Would you consider having a Norton 961 in your garage?

[Jagster]

@Justdad

 

[Jagster]

I think this might be the road test report worth watching.

 

[Justdad]

I think this might be the road test report worth watching.

Yes I watched it and the vibration levels and tignt ergonomics is kind of disappointing and would take it off my list especially at the premium price. Such a beautiful bike that just needs some more work to make it a bike that is more than a bike you only take to a bike show.

 

[Jagster]

Yes I watched it and the vibration levels and tignt ergonomics is kind of disappointing and would take it off my list especially at the premium price. Such a beautiful bike that just needs some more work to make it a bike that is more than a bike you only take to a bike show.

Yes. I think your summary characterises pretty much my thoughts entirely.

It's a very long time since I rode an original Commando (850 Roadster) but I don't recall feeling that the bike was anything other than smooth running.
I expect that was due to the iso-mounted engine set up.

I suspect the road tester here, probably hasn't ever ridden an original Commando.

I think i'm right in saying that the original 750 was even more smooth running than the 850, so this current bike must be pretty harsh by comparison to my past experience with the 850.
The new Commando probably needs to take some lessons from the original..........me thinks.....

 

[1olbull]

I had a 1965 P11 Norton/Matchless and wish I would have been smarter in my YUTE and kept it!
A "new" one - no way!

 

[Justdad]

I had a 1965 P11 Norton/Matchless and wish I would have been smarter in my YUTE and kept it!
A "new" one - no way!

Hey check out my new video "Newly found drone footage from my 2023 Rocket 3 crash at Bonneville Speed Week "

 

[Jagster]

Stumbled across an old photo of the Commando that I had a go on. Takes me back.....
I married the girl on the pillion. The bike belonged to the boy friend of the girl in the driving seat.
She had a black 750 Commando.......happy memories.
I think the original Norton Commando is much better proportioned than the new bikes.

 

[Gimlet]

I think this might be the road test report worth watching.

I like it. I wouldn't buy one because I'm not in the market for that kind of bike, but if I was the limited performance and vibration wouldn't bother me. It's what you'd expect from a bike like this, which is essentially an authentic retro with a reworked period engine. If you wanted to go retro in style only but have modern performance you'd be better off with a Speed Twin or a Thruxton RS. But they're retro lookalikes with modern engines. The Norton is the real deal, which is what people will buy it for, though it must be a limited market.
I think the otherwise exquisite detailing is let down by the cheap plastic fluid reservoirs and plastic indicators and the mirrors which look like those universal commuter hack jobbies they sell in Halfords.
That said, the mirrors appeared to be show a clear image, but these parts look like afterthoughts to me.

It's not for me but I can understand why some people would want one and would be willing to pay the premium for a piece of nostalgia hand built in the UK. I'd have a Thruxton RS myself, but I'm glad the Norton exists.

 

[Jagster]

I like it. I wouldn't buy one because I'm not in the market for that kind of bike, but if I was the limited performance and vibration wouldn't bother me. It's what you'd expect from a bike like this, which is essentially an authentic retro with a reworked period engine. If you wanted to go retro in style only but have modern performance you'd be better off with a Speed Twin or a Thruxton RS. But they're retro lookalikes with modern engines. The Norton is the real deal, which is what people will buy it for, though it must be a limited market.
I think the otherwise exquisite detailing is let down by the cheap plastic fluid reservoirs and plastic indicators and the mirrors which look like those universal commuter hack jobbies they sell in Halfords.
That said, the mirrors appeared to be show a clear image, but these parts look like afterthoughts to me.

It's not for me but I can understand why some people would want one and would be willing to pay the premium for a piece of nostalgia hand built in the UK. I'd have a Thruxton RS myself, but I'm glad the Norton exists.

Sure.....But my point really, is, that for the money, you'd be better off having an original Commando.....They look better & they run better.

Bonnies' .....Thruxtons.....Old v' New.....can be a separate debate, partly because the 'new' versions are relatively affordable and they ride the way you would ideally like to ride them, so they're a bit less controversial perhaps...

 

[Gimlet]

Sure.....But my point really, is, that for the money, you'd be better off having an original Commando.....They look better & they run better.

Bonnies' .....Thruxtons.....Old v' New.....can be a separate debate, partly because the 'new' versions are relatively affordable and they ride the way you would ideally like to ride them, so they're a bit less controversial perhaps...

Thing is, if you bought an original Commando, fettled it so it was reliable, had decent suspension and proper brakes, you'd have a 961, but probably at a considerably higher price than the factory one. I jest of course, but I know what you're saying.
Actually, I have a friend who has been trying to do precisely that with his pair of 750 Commandos for about the last ten years. Last time I looked they were still in bits in his shed. Whether the lack of progress is down to him or the bikes I'm unsure but I suspect it's a combination of the two.