wheel colour, wheel type, seat etc. etc. etc.

I WILL have one soon   [moto]

[Howie]

I'm not normally a fan of "retro", but I want that bike!

[DucHead]

Thanks for the great pics!! 

[Markus]

Absolutely beautiful. I'll take a 961 SE in black, please!

[akmnstr]

I don't understand this retro bike thing.  Making new bikes look like old bikes.  Or is it making a new bike that looks like the old bike if it were still made today.  But, having said that, I have to admit:

I love this new Norton.  I want this new Norton.  This new Norton is me!!  I like the red one. 

[duccarlos]

I want one, but I'll wait and see if it really does make it to production. Plus, will there be a US based dealership. How about service and warranty. If they can answer all those questions, then this might be my next bike.

[akmnstr]

I want one, but I'll wait and see if it really does make it to production. Plus, will there be a US based dealership. How about service and warranty. If they can answer all those questions, then this might be my next bike.

Oh, your being way too practical.  Man, just let the lust flow and the passion peak.  Ask those real world questions later, like:

What is the warranty?
Did the like it in "Motorcycle Consumer News"?
What is the MPG?
Does it leak oil, like the old Nortons?

[MadDuck]

Oh, your being way too practical.  Man, just let the lust flow and the passion peak.  Ask those real world questions later, like:

What is the warranty?
Did the like it in "Motorcycle Consumer News"?
What is the MPG?
Does it leak oil, like the old Nortons?

My '69 Commando Fastback never leaked a drop of oil. Just so you know and yes, it had oil in it.    The primary chain/clutch cover had a rubber seal unlike the Triumphs and BSAs of the time (I believe). Once that thing hit 2800 rpm the isolastic engine suspension took all the vibes out and it was smoother than a CB750. With the Ohlins suspension and the big engine the new one should be wonderful.

[duccarlos]

Oh, your being way too practical.  Man, just let the lust flow and the passion peak.  Ask those real world questions later, like:

What is the warranty?
Did the like it in "Motorcycle Consumer News"?
What is the MPG?
Does it leak oil, like the old Nortons?

MCN did do a review. Let me see if I can find it, but IIRC it was all good. It can't get worse MPG than a S4RS. Warranty would be one of my biggest concerns.

[Travman]

Here is what MCN thought about the new Norton.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Norton/Norton-Commando-961-SE-2009-current/?&R=EPI-120598

I was a little disappointed when I saw this first ride video.  The engine makes a lot of noise.  You can really hear the valves ticking.  Maybe the microphone is just picking up the noise more than what you would hear in real life.  Also, the bike seems to be about to run out of cornering clearance at several times during the video.  Perhaps a higher pipe version is necessary.
Norton Commando 961 SE first ride

South Bay Triumph is the U.S. dealer.  http://www.southbaynorton.com/mailing/Norton_Commando_961_Special_Edition_order_form.html

[duccarlos]

So they're only selling the SE?

[akmnstr]

Travman, thanks for the video and feeding my fantasy.  Looks awesome to me.  Hard to tell about the sound, coming through the micro speaker of my laptop.  Truth is, I won't be buying any bike soon so no need to worry about the details.   I

[il d00d]

It is difficult to ever say anything bad about CF, but it looks out of place on those bikes.  It sticks out, and ruins the retro illusion somewhat.  I would also like to see what it looks like without the triangular plastic piece under the seat (where "Commando" is stenciled) - not sure if it serves any non-cosmetic purpose.

[junior varsity]

let me know when these are in a showroom so i can "believe it when i see it". Thanks.

[MAXdB]

I've always loved the black and gold color scheme or the nortons and veolcette.. I'm actually in the process of pretty-ing up my monster in a similar fashion  [moto]