Riding The New 2023 Norton Commando 961 SP Motovlog
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- Опубликовано: 24 янв 2023
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I'm 73 and not riding anymore(back) but i had a '71' Commando and this brings back memories.
The designers did a great job with this bike. Hope they bring it to the USA market.
You brought back memories of 1970 when I was building up Nortons and Hondas out of the crates at a dealership. The Nortons had such iffy quality back then, that I bought a Honda CB750, after having owned 2 Nortons previously. I went to a showing of the new Norton when it was first revived, but definitely preferred the Monster I rode up on. My choice today, as a 70 year old, 55 year rider is the Thruxton. Better in most every way, and well proven. I think that's my next new ride.
For the money, used Triumphs are the best motorcycle on the market, and have been for twenty years. I don't know why they don't hold value because the design and build quality are right there with the Japanese and Germans.
Having ridden the Donnington made version in 2019, then this "vastly upgraded" Solihull built version on a sunny Easter Saturday, I have to say its like riding two different bikes. The Garner era bike was a real let down, with poor fuelling (a nightmare around town), excessive mechanical noise, an exhaust note like a wet fart (on standard pipes), twitchy handling on some surfaces (like the geometry wasn't quite right) and had a rear brake that failed half way through a 9 mile test ride. By contrast, the bike I rode Saturday, was smooth, revvy (for an old school pushrod twin - think XR1200 harley or perhaps air cooled Monster), handled really well, had build quality to die for and left me and my son (who test rode one at the same time) feeling that we really didn't want to hand them back. Having ridden a Thruxton 1200 and the new Commando, my gut feeling was that the Thruxton was technically brilliant and awesome fun to ride, but felt a bit sterile in comparison. In summary, the new Commando is bike that is just the pure essence of motorcycle and gets under your skin quite quickly. My only problem is that if I buy one, then I will find it hard to walk past and ride any other bike. But then thats not really a problem is it 😃 If you get the chance, go ride one and visit the factory, then don't hesitate. As an Englishman, the obsession with quality that is evident from the team at Norton in Solihull is something to be very proud of.
Agreed. I meet the sales manager at Krazy Horse on Thursday.
They have plans for lots more models soon.
Including more mid range models.
Investment now up to 200 million in uk.
Wow what a brilliant description. You’ve talked me into it.😊😊
Qué precio tiene esta moto? Ya me gustaría que mi país fabricase una moto así
I love the styling and attention to small details like the stitching on the seat. I've always felt that "Commando" is by far the coolest possible name for a motorcycle.
The 961 engine and gearbox seem very reliable and you don't hear of them blowing up like the old commandos especially the 1967 combat. But the ride on the old ones was out of this world as was the sound. Absolutely the nicest parallel twin ever made in my opinion. TVS will improve it over Garners commandos, that's sure because they are working so hard to restore the marques good reputation that Garner didn't care a joy about and wrecked.
1:50. I would stop and stare at that bike with my jaw on the floor! Jeeze, the build quality is insanely beautiful. I believe this Norton has the best build quality of any new motorcycle in 2023. No other bike looks like it was hand made, but this bike looks like someone built it from scratch with custom parts. Interestingly, regarding people talking to you. I drive a 2008 Hayabusa and since I bought it, it's been the strangest experience ever. Every time a person sees me, they stop. If I pull over on the side of the country road, the first truck that passes, they always slow down to come check on me. I'm just trying to stop to adjust my ear plugs or helmet, and people stop to come help me. It's the most bizarre experience ever. At the gas station, at least 2 different people will walk over when I'm putting gas in my Hayabusa, and they will talk to me about it. If I go to to the grocery store, ladies walk past and compliment the color and say it's a beautiful bike. It's such an odd experience, after having owned a 2002 Ninja for 9 years, and never having anyone ever stop to help me on the side of the road. There's something about certain bikes, that seems to trigger people, although I can't exactly understand what it is.
I am a long time Harley rider (I’ve owned 4 of them over the years and I currently own a ‘21 Sportster 48). But I wanted something different with more performance and I had my eye on Thruxtons for years. When I started to get serious about buying one as a 2nd bike, the new Norton Commandos were announced. I love old Nortons, so I was tempted. In the end, I bought a ‘23 Thruxton RS, mainly due to performance/bang for your buck and the fact that there is probably not going to be a Norton dealer closer than 3-5 hours from me. But the new Commando IS beautiful and I hope it does well.
I have always ridden Harley because it has always been my favourite bike but a few months ago I decided to sell my old Springer and I bought a new brand Thruxton R.... although it's a complete diferente style I must say that I'm really glad and happy!
Yea another Motovlog, finally ! (I know you must be super busy with the main channel). Whatever anyone thinks about the spec sheet, in my opinion the 961 is a really nice looking bike 🇬🇧
Yes indeed but the good news is I've got a bit of editing help now which will hopefully make these vlogs a more regular occurrence 👍
Mentioning the limited turn stops noticed was genius from your behalf ! Thank you !
I've owned a 75 Commando for years and have been fascinated by the new Commandos, but never pulled the trigger due to the Garner factor. Maybe with solid ownership, in a few years I'll be confident enough to try. Certainly they need to do something about the brake fluid reservoirs, it looks like you are taking samples to the urologist. Also the catalytic converters look very shabby. Otherwise it has fabulous styling.
what an unbeliveble bike. the fact that they choose to put top suspetion with great brakes is a beauty.
hopefully i will get the chance to ride this before i buy my next last bike.
A beautiful looking bike, I'm 64, been riding since I was 9yrs old. First bike was a box of parts and three frames and half a dozen wheels with tyres, a gift from my dad and uncle, their BSA Bantams from the Sandhill days here in Australia. I had one running in a fortnight and was making the most of our huge yard and driveway. An assortment of rear sprockets, one almost as big as the rim itself when fitted, well it looked that way LoL. Lessons on how to mono a Bantam became the rule with that.
So, I played with them until I was ready to think about a road licence, I much more useful bike was needed and so a BSA 250 Road bike, I think a C25 was the model designation, my cousin also got his licence and was riding a Triumph Tiger Cub. We had a ball running around the farms looking for our next upgrade and we went through Matchless, AJS, Triumph until we reached the 650 twins. He had a Norton and I had a Gold Flash, I am not sure but I think his had the Isolastic engine mounts. This was about 1980 and we were completely taken with our British bikes. They never failed us, despite "The Prince of Darkness" electrics, maybe it was because of our weather. However the needs of transport outweighs the love for the bike and theft of such beauties was very common. Insurance for guys our age was more than we could afford on our wages and the reality was lock it up and risk theft, or sell it. So, we sold them to the State Auto Museum :) a happy end where they still reside and we can go and start them up still.
On the old 650 Norton Ken my cousin said, he preferred my BSA for handling but his Norton for acceleration. The sound of the two was an equal on par. I would agree with him as it always felt slightly less stable in cornering, something I believe was to do with the engine mounting.
Thank you for showing a beautiful bike, it would have been nice to hear the exhaust note though!
Kind of reminds me of my old Ducati 900 SS. Decent basic air-cooled engine with enough performance for the real world, tied to a shit hot chassis, suspension and brakes.
Back in the late 90s, no CBR 600 could shake me off on mountain roads. I bet it's an absolute barrel of laughs.
Hope TVS motors continues the Norton legacy
NICE! I had a Mk3 850 Commando Interstate back in 1979. I was only 19, had just started work and it was my ultimate British dream bike... sadly sold when I got married. I was really please when the new owners of Norton said they were going to put the 961 back into production and I would dearly love to try one.
Some numbers...507 lbs...$17,000...77 hp / 60 ft/lbs
Beautiful bike & I like the looks over a Triumph.
My heart still belongs to RE.
I'm a BMW R NineT owner , owned three and they are really good , perhaps one day i will buy the Commando 961
My first Norton was a '69 Commando 'S' I bought in 1970 at the start of the modern motorcycle era, they had their faults but when properly set up and tuned, were pure Joy to ride... I've had a love affair with them (along with many more modern bikes) for over a half century.
My first bike was a 1972 Commando. I miss it dearly!
That bike is, in fact, drop dead gorgeous. I had the honour of riding a friend's bike back in 1980. It was a 1976 Commando 850, and it was spectacular. This is so cool, this perfect styling. It reminds me of that bike from over forty years ago. Just beautiful! Thanks. I ride a Z900 RS, right now, but I can't help but smile when I see this Norton. Full respect.
Love the Norton beautiful machine one little gripe I would cover that brake cylinder with something,it just looks like a cup of tea with a lid on lol 🥰
Quite a fantastic looking bike and great sounding. Very well done Norton, looking forward to seeing other bikes being added to the range. Any panniers for touring?
Looks great, agreement on the key, also indicators and fluid pots are a bit cheap for a 16k bike, But I wish Norton all the best and hope they are successful this time, Nice work as always Bob👍
Agree, always thought piss sample pots on the bars, cheapen a bikes finish!
I've been waiting for your review on this Bob. Very good and informative review. I'm wait for the demo bike to arrive at Krazy Horse to get a ride on one! 👍
Hoping they land in Canada sometime soon. Owned a '72 Norton Commando 750 in that era, my first bike. It's been Harley-Davidson ever since. Maybe it'll be full-circle back to Norton . . . and back to the future !
What a beautiful bike. Norton is currently owned by TVS, an Indian company while another beautiful bike the Royal Enfield 650 twin is owned by Eicher Motors, another Indian company. I own the RE bike but the new Norton looks even nicer. At 961ml displacement the Norton is a big bike compared to any Norton from the sixties and not cheap but certainly interesting.
Yes the indicators need to be reworked and LED’d along with the headlight/taillight. The key should be a work of art as well, something special to hold in the hand. Every little detail needs to be exceptional and distinctive to entice buyers away from powerful, reliable and or more affordable choices.
Great review, great production
Finally another vlog video, I’ve missed these 🎉
Definitely going to be making them more regularly this year! Got a bit of editing help now which means we can do a bit more with the bikes we get 👍
My only road bike, a '06 Thruxton, has been a track-day-only machine for many years. Watching this has me yearning for a new track bike! Ohlins, standard? Wow!
What a beautiful bike, love it. Tactile and soul is great attribute for a bike. Nice review
I wish Yamaha, would release a copy of the XS650 Special, complete with kick starter. That Norton is beautiful for sure!
I still have my Norton 750 Commando, altho I haven't rode it in about 40 years. I use to carry a bunch of premade tips for the clutch cable, and learned to use the 850 cable since it was longer and I could cut the cable housing down several times while brazing on a new tips. I quit when I had half an exhaust valve drop out on the way home from work. The engine was getting harder to start the longer I rode it, which I found was due to the cam for the points having worn into a circle instead of having lobes, as it was from mild steel.
I'm in Australia, I have a 1988 Harley Davidson Lowrider Sport, FXRS-SP, 1340cc. Had it since new. I've had to modify it to keep it going, big carb, hot cam, free breathing exhaust, modern shock and front springs. It has character in spades. It also leaks oil, and occasionally things get loose (the headlight vibrated out of it housing the other day, on a long ride on bumpy roads, which led to a difficult search of autopart shops for a quick replacement, never had that happen before), but it is so much fun to ride. The Commando 961 looks cool, but is just too expensive.
Old guy rambling incoming! I had an 850 Commando years ago, with a bit of a cafe' set-up: clubman bars, Dunstall rearsets and pipes, etc. I loved that bike, from the way it looked and sounded to the riding dynamics. It was not at all the latest and greatest when I had it (late 70's - early 80's), but it wasn't completely outclassed, either. I'd live a spin on one of these new ones to sample the more modern geometry, modern suspension, more grunt, and brakes that actually, you know...stop the bike.
I still have my1975 850 Commando. Just a really fun bike to ride. Simple to work on and there isn't a thousand Nortons on the road. Great handling on winding roads!
Nice bit of kit!
Love it, saw them and the special editions at motorcycle live and will definitely be ordering one over the Thruxton
You might try doing a demo ride first if you intend to ride very much.
Beautiful bike , if only I could afford one , ps good reviews as always 😊👍
I think the word you are looking for is 'exclusive " Bob, good video.
What a stunning looking bike. If I had a spare £16.5k I would have it as an ornament in my living room.
My absolutely dream bike!
Aesthetically, the tank’s minimal and tucked away pinch-weld is brilliant!
Nice looking bike but I think they should have used conventional Ohlin's fork. It would look more retro and given it a bit more steering lock.
Lovely looking machine, let down by the exhaust headers through to the silencer.
The 961 is a beautiful bike, an 850 Mk 3 Commando was my daily ride in my youth. My current rides include a Hinckley 865 Bonneville which has been faultless over 50,000 miles and 11 years of ownership. Would I buy a new 961? Probably not, still hanker after a 1970s Fastback or Roadster Commando, a really nice one can be picked up for a lot less than the cost of a new 961.
Had a 750 Commando in 68. 11-1 Compression, Norris Full race cams, headwork. Wax the fastest bike in town and tben my friend got a CB 750........
Stunning 😍
Love a Bob Vlog 😊
Just bought a customised 1200 Thruxton. As this was my favourite bike in the 1970s I would like one these as well.
The original was a flickable bike with lots of grunt.
The Thruxton 1200 is not quite as grunty as the Meriden Bonnevilles.
Irs amazing how those earlier small engine motors woyld pull like a train.
My 1900 Yamaha is ohv pushrod and has grunt like a violent tractor.
I’m know it’s probably annoying to say but although it looks fantastic I’d buy two decent second hand bikes instead, or the Thruxton, as you said, which will out perform this all day. And the finish on the Triumphs looks very good to me. The chrome looked like it wasn’t holding up too well on the Norton, or was that just a trick of the light?
Yeah… definitely the best (and I’m a T120 owner of many years)! Nice review 👍🏻
@@pacifist360 yes. But it’s a different beast. Air/oil cooled to start with. It’s less refined, which is part of its charm.
I like it. Have to get one and see. Time will tell.
Brilliant review on a stunning looking bike, your right about the key and indicators but they wouldn't stop me from buying one, real shame there is not a NORTON dealer in Aberdeen
WOW! What a machine!
My 1975 Commando has plastic brake fluid reservoirs. The new one SHOULD NOT…😉🏍
Man, I like this bike.
I've a 2016 Harley sportster 48, that would make way for Harley Bronx if ever they release it, but the 2023 Norton Commando 961 SP would push them both aside for a spot in the stable without a second thought. A modern classic that will hold its own & its value no doubt.
The design looks great, The Hyd.Oil reservoir on handlebar should better be a metal container.
Luv it…I had a 71 Combat…
How about a back to back comparison of a vintage commando and a new 961. I bet a local Norton Owners society would be more than happy to participate. If not, there's a good chance that Mike from The Mighty Garage would be more than happy to participate. In fact, I would be more than happy to be a judge on a panel of riders. All you have to do is move your show to NW Portland, Oregon and I'm more than confidant we could handle the rest, including some of the best beer in the world. Yes...we're more than happy.
It’s a great suggestion Michael, and very selfless of you to offer your services! 😂 I’ll have a think about it…
@@MOTOBOBVLOGS I'm not laughing.
Brilliant stuff I'd like one of those especially the one that you are on with the upright riding position,, now that the new owners have revamped it,, hopefully it will sell well,, done my lottery ticket 🎟️ just waiting now 😃😃☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland 😁
Great review…which is the other motorcycle do you think comes closest to character and feel of the Norton Commando 961 in terms of feel and character in your opinion….just eager to know how it feels.
If I understand correctly this would be a good bike for a Lonely Guy.
haha
Beautiful...
My kind of motorcycle..
Alone with the original style Triumphs...👍
I dislike the Ohlins gold anodized finish. The bike would look way more retro with chromed finish on the forks and shock reservoirs.
Nice one Bob !
I really don't like the 2 into 1 into 2 headers. 2 into 2 would look so much better...
Seems to be designed for the over 60s that remember their hayday IMHO 🤔
Wow, Beautyful bike.
Here we go again, Norton.
im an american,for some reason ive always loved norton,the bikes they ncreated when they were struggling the most are some of my favorites,they took a chance on rotories,which i really appreciated,that sport bike they made was friggen awesome,i am so glad they have made a comeback,i hope they make it
As an American, you should be proud that it was an American that designed this new Norton. Just research Alan cathcart New Norton and you will see the test long before the British guy who ruined the company bought it So you should be proud mate
Nice looking bike.
I owned a 1987 Sportster for ten years and made many mods to it and it had tons of "character" better known as vibration. I bought a 1996 Thunderbird and it was twice as good right out of the box than tne Sportster with ten years modifications.
You can keep the Norton character for that price versus a better bike that can actually been ridden. I might add a Norton to my garage with an R9T, Thruxton R and Kawasaki Z900RS SE but definitely not instead of those bikes first.
The original Commando was a great looking bike with it’s canted forward engine. This has Norton DNA running through it but, hopefully, the reliability that the original never had. Character and fun are subjective, of course, but this looks to have both.
How easy is it to use the sidestand, I've read it's tucked away under the bike & is hard to access also are the footrests spring loaded on your test bike? A genuinely beautiful bike which has it's own marketplace.
Beautiful looking bike and was tempted but think id go for another MV Agusta instead.
Good review....
Try an older Hd Xr1200
Same sorta thing but half the price, and that's for a almost mint one, wi low mileage.
Not coming down in price but, going the opposite way these days.
Safe rides to you all🏁
A beautiful machine
They need to make a rival to the bonnieville and at a competitive price.
They have! it's called the Interceptor 650. We're talking the 1960s, right? 😃
Front forks very vertical looks odd , engine looks good , make great noise as well
a couple of questions. It sounds likes the throttle response is very linear? What is the gear shifting like
Maddeningly beautiful, I prefer it in black/gold with clip-ons. A very selective price and with a higher power I would have liked, but, of course, in paradise there is no place for everyone.
The pub is located at Wraxhall east of Bristol.
It is, but closed now unfortunately. Looks as though it'll be flats...
@@MOTOBOBVLOGS Locating where a go Pro video is filmed is one thing I enjoy doing. Especially country B roads.
Its a way of travelling to places Ive not explored.
There were so many pubs because they were once accomodation for itinerant workers before we all had cars or motorbikes or trains.
My great great grandfather walked with others on a Sunday from Meifod Powys to work at the building of reservoir at Vrynwy.
But my Grandad had a Norton...before WW2.
When did you record this video? In January? Just curious what temperature conditions you were riding :)
sweet looking bike man! you need deep pockets to have one though.......
Where have you been?
Those hydraulic reservoirs would forever piss me off. What were they thinking
Paint it black
Norton’s are a class act &!iii be buying two a commando 661 & a v4 💕
Will these new Norton’s be available in the United States?
They need to bring this to the USA. I'd be first in line for one.
Reminds me of the Honda GB500
2 quick questions: Q1 and 2. I ride primarily because fuel prices are so high and mileage from a bike is simply more affordable so I need the ability to strap on at least some measure of carrying a load separate to a backpack- what is provided for this model, and somewhat related as we don't display tax etc on the bike in my country, we have to always carry tax/title/insurance on our person (so sometimes one might forget and if stopped the penalties are severe)- is there a lockable compartment where that paperwork could be stored? 3rd Q: what ever happened to Brough? Any retro attempts or are we left with circa 1939/40 'Superior' models?
Looks great,although not sure about the price😉
Thruxton for sure
Since the 961 doesn't have a lot of power, does TTS Performance make supercharger kits for this bike? There's videos of Triumph Thruxton cafe racers
with 200 HP motors who are using TTS stuff.
Does it have an ' isolastic ' frame? And if not, why not?
With the price I would expect the polish engine cover were more polish
Beautiful bike, but the specimen cup brake and clutch fluid reservoirs look out of place on it to me.
The 1974 850 Commando boasted a slimmer, longer frame, in contrast to the bulky 961. I'm not a fan of the new bike's tail, and I feel that incorporating a classic seat like the Kawasaki Z900RS would have drastically improved its appearance. Although the Ohlins integration into the chassis and system is impressive, the design feels disjointed with elements of different bikes, and there is a lack of harmony and synergy with previous Commandos. It resembles a Triumph too closely, and the logo and slight modification on the tank design don't set Norton apart from its competitors
So Bob is that a "inline 2" ?
Beautiful bike for sure..
But Royal Enfield int 650 for me.
You don't need the extra power on a bike like this. Is it worth double? The RE 650's?