Was I Too Harsh? Norton Commando 961SP - Revisited and Reassessed.
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- As a lover of British bikes and retro bikes in particular, I was somewhat surprised that I didn't absolutely love the Norton Commando when I first rode it - was I being too harsh on the bike? My Patreon page / themissendenflyer
Get 5% off your ABR Festival tickets with "TMF5" at checkout!
I buy my riding kit from Sportsbike shop www.sportsbike...
I recomend Sizzapp motorcycle trackers, check them out at sizzapp.com use "TMFTRACK" for 10% off!
Exclusive TMF Merch on my website themissendenfl... and of course Teespring (click the red spring top right).
Links to my channel sponsors:-
Superbikefactory tinyurl.com/nd...
Bikerheadz bikerheadz.co.uk/
Sizapp sizzapp.com
Canary Motorcycle Tours www.canarymoto...
I'm now on that Twitter thing! Join me @MissendenFlyer
You can now follow me on Facebook too The Missenden Flyer@TheMissendenFlyer
and on Instagram @missendenflyer
Don't forget your other TMF Discounts!:-
Mention The Missenden Flyer when buying from panigaleheatsh... or ducatispacers.... for discounts on Panigale heat shields or Ducati/Triumph throttle spacer kits. Use the code MISSENDEN to get the $10 discount on the heat shield, or heat shield/spacer kit bundle and MISSENDENSK for 10% off the spacer kit.
I use the following equipment to record and edit my VLOGs:-
GoPro HD Hero 10 cameras amzn.to/3od99H0
GoPro Media Mod for mic connection amzn.to/3PEiqU9
GoPro Max Lens Mod for wider angle view amzn.to/3v2qoi1
DJI Mavic Air drone (fly more combo) amzn.to/2JX3l23
Lavalier microphone and sellotape for in helmet audio amzn.to/2kOZVOU
RODE Wireless Go dual channel radio mics amzn.to/3ofuIqp
Power Director 12 for the PC (for video editing) amzn.to/2kP3HaR
Radio mic for in garage audio amzn.to/2lpq61B
Rode VIDEOMICPRO On Camera Microphone for general use amzn.to/2qvcZwv
Rode Deadcat VMPR Windshield to kill wind noise amzn.to/2qroOWG
Neewer CN 160 LED Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Video Light amzn.to/2qQPEs2
Goliton® Camera DSLR Triple Mount for LED Video Lights Microphones amzn.to/2rpUlGg
A pair of Lantoo LED Floodlight 50W for additional lighting amzn.to/2rpOKjs
My current motorcycles are:-
BMW R1200GS
Ducati 899 Panigale
Triumph Speed Twin
Royal Enfield Custom 650 Interceptor
Honda GL1800 Goldwing Tour DCT (Airbag)
Suzuki GSXS215 (OK, that's the Mrs bike!)
Please be aware I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way in motorcycles or anything else. I'm just an ordinary biker like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party....the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.
For any additional enquiries please send an e-mail (please no DM's or Facebook Messenger messgaes that tend to get lost) via TheMissendenFlyer@gmail.com, follow me via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or preferably leave a comment below...
62 years ago now, my Dad had saved hard for a Norton. Unfortunately he'd pulled a trigger of a different kind and my mum announced she was pregnant with me so the money went on baby stuff instead. He never got round to getting one after that. To remind him of his sloppy marksmanship he put my middle name as Norton. Unfortunately my mother thought it was stupid so changed it to Nicholas. What a cool name that would have been!
If I'd had a son ( I have 2 daughters !) he might have been called "Vincent Norton " . I wouldn't have minded "Triumph" in the name too , but that doesn't really work as a first name to me !
I've told my wife this, and she too wasn't impressed. One of my daughters asked what she'd have been called if she was a boy, she wasn't impressed either ! So I guess, the name wouldn't have made it to the birth certificate !
@karlosh9286 Vincent Norton would be perfect 😂. My friend called his son Isambard Kingdom and that'll take some beating! And he can go on the SS Great Britain for free 😁
What a great story. Nice one!👍
My eldest lad's middle name is Norton. His Mum got to choose his other names 😂
Well my friend across the pond, I think I speak for every rider here when I say: *You are Norton to us* 😂
Seems like Norton have done a great job! They have managed to build a retro style bike that rides like a retro bike, that vibrates like a retro bike and that has very limited technology like a retro style bike, in 2023! That is difficult to do! Well done Norton! The cost is irrelevant!
No Andy honesty is always best. Hopefully it will be taken onboard and improvements will be made. Keep up the good work. 👍
I’m not sure one review from me will make any difference but thanks for watching and for stopping by!
Thank you for your fair/honest conclusion Andy. BTW the noise regs won't apply as I believe the Norton is not euro 5 type approved, as its made in small numbers. It's approved under a sort of 'bikes built in shed' (that's not a criticism) category.
Thanks for saving me sixteen and a half grand Andy! I'll stick to my original 850 Mk3 which even by todays standards, rides and handles brilliantly. Toodle pip!
Fair play to you TMF. The new brand Norton are exactly that, they're new and will have some teething issues. Practical feedback should be welcomed by manufacturers and not shunned. Thanks again.
Thanks for giving the Norton another chance, but I'm still of the opinion of apart from the fantastic looks and the great name of Norton, this is a bike for those who want (or need) the upmanship of owning one. Also, at least the quiet village, or hamlet of Latimers Bottom is going to get more motorbikes riding through it 😂.
Tbh that’s been Norton through several iterations. You hear someone’s bought them, hope it’ll be a triumph story, always ends up just a badge for those who want a badge nobody else can afford
The brake fluid bottles seem in a delicate and vulnerable position.
Super, honest review. That thumbnail is awesome, too!
Since i was 16 a good few years ago, i always been a Norton geek, i have a 16h and an early CS1. I got my name down for a 961 commando. Andy review is fair but for me its a Norton every time. When i tested the bike i loved it and it took me back to the mid eighties when we were Rockers and all of us had British bikes, i had a Dommie and my friends had a collection of Triumph, BSA, AJS etc.. Riding the 961 took me back!
End of the day Andy, you've given your honest opinion about the bike. Other peoples opinion might vary. I enjoyed both videos of the Norton. It certainly looks a sexy bike..
Thanks for watching both episodes - appreciate that!
Glad that you pronounced Chenies correctly this time Andy. I'm not expecting to see many of these Norton's out and about in the Chilterns at that price but I suppose that will make them more of an investment.
Out of the retroes the Cbr1100Rs is my all time favorit. Nice review btw.
Thank you and yes the big Honda is a beautiful thing!
It’s funny when I first heard about this I was so excited. In pictures it looked brilliant. Something about it though when I saw it in person it didn’t do anything for me, I can’t put my finger on why. I generally love retro bikes although my preference are sports bikes.
Thank you Mr. Flyer. Good for you giving the Norton another look. I guess it's just not as good as expected or hoped for. :>)
Sub'd not for the bike, but for the shear fact you get to ride around in the beautiful country side while I get to sit here at work in Sydney Australia. As for the bike, a fair and honest review, dam shame it's a bit of a lemon by counts and reviews I've seen. Maybe the next version will be improved. Cheers mate for the review 🍻🇦🇺👍🏼
My pleasure and thanks for the sub!
Nice to see you giving it another fair go at it. Nice looking bike but for that sort of price etc..... I'll stick to my T120 😁 thanks for another vid 👍
The New Norton company through no fault of their own have inherited this model from the Donnington set up & unfortunately have no option but to keep production going until an all New replacement is available. I believe this machine will be improved till production ends.
I would much rather hear an honest review than someone kissing a marketing departments backside.
I already liked your reviews but you just went up a whole extra level in my opinion.
Honesty is one thing we are seeing slip these days and its very much appreciated.
I hope they don't blacklist you but I think we all know its likely. I would be far more impressed if they came out with a statement that they were going to address the problems but I won't hold my breath.
Thank you for your integrity.
I am one of the people who would genuinely buy one of these if they were good - £18k or not - but with those issues its almost a joke for them to ask that money.
Thats knocking on £6k over a T120 and only around £4k below a Rocket 3.
If this was genuinely special I could forgive it the lack of power and price but if its already corroding at 2k miles - along with all the other problems - its just not worth anywhere near that.
At the moment a Thunderbird Storm is looking mighty tempting. I know they only ran to around 2018 but its just a better bike.
Thank you for the comments - appreciated!
Another great review. its a shame the Norton has its issues. Especially for a 16k bike! It looks stunning as well. Nevermind, On the plus side, I see the Oxford hardy jacket you reviewed way back is still going stong and looking great. With the money I save not buying a bike I might just treat myself to the jacket instead! Every cloud eh ! :)
Indeed! Although that's not the Hardy Jacket - I actually gave that to a pal of mine a few years back!
Lol @ ‘The Small Print V5’ hehe Andy your a star so funny. Took a couple of goes mind to get that pause just right, love the ‘FlyRide’ content, personally it appeals a lot, be good to see some reviews on Biker Clobber too (I know you’ve done some in the past but some stuff on lids and gloves etc getting ready for the impending autumn & winter might be an idea 👍 Ride Safe mate
Thank you Dave - appreciate that....
I think you were fair in the first place. It’s a bike for those with more money than sense. Not for those of us who are having to “hold our nerve”.
I’m glad you moved that camera though it distracted me and I wasn’t even riding! It was funny though when you appeared to be adjusting an ‘invisible’ stick 🤣
Yes sorry about that - not the best camera position I've come up with!!
Mr flyer your riding a retro Norton the vibration is part of the ride if me had it it would have ace bars on not clip ons and a smile from tab to tab ie (ear to ear ) and that sound god amazing 👍👍👍👍👍👍
One for the wealthy, that said a purchase not dissimilar ro your Duke, a bike for that ' special' ride out & a machine to admire every time you open the garage door in my opinion for what i'ts worth
Great honest review of the Norton Commando 961, which bike do you think comes closest to in terms of feel and character, with minimal electronics and tech,what would you compare it with.
I’ve not really ridden anything else quite like it - I suppose the Royal Enfield Interceptor is the closest I’ve ridden…
@TheMissendenFlyer Thanks for your kind response and opinion Mr.TMF,looking forward for more lovely ride videos ,Cheers
Garyhope 0103 is spot on. Lovely looking bike, lovely ride, but thank goodness you moved that camera, it reminded me of cars that have GPS' or whatnot stuck to the screens, and blocking a wide field of view to the left 😞
Sorry - not my best bit of positioning I agree!
Ha! Ha!😂
I bought a Tiger 850, could not get along with it! Sold it after 172 miles, nothing at all wrong with it, except, it wasn’t for me. People have said, where’s the Triumph, and I have simply said, it wasn’t for me….
Sometimes you simply need to say it.
Yes that’s a good point…
The other end of the spectrum is the BSA gold star which looks great at a distance but when you get close up its got cheap looking painted finishes on the engine covers etc and plastics but at least its priced very reasonably.
Nice review, people will buy the Norton because they're looking for a "feeling". Good luck to them, it's a bike, so it'll be great!
Fair enough!
Do wonder if is like a Motoguzzi. Takes a while to get into.
But once you do it is addictive.
Have took no notice of you and ordered one from Krazy Horse Bury.
Guzzi V7 ii will definitely be staying to.
Go on have ago in a Spitfire.
Well we all line different things - if you like the Guzzi then I imagine you’ll love this!
Was not a critical comment.
I like bikes that are not electric motor smooth.
And as a Toolmaker think we should support British engineers.
I was trained by two amazing craftsmen who had both worked for Rolls-Royce during the war.
I do like the sound of this bike!
I had a '74 Commando, lovely engine, great bike but wasn't keen on the Isolastic mounts. If this was the same price as the Speed Twin 1200 I'd probably have the Norton.
Chittering Bob - you’re all missing the point. Norton have given the bike a full classic engine that vibrates like that of all English bikes but have tricked it up to make it worth buying. In other words English CHARACTER motorcycling
Absolutely !!
a nice looking bike andy but to expensive and little back up
I’m not convinced that this bike is all that good either, if you really want a fabulous British bike experience, try a well sorted original 1970s Commando, you’ll love it.
Did anyone else say "wombling free" at 10:28 ?? 😂
Andy. I’ve owned an RnineT Racer, I know you reviewed that bike. Wat the riding position on the Norton as uncomfortable as the Beemer? I found it way too wristy and uncomfortable to live with. TIA.
No absolutely not - the Norton is in another league of comfort than the RnineT racer which is one of the least comfy bikes I ever ridden ( though looks amazing)
I do agree with everything you say when compared to mass manufacted bikes but may be you are coming at this review slightly wrong. Should you be comparing this bike for the market it is actual currently in for example a custom build project like you did with your RE or CCM bikes that also do limited runs. On paper it makes no sense but for the individual it makes complete sense?
Yes I guess that’s a fair point….
It sounds like the British version of the old Harley Sportster,especially the 883 version except it was actually cheap for a Harley.
Distracting to have the camera in the screen center!
Yes agreed - hence why I moved it to the left!
Fair review unfortunately for Norton. I ride a
A very good looking bike but a bit expensive. One or two inch bar risers might improve the seating position.
Where have all the white vans gone?
Oh they’re still out there don’t you worry….
Nice looking bike , no love for vibration though! Price will always be more for small UK built bike. I guess their target market is not the average Jo . Most of these bikes will see no more than a couple of hundred road miles per year.
Totally agree
Compare with TMF 961 Street review from 2019. This video: Double yellows infringement and
@1.02 ls that a Volvo Amazon?
Yes I loved the old Street I rode so was very surprised this one didn't float my boat.....and thanks for pointing out my misdemeanours, very good of you!
I am not sure about its looks to be honest. There is something which doesn't look right to me with the tail piece. The rest of the bike looks good but the tail section looks wrong. It's probably why Henry Cole and Guy Willison made changes to Henry's Norton Commando which was followed up by the factory making 50 of them under the previous ownership, the least said the better about that...
Ouch
Sorry
I am in two minds about the Norton it is either a cheap handmade low volume bike (compared with the likes of Hesketh and Ariel) which often come with a few interesting characteristics that you have to live with if you want that brand or it is a bit expensive for a bike Triumph do so much better . The question is could you have a day out on the Norton and ride it for 200 plus miles without these minor irritations becoming unbearable ?
I think you could yes....
Just got back from a few days blasting through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany and coming back just highlights the ridiculous state of our roads. 1500 miles in Europe and I didn't see one pothole. It should be a national scandal that a country so small can allow its roads to become a complete embarrassment. Sorry to rant and I know that isn't really the subject in hand but lord, how depressing it is.
13 years of Tories taking its toll, national debt trebled, NHS waiting list trebled, council house waiting list 50% higher, disastrous brexit, skint councils and under funded public services.
@@aceofspades5786 I can't disagree, other than to point out that the chances of things being any better under the other bunch of profligate charlatans and scroungers is precisely zero.
Norton must build vibrations into their bikes. I can remember the Norton Commandos back in the late 70's, start it up in the garage and it would walk itself out whilst you got your gear on. 😂
Not the original with the isolastic
Yes it would.@@markthomasson5077
LOL great imagery! Hahaha😂
@@PuppyBiker it's true. The vibes from the 360* motor would make it do that. All British twin motorcycles would do the same thing.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 no they don't, I own 3 vertical twins, a Norton Commando 850, a T100A 500 and a 1964 650 Thunderbird, none of them vibrate or walk across the floor, the only bike I had that did that was a 750 Bonneville T140E.
A lovely looking bike, but unfortunately for Norton, I don't see there being enough buyers for profitability. I rode Norton back in the late 60's and loved them, until I got my first Honda 750. Then I realized how much better newer tech was in bikes, and I have never looked back. Norton is building a bike that might appeal to old timers like myself, but we are very few, and getting fewer all the time. I would not buy one of these today as I prefer modern, comfortable, fast, and reliable bikes. I don't think this new Norton is any of those things.
These bikes were over 16 grand (or thereabouts) in 2019. And they were riddled with faults back then. People still flocked to buy them, myself included.
Now it's all re-worked and improved but everyone is whingeing about the price 🤔
Once the Commando is well run in and loosened up it's possible to see a good 125mph on the clock. I traded mine in for a Thruxton but found that incredibly bland by comparison.
Just my view of course 🙂
Will enough people "flock" to buy them?Will the company be around in 10 years and making a profit?I'd be shocked if the bike doesn't come with a lot of maintenance issues which would be a joke for a bike at this price.I hope I am wrong.
These things you pointed out originally wont go away on a second ride. Norton should perhaps take these issues on board. You also would have thought these things would have been noticed by the first person to bloody ride it out the factory when they started testing it!!
I think you might be missing the point slightly, Norton are not aiming to compete with Triumph they are setting their sights on the the people who buy bikes like Brough and Arch.
Triumph favour outsourcing parts and manufacturing to keep prices low and increase mass production numbers but Norton are much more exclusive with their hand finishing, billet aluminium, hand fitted, limited availability etc etc. I'm just glad you didn't attempt to find any comparison with Royal Enfield because that would be just laughable ! It's not a bike for commuters or tourers or even sports bike riders and consequently not easy to categorize or pigeon hole, it's the kind of bike that you either get or you don't. In the previous video you were comparing it to the Kawasaki 900 with 4 cylinders and complaining that it wasn't as smooth but that's really not a fair comparison for many reasons, also you always seem to be in low gear using high revs when to get the best out of it you should be in high gear and keeping the revs down !
To be fair though, the people who are interested in this bike wouldn't be interested in your opinion of it so you haven't done Norton's reputation any harm really.
spot on !!
Thanks for that - it’s only my ramblings, I wouldn’t take it too seriously. See the small print for details…
Ha ha, if you applied those principles of cost and power output to Harley nobody would buy one of those either but they do so not everyone wants the latest modern mass produced bike from the other manufacturers. It's a niche bike aimed at a target audience and I'd have one in spite of it's shortcomings if I had the money. Perfect for a summers bimble and a stop off at the pub, you'd just have to get used to being mobbed, especially at biker mate haunts
Andy a good honest review unlike some other reviews telling us how fantastic the bike is ,I think it's a collector's bike for someone with deep pockets but at that price the triumph is a better buy or even the RE Interceptor ,keep up the good work .
Fair point but unlike a lot of Triumphs it's manufactured in the UK on a small scale.
As a neutral, you weren’t too harsh. Bottom line is that if you’re a Norton fan and you have the cash, go and buy one, if you’re then there’s plenty of better bikes out there for less money. If I was going down the modern classic route I’d go for the Kawasaki over the Norton, just like I did in the late 70’s. Have a good weekend Andy!
Yes that Kawaski Z900RS is a thing of beauty isn't it - especially the SE with gold wheels......
@@TheMissendenFlyer it gets my vote with the Speed Twin a close second. 👍
I had an original Dunstall Commando here in NZ and loved it. If you get a chance to ride an original, well sorted 750 Combat roadster, I think you would sense the true soul of the Norton. Quick, smooth, light and a glorious sound. (much more exciting than the 850's) Also, how about a classic review of the Yamaha MT-01 from the Superbike Factory. (preferably with Akrapovics) A unique motorcycle and a ton of fun. Like a Norton on steroids. Thoroughly enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work!
Thank you - will do!
Glad you stuck by your original review. I feared you might have been bribed by Norton to say nicer things 🙂. When you can get a new Triumph T100 for £9600 or a T120 for £11800 it's very hard to justify £16000. But I think we all love the looks of the Norton, and if the aesthetics are your main consideration, and the extra money isn't an issue, then why not.
A fair review is always preferable and Norton should take this feedback to improve the bike and bring the fit and finish, ergonomics and mechanical/electrical remarks to hart and bring the bike up to the level which matches the pricetag.
I liked your honest review. The Norton is a work of art (apart from the ugly master cylinders). These days, it's a rare pushrod air-cooled modern bike, and thanks to the new owners for fixing the faults in the original Stuart Garner models. But it's been around for quite some time now. Is it worth it? Try finding one of the older ones for less than £10k.
Great to hear a second chance review of the Commando, I had a 750 Commando back in the 70s and own a RE Interceptor at the moment. My consideration of the new Commando lasted milliseconds, even though I love it, I dont love it enough to shell out 16 grand. Plus I saw one of the original new Commandos a year or so ago outside a cafe in posh Woodhall Spa, it was very reluctant to start and when it did it filled the cafe with exhaust smoke 😂. The Interceptor by contrast is not as gorgeous but is classy enough and always starts first push of the button.
Agreed. Had a 850, then a 750, the latter was far more fun
Good review overpriced and not good enough save your loot 💰 people 👍🏻
It's a good point you raise, why does the bike need such high spec suspension and brakes? With the price-tag already pushing into the questionable territory, surely they could have shaved a fair bit off the price by going for components more similar in spec to the likes of what the Speed Twin / T120 use?
Tout à fait d'accord.C'est du luxe inutile vu les perfs..
It sounds like a donkey engine at tickover, maybe they have released the bike too early and need some more time for development
I saw one at the Bike Shed show. I thought it looked lovely. Like most bikes, there are bits you could improve. I’ve done that with my T120 too. From this video, I’d say this though: it sounds superb.
I’d have to ride it to know whether the vibes are a problem for me, but in any case I hope they continue to grow as a company.
Yes me too.....
It seems they want £5k for the badge and £11k for the bike, perhaps? That price tag reframes how I see the bike entirely.
Wish I was currently in the position to buy one....,because I wouldn't hesitate..
Heck.......,many have spent as much (or more) modifying their otherwise perfectly good bikes into something that appeals to very few others but them......,without a 2nd thought....(myself included..)
Removing Water stains on wheel rims...,or fitting replacement Brake~clutch reservoirs are pocket change by comparison on this stunner.....
BTW., personally I hate bar end mirrors.
But each to their own.....
Indeed...
I still agree with you, Andy. It's a nice bike, but it's a bit rough around the edges, and Norton are asking way too much for them. At launch, the Standard Commando 961 SP is £16,999, and for the Standard Commando 961 CR it's £17,499! I can't see them shifting many bikes at those prices.
...nor me!
You were just initially giving your impressions, Andy. Nothing wrong with that. So this bike has a few flaws.What bike doesn't? It's a little rough round the edges. So? Gives machines like this a bit of character. It's made in the UK. That for me, means a lot. A Brit bike, with a Brit name, that's made in England. At least it's not made in India or Thailand. (And that's not a dig at their quality control!) How can you have a bike with a British name, made in another country?
For all its little faults, I know I'd be proud as punch to ride into a bike meet carpark that's swimming in Triumphs and REs and be the only one on a Norton.😊
I had a 1974 850 Commando
The side stand on that was flimsy also. I had Dunstall Decibel Silencers on it
It wasn't loud at all but when you opened it up it sounded great. Do these new Nortons have the isoelastic dampers? Or something similar
Mine really needed that to mitigate the intense vibration of the big twin
The fact that the Norton doesn't have a Morris Minor carbuncle of a radiator hanging off it like the Triumphs do makes all the difference. I just wish Norton had styled the bike closer to the original 1960's Commando.
Your initial review was spot on. It may not have pleased those wearing rose tinted spectacles though. As much as I love the looks of the bike that engine vibration would be annoying after a few miles. I was a teenager in the 70's when both Norton and Triumph were on the ropes. Part of the reason for that was the vibration from the parallel twin compared to a Japanese four. Triumph in their modern classics addressed this with counterbalancers (and to soem extent moving to a 270 degree crank). In the 70's Norton had "isolastic" engine mounts which was really just a sticking plaster and not a proper fix. There are some things, such as intrusive vibration which belong in the past.
I agree - whenever I ride a bike with more than two cyclinders (although to be fair, these days even twins are pretty good) I marvel at the smoothness of the engines.....my GoldWing being a case in point with it's beautiful 6 cylinder masterpiece of an engine.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer and the Goldwing is a boxer 6 , which I guess makes it even smoother ...
@@TheMissendenFlyer Having said that my 2011 Nightster smooths out once its it's off from standing, so it can be done.
The air cooled rotaries would piss rings round that vibrating rubbish in my view. Lighter , more power, very comfortable, fully enclosed chain , smooth as a turbine etc etc. Not perfect of course , what is. The 961sp is a lovely looking bike , but a joke at £16000 .You say a ride on the the Norton V4 would be nice, its essentially an Aprillia. Sorry for the rant TMF .
Andy, a fair evaluation. Don't feel guilty. Everyone loves the Norton, but in comparison, (which is what we depend on you for...), it's almost impossible to beat Triumph when it comes to the modern classics. What happened here is that as you have turned into one of the world's authorities on the T120/Speed Twin/Thruxton/Scrambler 1200, in the back of your mind while evaluating the Norton, you will always be comparing it to the Triumphs. Triumph has a big head start on quality, fit and finish, and engineering with their entire range of classics. They are now second to none, andhave set the bar high.
Norton have tried making a "Silk Purse" from a "Sows Ear".... looks nothing special (To Me) especially that seat unit, paying a premium for the badge is a fools game. Its still nowhere near the mark in terms of what's available for much less cash now. 20 years ago it would have been a nice bike. But times have changed.
I'm old school Norton Dominator, 600cc in a 'Featherbed'. sure it vibrated but not overly so when compared to other bikes of the period. l believe increasing capacity the main problem, frame technology couldn't keep up. Seems it still cant!. Norton are banging on and on about their racing heritage which is mostly the single cylinder 350-500cc Manx that are a totally different concept engine wise to the road bikes. Both Royal Enfield and Triumph have a far larger buying audience because they have targeted a wider spectrum of buyers..Younger riders who don't want to rush about the countryside..... bearing in mine the awful roads...Plus the older rider who look for a bit of nostalgia of their youth.
'Blokes in sheds' knew a think or two...buy a knackered Norton, dump the engine, keep the frame and stick a superior Triumph engine in it.......Job done....
Hello, that is correct. They need obedience training like dogs do. " Stay! " d:)
Sometimes you have to take them as they are and what they are. If you want a beautiful bike and a Norton there you have it. Shortcomings and all for what its worth
Another slow bike that looks better than it delivers.
People love them nowadays.
It will sell out.
.
The little Enfield Classic 350 is my "best looker" though if I got one I doubt I'd ride it, I'd just look at it.
The ironic thing is Andy, the original Commando had metalastic bushes isolating the engine from the frame and was known for its super smooth low vibration ride. Apart from being one of the fastest motorcycles, it was one of the most comfortable motorcycles of its time, unlike the current Commando 961.
Good point and the same suspension team worked on Harley's Sportsters.
Yes, I am old enough to remember those magazine ads in "Men's" magazines...wouldn't that be a pity that the current Norton wasn't as advanced...? Regardless, Nortons are classy bikes...
I thought they were called, "isolastic" bushes.
@@stevetaylor8698 Same thing...
@@grahamtricker4103 Looked it up, Metalastic is protective paint.
Norton back in the late 60s and early 70s was the king of the road. A high performance bike. What good is it if it is only a name with reduced performance.
Were you too harsh? No not really. Its hardly surprising its not as good as it looks. The heart of the problem is that it is getting on for 20 years out of date. Remember it was originally a concept that Kenny Dreer designed in the USA several years before the notorious Mr Garner purchased the name, rights & design to “make Norton British again”. Despite any publicity it may have had at the time Kenny Dreer’s work was never really suitable or intended for mass-production, and then Garner was (ahem) “an entrepreneur” rather than an engineer so it never really had any of the in-depth development it needed under his ownership. Now TVS have invested in that development but its all rather too late. No matter how good this incarnation of the Commando looks, it is now tragically outdated as a motorcycle. Lets hope the V4 & any other future TVS bikes are more appropriate for the success & survival of Norton
…also, is 961 SP, a cynical play on the kudos of the 916 SP?
Beautiful bike but second viewing and those pics Pott brake reservoir would have to go. They spoil an otherwise fantastic clocks and bars.
A great looking bike, but a lot of money for essentially a "niche" retro machine that doesn't really compete with other high end machines for regular widespread use. For a fraction of the price you can buy a well sorted orginal Commando to enjoy the occasional classic British bike experience...and it will only appreciate in value!
Thought Al Murray had taken over your intro... beautiful Britain!
The brake and clutch fluid holders look like urine samples, and then they have the cheek to charge 16,000 pound for one of these, only the rich and care free I think:)
Awesome looking machine just let down by the underpowered engine... and it sounds a bit clunky to my ears . The Japanese would of done it better .
Andy.. my ol Cokka, my ol Mukka, my ol Tayta...
I agree with you mate, however I would save the cash difference and buy a Thruxton and throw silly money at it to make it super fast and handle like a surgeons knife.
The person at Norton that sent the bike out with wheels in that condition should be sacked, it put me off completely.Richard Cottingham
Classic Norton I know, but £16K, No way for what it offers!
I suppose it's hard to live up to the legacy and name of the orginal Norton. Indian went through that phase for years until they got it right. But it took new ownership with big financial capabilites to make Indian into a quality bike to live up to the name. My 2 cents.
Thanks for the lovely ride. The Norton? Sure looks good!
Vibes are a bad thing . I had to sell my Trident 660 because the vibes through bars and seat were very bad and sent my hands to sleep and wasn't just me ,so many low mileage tridents up for sale . The name is swaying your opinion ,too much money for what sounds like a tractor with big ends shot . Looks are not everything as in life .
It may not be for everyone, but the Commando is the only classic British themed bike actually produced in Britain. Everything else is Thai or Indian, great choices for takeaway.
Its a bike marking time to the next generation comes out,Im not convinced the factory will be interested in it long term....
I had to giggle alittle when you said 961 is difficult to live with. Ive had 4 Commando 850s over the last 40 years. definity not easy to live with but I wouldn't have it any other way. I ride for the viceail effect a bike gives me. For me the sound and a little vibration is a positive. Wish I could afford the 961. I would buy it in a min.
Thank you for your honesty about the Norton and for upholding your views and independent motorcycle journalism generally. I'll take a golf shirt please if you care to deliver to Canada 🇨🇦. Kudos.
I watched both videos and think they were totally fair and unbiased people who are Norton brand fans might disagree
A little low tech and a bit over priced. Sounds a whole lot like HD.
Tingerling your dangelys as Bruce would say.🤣
If you want one look for a nice second-hand one - they cost significantly less than a new one!