It's good to see a review where someone is enthusiastic about the norton. I think it looks and sounds great. I doubt I'll ever be lucky enough to ride or own one but that doesn't stop me admiring them.
Like your enthusiasm. And your honesty. I totally agree. The 961 is the most authentic modern classic on the market today. The limited vibration that is there only adds to the character of the bike. Personally, I loved it so much when I test rode one, I ordered one there and then. 5 months later, I have no regrets. All the best.
Did the same. Haven't got many miles on it yet. As only got in November . Don't get why people are soo negative and keep comparing with the mass produced far eastern made truxton !
@@1234567marks I think having a manufacturing capacity is very important. Especially with the increasing unstable world. Not bothered who puts the investment in . As long manufacturing carrys on. Once the skills are lost we are at the mercy of the rest of the world.
@TerryMilesSurrey Is a feeling that is very hard to quantify. I am a English Toolmaker. And feeling it is important that we keep the skills and knowledge going in this country. Triumph have switched 99% of products to far east like 99% of all manufacturers. More importantly it is a really lovely bike to ride on real uk roads. The power delivery is just right for me. And now it has been run in. Is very smooth for a air-cooled push rod engine. Last bike ever to be made in UK probably. When the new models are developed , they will be made in India. I have done some work for the Solihul facility. Is seriously impressive.
Well yes I'm sure but have you ridden a real 850 Commando to compare properly? Why this Modern special ? because there's endless amounts of new bikes that are perfect in respectful ways to enjoy too.
I have a triumph bobber which i absolutley love an i see it as a bike that i will never sell and these Nortons look just as special. Hopefully ill be adding 1 of these to my garage soon
Really enjoyed your review, I think you nailed it with ‘it might not be the most practical but it’s the most fun’ That was a true life experience just there, and you did it in the classiest most beautiful retro in the world 😊, congratulations.
Firstly a great review Bry and well done on doing an awesome trip just 3 months after getting your full license. The Norton 961sp is definitely on my wish list but i have been told i need to sell some bikes first 😅..i have an original 1973 commando 850 Mk1 interstate which is restored in silver so i can definitely see one of these in silver sitting next to it...just need to persuade my better half!😊
For perspective, a restored 1974 with electric start is the same amount of money. Kick start only is 20 kg lighter. Most fun bike ever, the 2023 may be more fun, but kickstarting a 850 Commando and the vibration at idle was a visceral connection to the machine I really loved. Have a good one.
Wow, thst is brave. Just got full license, never has seen a switchback in her life and tackles the big passes of the alps with an likely already classic bike. I appreciate balls 👍 😊
That bike is way better than an adventure tourer for the Alps . Your not actually off road are you , your blasting along bend to bend . The Norton is the correct choice ...Nice review . Id have one but Mrs Ducati would have something to say 😊
I had a 1969 Norton 850 Commando and loved it. I also had a 1969 Triumph Bonneville . Both were back in the 70's. I loved British twins and was sorry to see them go under. I'm happy they are back and hopefully doing well. The sound and feel was adictive and the looks so sexy and masculine. The new Norton looks amazing. I would love to try one out.
You got some bottle riding that just after passing your bike test. Well done. I can imagine how you can be in trouble when a car driver makes you change your line in the middle of a hairpin bend in the alps. Thank god its so well balanced with such great handling and brakes and the torque helps with low down power in being forgiving on tight low speed bends but they dont have the tightest turning circle for u turns anyway. My honda vfr800 caught me out on full lock and ive been riding bikes 40 years. It was in a car park at work.
You should have that bike. I can tell that you really do love riding it and, trust me, life goes by in a flash. Don't look back thirty years from now and have this as one of your regrets. Get it.
Excellent review Bry and so pleased you had such a positive and enjoyable time on the new Commando. Plus, the fact you understood the bike and its foibles being an integral part of its character. So many reviewers just don’t ‘get it’. I have a 1976 Mk3 Commando which is an absolute keeper but always wanted a modern equivalent that delivers a similar vibe. The new Commando (I'm assuming it's the TVS incarnation) just might fit the bill!
Fantastic review, which rather refreshingly focused on the emotional and non-tangible side of riding the bike as well as the features. I can never say too many good things about this channel. Thanks Bry and Alex.
People are saying it's overpriced. In a way it is. But on the other hand it's probably one of the few bikes built in the UK. Maybe the only thing it's lacking is power.
Good on you for getting stuck in that soon after passing your test. I did the same thing when I first got my car license; straight down to the south of France in my Alfasud I went. Ignore the nah sayers. Sure, on paper it’s lacking and pricy but nothing bar a classic will feel like the 961 as far as new bikes are concerned, well perhaps a Colorado Norton Works Commando 850 but they cost twice as much as a 961! Time to start saving before the government bands us all😢
I like some vibration from my motor, make the bike feel more real and alive. I have a 1988 Lowrider that vibrates a lot, even with the rubber mounted motor, and my other bike is a 2022 Pan Am, and it has just enough vibration to make it feel alive.
Thanks for the review, very interesting, start to finish. Think you've covered everything really well. I love the look of the Commando and would like to get on one. Question for you (or anyone else); you say you have ridden nearly all of the modern classics. How does it compare with the Triumph T100 (if that's one you know), particularly on tighter cornering? I'd like some feedback on that. The new T100 is my ride for the past 12months and I love it. And well done with the ride after only a short time with a full licence.
Thanks Bry for the review. Great looking and sounding bike. I agree, the reservoirs are ugly and could have been better designed and located. Price is the stumbling block for me. Doesn’t fit my budget. Cheers, Dan. ✌️🏍🇨🇦
Honest revue. I have been riding for well over 40 years. And I probably wouldn't attempt that trip. I have no confidence in my riding ability. Not keen on hairpins. Like going up hills, hate coming down them. And wouldn't have an adventure tourer thing, if you paid me. Ugly, giant monstrosities. The Norton is a very pretty bike. I wouldn't mind a go. I have a 97 Speed Triple. Had it for something like 18 years. And I have had other Triumphs. A lot of their bikes are pretty. But the prices less so. Never had a new bike. Always second hand. At my age now I would buy the bobber. Maybe I might get an old one before I stop riding. The Speed Triple is a bit much now. But part of the family. Keep doing bike reviews, and no doubt you will get to ride some other gems.
Great that you got what makes them different from all the mass produced fake classics . Motoguzzi V7 and Royal Enfield excepted. I always wanted a Vincent Black Shadow. This is much easier to live with and has more power and brakes.
In my opinion the old Norton 750 commando fastback was such a lovely torquey, great handling and sounding bikes id ridden in the early 1980s. Ducati and laverda were exotic and mv were very expensive and moto guzzi were probably the most practical the T3 850 with shaft drive. This 961 isnt cheap but if its really well sorted like TVS have done it will be the nicest parallel twin on the market and far better build quality than the triumph bonny. £17000 is a good price but the finish and paint etc is outstanding and far better than Harley or BMW..
EFi on bikes is something I haven't tried. 961 2nd gen will get less expensive so till then I'll leave it to people who can't live without one. Design team did a great job but hobbled by regs. Notice they talk about horsepower, torque is what matters and it doesn't really stack up there.
The problem is there aren't many people who are prepared to pay £17000 to £19000 for this bike. Probably a much better idea would be to invest in a classic Norton that will defiantly retain it's value something like a Dominator or Atlas or even a 750 / 850 Commando all of which will be less than half the price and give you the true classic look and feel. I like you would love to own one, but it's far too expensive for what it is and it's not desirable enough to justify the price tag.
@@racheltaylor6578 The original Norton’s had an indicator on the gear box that was useless. Some of My other bikes have gear indicators on the dash but why wouldn’t you know what gear you are in?
If TVS Motor Company has TVS Motorcycles and Scooters and Norton Motorcycles is Eicher Motors should have Eicher Motorcycles and Scooters and Royal Enfield Motorcycles to make the world come back to interesting Motorcycling.
I’m sorry, but why is a noobie rider giving an opinion on a Bike ? Seriously, is it just me? I saw this and thought “Oh cool, experienced riders take on it” - and instead there s person who has essentially NO experience. Geeezuz….NEXT
A sexy girl on a commando is a big turn on for many bikers. Its a shame it doesnt have the original Norton 1970s exhausts. They were more open and was the best sounding twin ever made next to the BSA A10.
I own a new Norton and it feels very special to ride and beautifully built. The Triumph may make more sense on paper, but I’d pay the money and take the Norton instead every day of the week
@AlexBailey-zg9yt They are a special machine. Don't understand all the hate for a Norton. Was more than happy to pay abit more than a bonivile with clip-ons
@@davidforsdike4343 Why people can’t just celebrate it for what it is - a cool British built bike, which is hand built in Birmingham - is beyond me. Why can’t we just be proud that Norton are making cool bikes again?!
It's good to see a review where someone is enthusiastic about the norton. I think it looks and sounds great. I doubt I'll ever be lucky enough to ride or own one but that doesn't stop me admiring them.
Like your enthusiasm. And your honesty. I totally agree. The 961 is the most authentic modern classic on the market today. The limited vibration that is there only adds to the character of the bike. Personally, I loved it so much when I test rode one, I ordered one there and then. 5 months later, I have no regrets. All the best.
Did the same. Haven't got many miles on it yet. As only got in November .
Don't get why people are soo negative and keep comparing with the mass produced far eastern made truxton !
@@1234567marks
I think having a manufacturing capacity is very important.
Especially with the increasing unstable world.
Not bothered who puts the investment in . As long manufacturing carrys on.
Once the skills are lost we are at the mercy of the rest of the world.
We have taken advantage of basically slave labour and no environmental standards to make our stuff.
Have riden them both . The Truxton just feels like any modern bike. The Norton is really special.
Agree 100%
In what way special? Genuinely interested
@TerryMilesSurrey
Is a feeling that is very hard to quantify.
I am a English Toolmaker. And feeling it is important that we keep the skills and knowledge going in this country. Triumph have switched 99% of products to far east like 99% of all manufacturers.
More importantly it is a really lovely bike to ride on real uk roads. The power delivery is just right for me. And now it has been run in. Is very smooth for a air-cooled push rod engine.
Last bike ever to be made in UK probably.
When the new models are developed , they will be made in India.
I have done some work for the Solihul facility.
Is seriously impressive.
Well yes I'm sure but have you ridden a real 850 Commando to compare properly? Why this Modern special ? because there's endless amounts of new bikes that are perfect in respectful ways to enjoy too.
I have and would like one to.
The brakes scare me in modern traffic conditions. Also struggle with kickstarting after broken hip.
I have not ridden through the Alps on a new black Norton since 1973.
Another wonderful video. Your joy and enthusiasm are truly infectious. Thank you for sharing this experience.
I have a triumph bobber which i absolutley love an i see it as a bike that i will never sell and these Nortons look just as special. Hopefully ill be adding 1 of these to my garage soon
Really enjoyed your review, I think you nailed it with ‘it might not be the most practical but it’s the most fun’
That was a true life experience just there, and you did it in the classiest most beautiful retro in the world 😊, congratulations.
Firstly a great review Bry and well done on doing an awesome trip just 3 months after getting your full license. The Norton 961sp is definitely on my wish list but i have been told i need to sell some bikes first 😅..i have an original 1973 commando 850 Mk1 interstate which is restored in silver so i can definitely see one of these in silver sitting next to it...just need to persuade my better half!😊
For perspective, a restored 1974 with electric start is the same amount of money. Kick start only is 20 kg lighter. Most fun bike ever, the 2023 may be more fun, but kickstarting a 850 Commando and the vibration at idle was a visceral connection to the machine I really loved. Have a good one.
Really enjoyed that. Definitely not perfect, but really enjoy riding mine...and hats off for doing the rally...must look into that! Awesome video 👍
enjoyed your review, just wish there was some riding footage so we could hear and enjoy
the sound.
Wow, thst is brave. Just got full license, never has seen a switchback in her life and tackles the big passes of the alps with an likely already classic bike.
I appreciate balls 👍 😊
That bike is way better than an adventure tourer for the Alps . Your not actually off road are you , your blasting along bend to bend . The Norton is the correct choice ...Nice review . Id have one but Mrs Ducati would have something to say 😊
I had a 1969 Norton 850 Commando and loved it. I also had a 1969 Triumph Bonneville . Both were back in the 70's. I loved British twins and was sorry to see them go under. I'm happy they are back and hopefully doing well. The sound and feel was adictive and the looks so sexy and masculine. The new Norton looks amazing. I would love to try one out.
Oh my that bike is nice. I really wish for one day Norton will have some US dealerships but wishful thinking. But that bike is super cool looking.
You got some bottle riding that just after passing your bike test. Well done. I can imagine how you can be in trouble when a car driver makes you change your line in the middle of a hairpin bend in the alps. Thank god its so well balanced with such great handling and brakes and the torque helps with low down power in being forgiving on tight low speed bends but they dont have the tightest turning circle for u turns anyway. My honda vfr800 caught me out on full lock and ive been riding bikes 40 years. It was in a car park at work.
You should have that bike. I can tell that you really do love riding it and, trust me, life goes by in a flash. Don't look back thirty years from now and have this as one of your regrets. Get it.
Absolutely spot on ....
Excellent review Bry and so pleased you had such a positive and enjoyable time on the new Commando. Plus, the fact you understood the bike and its foibles being an integral part of its character. So many reviewers just don’t ‘get it’. I have a 1976 Mk3 Commando which is an absolute keeper but always wanted a modern equivalent that delivers a similar vibe. The new Commando (I'm assuming it's the TVS incarnation) just might fit the bill!
Fantastic review, which rather refreshingly focused on the emotional and non-tangible side of riding the bike as well as the features. I can never say too many good things about this channel. Thanks Bry and Alex.
People are saying it's overpriced. In a way it is. But on the other hand it's probably one of the few bikes built in the UK.
Maybe the only thing it's lacking is power.
Agree there are better on paper bikes, but i love it and its quirks, sounds and looks ace, its a keeper for sure
Good on you for getting stuck in that soon after passing your test. I did the same thing when I first got my car license; straight down to the south of France in my Alfasud I went. Ignore the nah sayers. Sure, on paper it’s lacking and pricy but nothing bar a classic will feel like the 961 as far as new bikes are concerned, well perhaps a Colorado Norton Works Commando 850 but they cost twice as much as a 961! Time to start saving before the government bands us all😢
"I fell on Stelvio" is the best conversation starter, ever....
Excellent Bry. What a trip. I agree with some other comments, start saving those pennies. I could see the love. You are smitten.
I like some vibration from my motor, make the bike feel more real and alive. I have a 1988 Lowrider that vibrates a lot, even with the rubber mounted motor, and my other bike is a 2022 Pan Am, and it has just enough vibration to make it feel alive.
Love it, thanks. Can't imagine 1500 miles and no oil-soaked pants. My much missed Commando S would have taken at least three pair
What a blast that must have been!
Awesome video Bry, what a trip on that Norton!. Have you ridden a Guzzi V7, is so how do they compare please?
looks great and sounds great but i would take the kawa R900
Great video.
Cool bike and a cool support vehicle.
Thanks for the review, very interesting, start to finish. Think you've covered everything really well. I love the look of the Commando and would like to get on one. Question for you (or anyone else); you say you have ridden nearly all of the modern classics. How does it compare with the Triumph T100 (if that's one you know), particularly on tighter cornering? I'd like some feedback on that. The new T100 is my ride for the past 12months and I love it. And well done with the ride after only a short time with a full licence.
Thanks Bry for the review. Great looking and sounding bike. I agree, the reservoirs are ugly and could have been better designed and located. Price is the stumbling block for me. Doesn’t fit my budget. Cheers, Dan. ✌️🏍🇨🇦
Hi Bry well done on getting your full licence. A great summary on the Norton and your Mountain trip. Cheers.
Nice bikes 😍❤️ Ride safety 😉✌️🇨🇿
Nice woman Nice Bike i haw Commando 1969 i Like NORTON
Hi thanks for the video. What tank pag are you using it looks great?
Ok just listen again got it now. MALLY RALLY. nice
Honest revue. I have been riding for well over 40 years. And I probably wouldn't attempt that trip. I have no confidence in my riding ability. Not keen on hairpins. Like going up hills, hate coming down them. And wouldn't have an adventure tourer thing, if you paid me. Ugly, giant monstrosities. The Norton is a very pretty bike. I wouldn't mind a go. I have a 97 Speed Triple. Had it for something like 18 years. And I have had other Triumphs. A lot of their bikes are pretty. But the prices less so. Never had a new bike. Always second hand. At my age now I would buy the bobber. Maybe I might get an old one before I stop riding. The Speed Triple is a bit much now. But part of the family. Keep doing bike reviews, and no doubt you will get to ride some other gems.
A very good revew considering used in mounting sides, however from a female point or view very good indeed
Great that you got what makes them different from all the mass produced fake classics .
Motoguzzi V7 and Royal Enfield excepted.
I always wanted a Vincent Black Shadow. This is much easier to live with and has more power and brakes.
Hideous brake and clutch reservoirs. Great sounding bike though.
They are made by Brembo and on all top Japanese sports bikes. Get a grip and do some homework....
I’ll get you one if my lottery numbers come in 🤞😅 great video & a beautiful bike 🏍️👏
In my opinion the old Norton 750 commando fastback was such a lovely torquey, great handling and sounding bikes id ridden in the early 1980s. Ducati and laverda were exotic and mv were very expensive and moto guzzi were probably the most practical the T3 850 with shaft drive. This 961 isnt cheap but if its really well sorted like TVS have done it will be the nicest parallel twin on the market and far better build quality than the triumph bonny. £17000 is a good price but the finish and paint etc is outstanding and far better than Harley or BMW..
It's a shame they are not selling this bike in Australia.
EFi on bikes is something I haven't tried. 961 2nd gen will get less expensive so till then I'll leave it to people who can't live without one. Design team did a great job but hobbled by regs. Notice they talk about horsepower, torque is what matters and it doesn't really stack up there.
The problem is there aren't many people who are prepared to pay £17000 to £19000 for this bike. Probably a much better idea would be to invest in a classic Norton that will defiantly retain it's value something like a Dominator or Atlas or even a 750 / 850 Commando all of which will be less than half the price and give you the true classic look and feel. I like you would love to own one, but it's far too expensive for what it is and it's not desirable enough to justify the price tag.
Great review but I'm sorry, not having a fuel gauge on a £17k bike is not acceptable,
No gear indicator either.
@@racheltaylor6578 The original Norton’s had an indicator on the gear box that was useless. Some of My other bikes have gear indicators on the dash but why wouldn’t you know what gear you are in?
you better get payments on that bike, it's one in a lifetime to still feel it's a grand slam after a ride like that. 😊
It can be dirty fuel on the bottom of the tank.
If TVS Motor Company has TVS Motorcycles and Scooters and Norton Motorcycles is Eicher Motors should have Eicher Motorcycles and Scooters and Royal Enfield Motorcycles to make the world come back to interesting Motorcycling.
Like I say, this piece of art would put a horn on a jellyfish.
"Shall we have a look at the sound?" 😂🤣
£69 deposit and £69/month on a 2 year PCP this month - Best get one ordered 😂
unfortunately it sounds like a support vehicle is needed to ride this bike, and not an adventure bike across the alps
Have a look at the sound? Great review though
I’m sorry, but why is a noobie rider giving an opinion on a Bike ? Seriously, is it just me? I saw this and thought “Oh cool, experienced riders take on it” - and instead there s person who has essentially NO experience. Geeezuz….NEXT
I think old triumph thruxton 900 is much better then this bike.
A sexy girl on a commando is a big turn on for many bikers. Its a shame it doesnt have the original Norton 1970s exhausts. They were more open and was the best sounding twin ever made next to the BSA A10.
Overpriced and not worth the money they are asking for it.The Triumph Thruxton is cheaper and a better bike.The indicators just look budget.
A Honda Civic would surpass a blower Bentley in a game of Top Trumps.
But my love is bigger than a Honda .
Only for you. Your personal opinion of the bike is irrelevant.
I own a new Norton and it feels very special to ride and beautifully built. The Triumph may make more sense on paper, but I’d pay the money and take the Norton instead every day of the week
@AlexBailey-zg9yt
They are a special machine. Don't understand all the hate for a Norton. Was more than happy to pay abit more than a bonivile with clip-ons
@@davidforsdike4343 Why people can’t just celebrate it for what it is - a cool British built bike, which is hand built in Birmingham - is beyond me. Why can’t we just be proud that Norton are making cool bikes again?!
5 speed, this thing is such garbage