My dream bike ❤❤ I´m riding bikes for more than 40 years (im 58 now) and i had and have all kind of bikes, but de 961 SE is my ultimate dream must have bike. I live in Mexico City and of course here its almost impossible to find one in sale, but hope someday soon ill find it. Greetings, you just made me wanted it more. !!!!
She rides really well and gets up on plane it looks like from the video at least. The styling is so cool. Definitely of the era of which it came! I Wish I could find one as nice myself. Sweet boat my friend!
thanks so much for this, the only detailed owner review ive found, they are so beautiful and my dream bike, im glad they are making them again but at the price
Love the Norton & happy to see they are attempting a real comeback in 2023. Styling changes are subtle but still hold to the Commando/ Roadster DNA & look of the early 70's. The Plastic clutch & brake fluid reseviors are hideous.they should be made of metal , be black and mounted off the handlebars & tucked away. Turn signals are ugly as well, small & round would look better. Not much of a carbon fibre fan, anodized black aluminum wheels with gold/ copper spokes or gold/ copper wheels with black spokes would really compliment the black & gold pinstripe., Good to see the banana seat gone and a solo seat with tail setup, looks great. Again happy to see the sessurction and upgrade on this niche Norton brand.
It’s a lovely bike, especially with all the carbon bits and bobs on it, as well as the Ohlins suspension and Brembo stoppers. Definitely a keeper! (The BST factory is only about 3 kms from where I live in the north of Johannesburg) Ride safe🏍👍🍺🇿🇦
I'm a little late to this one, but I do have to say that this was an excellent overview of this bike. Your powers of description are very good as you've covered all the relevant bases nicely and most comprehensively. Keep up the great content. 👍
Again a great video, I would have liked to share the ride with you onto your destination. Maybe share some views from there and talk briefly about the great riding routes that Alston offers bikers. Thank you!❤👍
Nice to see the exhaust collars are three bolt and not still threaded as they were a devil of a job to keep tight. A crank balancer luxury used to get white finger riding to Southampton and back once a week. Just thinking if the 2022 version has any changes compared to yours. Is the engine solid mounted as apposed to the rubber mounted old ones which seemed to amplify the vibration. Great video as always Proffessori.
Interesting video, getting the lowdown from a long-term owner (rather than a journo that's only ridden one for an hour or two). I reckon it'd be well worth getting someone to look at the mapping and sorting out the cold & low revs roughness, especially with it being such a happy bunny over 3k and at cruising speeds.
Thanks, best review I've seen. Yes good stretch over that gorgeous tank, bars with more 'pullback' would be the answer, check Italian made 'Accossato' HB173 pattern handlebars as fitted standard to Gen1 & 2 Aprilia Tuono 1000R . These are 26.4 to 22mm taper, same as Commando, I reckon they would be just the ticket! Available in a range of colours (including black). ebay about $135 here in Australia - Cheers mate, just love your SE.
I tried both an SP and a cafe racer and rode both for several hours - thanks Norton. I found the whole package very attractive. Brakes and suspension are excellent and bang up to date. Engine has a vintage feel with pleasant vibration, plenty of torque and adequate power. The bike sounds fantastic and the look of the CF in particular is great. I placed an order for a CF in silver. Will be taking it to the TT in 24.
Gorgeous machine. My kind of bike! Unfortunately unavailable in mw part of the world. The only thing I don't get is the plastic reservoirs.... I currently own two air-oil cooled machines. My 2012 HD Roadking that I've owned since new and a 2017 BMW R ninet.
That really is a beautiful bike. The Speed Twin is great but on sheer aesthetics, that puts it to shame. Thanks for the great, detailed overview. The UK really does have motorcycle RUclips channels down.
Thanks Paul. I love the Norton, but its not as easy to ride or live with as the Speed Twin. I did look at a Speed Twin, but as you will see if you follow my channel. I bought the Triumph Scrambler 1200. Same engine, but a bit less cramped. I find the Speed Twin to be a bit small (in terms of riding position).
@@SongsFromTheSaddle Thanks. I currently ride an R1250RS, and I'd end up leaning towards something practical to own. I'm thinking about getting an additional bike and a Bonneville is high on the list, though I'm thinking of a CB1100 also.
I had a 2018 sport model but couldn’t stand the bag of nails engine or the kangaroo throttle response. I traded it in for a Z900RS. Lost a few grand on that deal. I still miss the 961 but bought an original 1974 Mk2a which is mechanically quiet and similar to ride as the Spondon framed 961. Good luck with the 961. If they cure the engine, add a slipper clutch and “normalize” the price I would be tempted again by the bikes great looks.
Great video! Have a chat with Stuart at Motorvated about the niggles, he’s just remapped my 961 Street for the decat and shorty mufflers and it’s transformed the fuelling 😁
Hi, Lovely looking and sounding bike. Do the carbon wheels require any specialised equipment to change tyres ? Also heard some horror stories about the frames cracking ? What make are the silencers ? Great review.
Hi there, massive fan of this channel and as another owner of an early 961 I can recommend Stuart Bodycoate at Motorvated Limited to sort or improve your gremlins. Was also wondering, would you be able to share your cheat sheet of suspension settings??
Hi Steven. Stuart has my bike at the moment. If you've seen any of his videos over the last week about sorting gremlins, then it's my bike he is talking about. I'm trying to persuade him to come onto this channel, but he's a bit camera shy!
Excellent news and quite a coincidence! Stuart has such an eye for detail, lovely chap and really knows his onions. He went through my bike and fixed pretty much everything. The early bikes pull very hard, much better than the recent stuff. Yours even more so with the carbon wheels. A real keeper.
I fit my own tyres an all my other bikes but take these wheels to the bike shop where they use the hydraulic changer - far too much risk of damaging the rims using a hand changer.
Great detailed review...would love to know your views on other motorcycles too ,please do first ride reviews on other modern retro motorcycles like the Royal Enfield interceptor 650, BMW R9T, Moto Guzzi and Triumphs too compared to the Norton Commando 961 please ...Cheers
Nice review. How does the ride compare to the Bonneville T120 ? I have the Triumph and I love it for around town riding with the low end torque and upright riding position, yet I have taken it on technical mountain passes and it handles that well too. Is the Norton going to be completely different from that ?
I own both the Norton 961 and the Triumph T120. They are very different bikes. The Triumph rides like a modern bike, the Norton is more like a classic engine in a modern chassis.
It's hard to answer you without sounding like an a-hole. Simply, it costs more money to build light and strong, than heavy and strong. More engineering, likely more expensive materials, a little more technology, and employees with greater skill.
You are a true babacool man. The indian owners TVS were right to buy them and theyve been absolutely honorable at their treatment of the owners..Are the big ends and main bearings far stronger than the old commando? They need a kickstart. What a bike. It seems very sorted and well done to TVS for their great appreciation of Norton that seems far better made than BSA and how theyve tried to repair the image of Norton and try and help those customers so cruelly ripped off, cheated by that scumbag yuppee Garner plastic gangster.
Hi, stick or twist? If you were buying a 961 again, taking out the cost issue would you still prefer the SE model with the carbon wheels or a new TVS one with all the changes to the engine and gearbox components and warranty? I am in this boat at the moment as there is a beautiful 500 miles SE 2012 for sale or buy new with the £2K off and then buy the carbon wheels? As an owner I would really welcome your thoughts, many thanks
That's a difficult call, because when I bought my SE the Donnington factory was still in operation and so I bought it expecting to have full factory support. I still prefer the SE model, for it's (relative) exclusivity, the higher spec, and the fact that the Donnington bikes are probably the last ever hand-build British motorcycle. Now Stuart has checked it over, I'm much more confident about it's longevity and reliability and I therefore fail to see how the TVS model would be better. I've yet to ride a TVS, but hopefully I will soon and I'll make a video about it. As for the warranty - in 44 years of riding I've never bought a new bike, so I've never had a warranty on any bike. It is therefore not something that particularly concerns me.
I'm not sure about the new Commandos. Mine is 14 years old now. I have ridden the Thruxton (and the T120 and I currently own a Scrambler 1200) and I can say that the Thruxton is a very different bike to the Commando. You should try both if you can before buying. The Thruxton rides like a modern bike, whereas the Norton feels more like a classic bike with better brakes and suspension.
I've not had problems so far and with the new Norton owners re-launching the 961, it should be OK. Although many parts are different on the new bikes, many will also fit. Also, the older models were built from a mix of parts, but they were often existing parts from other vehicles, or you can use a substitute. Brembo brake, Ohlins suspension etc are universal. Some specialist firms are now making replacement and upgrade parts. I think spares will be OK going forward.
Range. Nobody mentions range. How far can you go before switching to reserve? How far can you go before you have to park the bike and start walking? Do you have to stow an empty gas can for such occasions. My VX will go 250 miles on a full tank including reserve, give or take a few. It's got "legs". Does your 961 have "legs"? This is a deal breaker for me when considering a replacement bike. So far, I've kept my roadster, and put up with it's "character". How about it? RANGE!
I agree that the price, particularly of the current new bikes, is an issue when you compare it to other "modern classics" such as Royal Enfield, BSA and the retro style Triumphs.
this not a factory its was assembly shed I have been there and the only connection the the uk is the name everything either use or Chinese or Italian and Swedish component's the 270 cranks are not much different to the 360 in fact and 360 crank can be made smother then the 270
I also own Triumphs with 360 cranks and my understanding is that the 270 crank is more about the exhaust note than engine smoothness. I may be wrong, but when Triumph changed their modern Bonnevilles from 360 to 270 I'm sure I remember reading that it was to make the exhaust more sound more like a Harley, which I assume would appeal more to the American market.
@@SongsFromTheSaddle I think you are correct about the reasoning. My 2003 T100, Thruxton 900 had 360s and 2006 Scrambler had 270. I don't remember the 270 being smoother but on the 2016 Thruxton R 1200 watercooled with a 270 is smoother that either of the previous aircooled 270 or 360 cranks.
I think the new ones are pretty expensive, but you can pick up a low mileage second hand Donnington model for a good price. These are bikes that tend to be cared for well, so there are some excellent second hand models around.
One of the the best looking bikes out there in my opinion
Stunning looking bike, shame there's not more manufacturers offering good looking bikes these days
My dream bike ❤❤ I´m riding bikes for more than 40 years (im 58 now) and i had and have all kind of bikes, but de 961 SE is my ultimate dream must have bike. I live in Mexico City and of course here its almost impossible to find one in sale, but hope someday soon ill find it. Greetings, you just made me wanted it more. !!!!
Beautiful bike, very informative video and love the English country roads
Glad you enjoyed it Tom. Thanks for watching.
Best review out there on this bike, really informative and very helpful, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
She rides really well and gets up on plane it looks like from the video at least. The styling is so cool. Definitely of the era of which it came! I Wish I could find one as nice myself. Sweet boat my friend!
thanks so much for this, the only detailed owner review ive found, they are so beautiful and my dream bike, im glad they are making them again but at the price
oops, at the price i think i will have to be happy with my enfield gt650, thanks so much for the video, rich
I know - eye watering!
Thanks for the review , the bike is stunning. I saw the new ones in London last week, they look great and I hope Norton grows now with its new owners.
Love the Norton & happy to see they are attempting a real comeback in 2023. Styling changes are subtle but still hold to the Commando/ Roadster DNA & look of the early 70's. The Plastic clutch & brake fluid reseviors are hideous.they should be made of metal , be black and mounted off the handlebars & tucked away. Turn signals are ugly as well, small & round would look better. Not much of a carbon fibre fan, anodized black aluminum wheels with gold/ copper spokes or gold/ copper wheels with black spokes would really compliment the black & gold pinstripe., Good to see the banana seat gone and a solo seat with tail setup, looks great. Again happy to see the sessurction and upgrade on this niche Norton brand.
Beautiful bike, sounds fantastic. Thanks for the review.
Great review. Certainly a thing of beauty. I’d love to have a go on one.
What a lovely looking machine.
It’s a lovely bike, especially with all the carbon bits and bobs on it, as well as the Ohlins suspension and Brembo stoppers. Definitely a keeper! (The BST factory is only about 3 kms from where I live in the north of Johannesburg) Ride safe🏍👍🍺🇿🇦
I'm a little late to this one, but I do have to say that this was an excellent overview of this bike. Your powers of description are very good as you've covered all the relevant bases nicely and most comprehensively.
Keep up the great content. 👍
Thanks Mark. I hope to make more videos featuring my Norton in the coming months.
@@SongsFromTheSaddle That's great to know. Looking forward to it.
Ride safe. 👍
Really enjoyed this video,a great review! ❤
Lovely looking bike Simon and sounds glorious👍🏍
Thanks Ian 👍
Again a great video, I would have liked to share the ride with you onto your destination. Maybe share some views from there and talk briefly about the great riding routes that Alston offers bikers. Thank you!❤👍
Nice to see the exhaust collars are three bolt and not still threaded as they were a devil of a job to keep tight. A crank balancer luxury used to get white finger riding to Southampton and back once a week. Just thinking if the 2022 version has any changes compared to yours. Is the engine solid mounted as apposed to the rubber mounted old ones which seemed to amplify the vibration. Great video as always Proffessori.
One of my Dream bikes. Thanks for sharing.
Bloody good review lad
A really good informative video, you own a stunning motorcycle, i nearly bought one back in 2018 but settled for an R NineT option 719 varient
Interesting video, getting the lowdown from a long-term owner (rather than a journo that's only ridden one for an hour or two). I reckon it'd be well worth getting someone to look at the mapping and sorting out the cold & low revs roughness, especially with it being such a happy bunny over 3k and at cruising speeds.
Making this video has made me more aware of those little niggles that I need to fix.
Very nicely done.
Thanks, best review I've seen. Yes good stretch over that gorgeous tank, bars with more 'pullback' would be the answer, check Italian made 'Accossato' HB173 pattern handlebars as fitted standard to Gen1 & 2 Aprilia Tuono 1000R . These are 26.4 to 22mm taper, same as Commando, I reckon they would be just the ticket! Available in a range of colours (including black). ebay about $135 here in Australia - Cheers mate, just love your SE.
Great reveiw, thank you. I'm taking a new 2023 model Commando out for a test ride next week...
How did you get on? Did you like it?
I tried both an SP and a cafe racer and rode both for several hours - thanks Norton. I found the whole package very attractive. Brakes and suspension are excellent and bang up to date. Engine has a vintage feel with pleasant vibration, plenty of torque and adequate power. The bike sounds fantastic and the look of the CF in particular is great. I placed an order for a CF in silver. Will be taking it to the TT in 24.
Thanks for the reply. No better endorsement than buying one. Enjoy your new ride 👍@@lfoggy3061
Very nice! I'd replace the fluid reservoirs with Rizomas in black.
I had a 1965 Norton matchless 750 it was a fun bike to ride
Gorgeous machine. My kind of bike! Unfortunately unavailable in mw part of the world. The only thing I don't get is the plastic reservoirs.... I currently own two air-oil cooled machines. My 2012 HD Roadking that I've owned since new and a 2017 BMW R ninet.
That really is a beautiful bike. The Speed Twin is great but on sheer aesthetics, that puts it to shame. Thanks for the great, detailed overview. The UK really does have motorcycle RUclips channels down.
Thanks Paul. I love the Norton, but its not as easy to ride or live with as the Speed Twin. I did look at a Speed Twin, but as you will see if you follow my channel. I bought the Triumph Scrambler 1200. Same engine, but a bit less cramped. I find the Speed Twin to be a bit small (in terms of riding position).
@@SongsFromTheSaddle Thanks. I currently ride an R1250RS, and I'd end up leaning towards something practical to own. I'm thinking about getting an additional bike and a Bonneville is high on the list, though I'm thinking of a CB1100 also.
@@paulv22 The CB1100 is another great bike. Choices, choices!
I had a 2018 sport model but couldn’t stand the bag of nails engine or the kangaroo throttle response. I traded it in for a Z900RS. Lost a few grand on that deal. I still miss the 961 but bought an original 1974 Mk2a which is mechanically quiet and similar to ride as the Spondon framed 961. Good luck with the 961. If they cure the engine, add a slipper clutch and “normalize” the price I would be tempted again by the bikes great looks.
Only review Ive seen of this bike, looks a great ride. The carbon wheels must be very light and help make it handle so well. Cheers.
Great video! Have a chat with Stuart at Motorvated about the niggles, he’s just remapped my 961 Street for the decat and shorty mufflers and it’s transformed the fuelling 😁
Yes you are right, I should take it to Stuart. Maybe later this year if he has a free slot to look at it.
Hi, Lovely looking and sounding bike. Do the carbon wheels require any specialised equipment to change tyres ? Also heard some horror stories about the frames cracking ? What make are the silencers ? Great review.
My mates brand new 961 rattled like a coffee tin full of old nuts and bolts..It made my 1941 BSA sound mechanically smooth!......
Doesn't sound right. shouldn't be like that
Thinking of buying one of these, as my old S2r Monster is getting a bit long in the tooth and I don't like the newer power ranger type ducatis
Great review. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Julian. Unintentional, but it's quite timely too, as the "new" version of the 961 has just been launched from the new Norton Factory.
Great review love the look of bike biggest issue is cost certainly would buy one if around 11.000 grand mark but 15.900 is steep
Some good value 2nd hand bikes around for less than 11k
beautiful bike and fab vid. thank you so much
Absolutely gorgeous bike , excellent video was a pleasure ,New subscriber 👍
Much appreciated!
Hi there, massive fan of this channel and as another owner of an early 961 I can recommend Stuart Bodycoate at Motorvated Limited to sort or improve your gremlins. Was also wondering, would you be able to share your cheat sheet of suspension settings??
Hi Steven. Stuart has my bike at the moment. If you've seen any of his videos over the last week about sorting gremlins, then it's my bike he is talking about. I'm trying to persuade him to come onto this channel, but he's a bit camera shy!
Excellent news and quite a coincidence! Stuart has such an eye for detail, lovely chap and really knows his onions. He went through my bike and fixed pretty much everything. The early bikes pull very hard, much better than the recent stuff. Yours even more so with the carbon wheels. A real keeper.
A fantastic video and a great review
Great review from a seasoned owner. I enjoyed this, and appreciated it. Are there any issues with tyre changes with carbon wheels?
I fit my own tyres an all my other bikes but take these wheels to the bike shop where they use the hydraulic changer - far too much risk of damaging the rims using a hand changer.
Great detailed review...would love to know your views on other motorcycles too ,please do first ride reviews on other modern retro motorcycles like the Royal Enfield interceptor 650, BMW R9T, Moto Guzzi and Triumphs too compared to the Norton Commando 961 please ...Cheers
Noted!
Bought a new 1975 850 commando when I got out of the service...hope they bring them to the states..."while I'm still riding".....
Great looking bike and good review enjoy.
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks very useful video.
Glad it was helpful!
When you bought the bike did you get the original pipes? They might solve your idle issues. They probably look better too.
What do you think of Henry Cole's customisation?
It made me think how good it looked in the first place.
I have no strong feelings about it - it's just different. But given the choice, I'd still go with the original.
Have they sorted out that terrifying ‘elastic’ rear suspension that so VERY nearly killed me almost 50 years ago?
Top notch suspension and brakes on the modern Nortons.
Have you still got it?...I'd like a modern Norton but scared by the Donington bikes
Yes, still got it and still loving it.
Nice review. How does the ride compare to the Bonneville T120 ? I have the Triumph and I love it for around town riding with the low end torque and upright riding position, yet I have taken it on technical mountain passes and it handles that well too. Is the Norton going to be completely different from that ?
I own both the Norton 961 and the Triumph T120. They are very different bikes. The Triumph rides like a modern bike, the Norton is more like a classic engine in a modern chassis.
I'm actually surprised how light it actually is especially compared to a Triumph
It's hard to answer you without sounding like an a-hole. Simply, it costs more money to build light and strong, than heavy and strong. More engineering, likely more expensive materials, a little more technology, and employees with greater skill.
The carbon wheels at a cost of around £4000 save a lot of weight.
You are a true babacool man. The indian owners TVS were right to buy them and theyve been absolutely honorable at their treatment of the owners..Are the big ends and main bearings far stronger than the old commando? They need a kickstart. What a bike. It seems very sorted and well done to TVS for their great appreciation of Norton that seems far better made than BSA and how theyve tried to repair the image of Norton and try and help those customers so cruelly ripped off, cheated by that scumbag yuppee Garner plastic gangster.
Hi, stick or twist? If you were buying a 961 again, taking out the cost issue would you still prefer the SE model with the carbon wheels or a new TVS one with all the changes to the engine and gearbox components and warranty? I am in this boat at the moment as there is a beautiful 500 miles SE 2012 for sale or buy new with the £2K off and then buy the carbon wheels? As an owner I would really welcome your thoughts, many thanks
That's a difficult call, because when I bought my SE the Donnington factory was still in operation and so I bought it expecting to have full factory support. I still prefer the SE model, for it's (relative) exclusivity, the higher spec, and the fact that the Donnington bikes are probably the last ever hand-build British motorcycle. Now Stuart has checked it over, I'm much more confident about it's longevity and reliability and I therefore fail to see how the TVS model would be better. I've yet to ride a TVS, but hopefully I will soon and I'll make a video about it. As for the warranty - in 44 years of riding I've never bought a new bike, so I've never had a warranty on any bike. It is therefore not something that particularly concerns me.
Is the Commando only available in the UK? I am in the U.S. And I am deciding between the Thruxton RS and Commando if available in the US
I'm not sure about the new Commandos. Mine is 14 years old now. I have ridden the Thruxton (and the T120 and I currently own a Scrambler 1200) and I can say that the Thruxton is a very different bike to the Commando. You should try both if you can before buying. The Thruxton rides like a modern bike, whereas the Norton feels more like a classic bike with better brakes and suspension.
The 270 degree crank. Has much better balance
Excellent review. Can you get spares easily?
I've not had problems so far and with the new Norton owners re-launching the 961, it should be OK. Although many parts are different on the new bikes, many will also fit. Also, the older models were built from a mix of parts, but they were often existing parts from other vehicles, or you can use a substitute. Brembo brake, Ohlins suspension etc are universal. Some specialist firms are now making replacement and upgrade parts. I think spares will be OK going forward.
Range. Nobody mentions range. How far can you go before switching to reserve? How far can you go before you have to park the bike and start walking? Do you have to stow an empty gas can for such occasions. My VX will go 250 miles on a full tank including reserve, give or take a few. It's got "legs". Does your 961 have "legs"? This is a deal breaker for me when considering a replacement bike. So far, I've kept my roadster, and put up with it's "character". How about it? RANGE!
Range is about 180 miles. Practically I fill up after about 150. 120 miles if I'm riding it hard.
How is the engine heat in the summer?
I've had no problems
'revived,...' and then crushed by Garner's greed :(
Old model trans shifter on right side
Yes. On the modern bikes they are on the left like Harleys and Japanese bikes. Causes less confusion if you ride other bikes.
It’s pretty but they’ve built an antique technologically speaking , push rods , very low power , not really not for that price.
I agree that the price, particularly of the current new bikes, is an issue when you compare it to other "modern classics" such as Royal Enfield, BSA and the retro style Triumphs.
Does it have a Kickstarter?
@Craig Brinker my bad
No
@@SongsFromTheSaddle i watched the video again, thanks)
I wish these had kick starter , as standard and electric starter as an option. Half the fun of riding is kick starting the bike.
this not a factory its was assembly shed I have been there and the only connection the the uk is the name everything either use or Chinese or Italian and Swedish component's the 270 cranks are not much different to the 360 in fact and 360 crank can be made smother then the 270
I also own Triumphs with 360 cranks and my understanding is that the 270 crank is more about the exhaust note than engine smoothness. I may be wrong, but when Triumph changed their modern Bonnevilles from 360 to 270 I'm sure I remember reading that it was to make the exhaust more sound more like a Harley, which I assume would appeal more to the American market.
@@SongsFromTheSaddle I think you are correct about the reasoning. My 2003 T100, Thruxton 900 had 360s and 2006 Scrambler had 270. I don't remember the 270 being smoother but on the 2016 Thruxton R 1200 watercooled with a 270 is smoother that either of the previous aircooled 270 or 360 cranks.
Lovely bike but too expensive
I think the new ones are pretty expensive, but you can pick up a low mileage second hand Donnington model for a good price. These are bikes that tend to be cared for well, so there are some excellent second hand models around.
Tank bag to rest your belly on.
I see one of the new models has higher bars looks very odd on a Norton.
Damn ! So pretty...