Norton commando
Discussion
joncon said:
The first bike I ever sat on as a kid was a Norton Commando, down at Bovington army camp a long time ago.
Now feeling the urge to buy a new one, anyone on here own one ?
Would like to hear experiences of the latest model
I don’t have any direct experience of them myself, but my bike dealer has just recently taken on Norton and I had a good look around the Commando when I was last in there.Now feeling the urge to buy a new one, anyone on here own one ?
Would like to hear experiences of the latest model
Not the type of bike for me right now, but they are proper lovely things and if I was in the market for that style of bike it’s one which would definitely be on my list.
If you fancy an original one there's a 69 Norton Commando 750 Fastback up for grabs in this months Classic Competion
https://theclassiccompetitioncompany.com/competiti...
https://theclassiccompetitioncompany.com/competiti...
chappj said:
I’ve got one of the new 961’s and absolutely love it! I took it through the alps last summer and had a blast.
Definitely one of the most characterful engines of the modern classics. Top quality suspension and brakes.
Thanks for that.Definitely one of the most characterful engines of the modern classics. Top quality suspension and brakes.
I have watched a few reviews on YouTube , it all boils down to personal preference and expectations of performance.
I have my 3 year old modern sports tourer, so looking at a Sunday machine for gentle rides .
A more modern retro is tempting but the Norton hits the nostalgia button.
I think my earliest Motorcycle memory is of seeing a Norton Commando come past the Corner/sweet shop near where I lived in Luton when I was about 5 or 6 in the early '70s, I also recall seeing a Ducati which also left a big impression - the latter gives me a similar itch to your Norton one!
The other one was seeing a guy in a 3 piece suit and no helmet carving through the 6 lane LA Rush hour on a CBX1000 in 1981!
The other one was seeing a guy in a 3 piece suit and no helmet carving through the 6 lane LA Rush hour on a CBX1000 in 1981!
I have a 24 961 SP, went into it with eyes open, so far had no problems and really enjoying the bike. Handling/brakes are excellent, sounds good and fuelling is spot on.. No need for an aftermarket pipe, power commander or ECU flash. Build quality is excellent. yes the indicators are basic, but easily changed if needed.
At high revs it does vibrate a bit, felt through the pegs, the bars/mirrors are fine, but I don't find it a problem, just lets you know the engine is working hard. Then again I've owned a few Harleys..
It 'only' makes just shy of 80bhp, but in the real world I can keep up with my mates on faster bikes no problem.
I wouldn't consider an original Commando 750/850, as I like having decent suspension, brakes and no oil leaks..
At high revs it does vibrate a bit, felt through the pegs, the bars/mirrors are fine, but I don't find it a problem, just lets you know the engine is working hard. Then again I've owned a few Harleys..
It 'only' makes just shy of 80bhp, but in the real world I can keep up with my mates on faster bikes no problem.
I wouldn't consider an original Commando 750/850, as I like having decent suspension, brakes and no oil leaks..
Merch131 said:
I have a 24 961 SP, went into it with eyes open, so far had no problems and really enjoying the bike. Handling/brakes are excellent, sounds good and fuelling is spot on.. No need for an aftermarket pipe, power commander or ECU flash. Build quality is excellent. yes the indicators are basic, but easily changed if needed.
At high revs it does vibrate a bit, felt through the pegs, the bars/mirrors are fine, but I don't find it a problem, just lets you know the engine is working hard. Then again I've owned a few Harleys..
It 'only' makes just shy of 80bhp, but in the real world I can keep up with my mates on faster bikes no problem.
I wouldn't consider an original Commando 750/850, as I like having decent suspension, brakes and no oil leaks..
Thank you for thatAt high revs it does vibrate a bit, felt through the pegs, the bars/mirrors are fine, but I don't find it a problem, just lets you know the engine is working hard. Then again I've owned a few Harleys..
It 'only' makes just shy of 80bhp, but in the real world I can keep up with my mates on faster bikes no problem.
I wouldn't consider an original Commando 750/850, as I like having decent suspension, brakes and no oil leaks..
I think I have the same approach, eyes wide open. Old style bike with best brakes and suspension but old school engine and style.
The dealers are happy to give a test ride, so its easy to try it for yourself. The lack of lots of electronics is a bonus for me. With a 2 year warranty, I'm not concerned about any future issues.
Back in August when I went back to the AD (Oakmere) for its first service, had a chat with the service manager. Out of 50 plus 961s they'd sold at the time, only one had had a problem. A sensor had failed, soon replaced. That sensor sat on top of the air box.. the owner had been jet washing the bike after every ride.. leading to the failure. Once reported back to Norton, they changed the sensor location slightly on all bikes to better protect it. This small mod was performed on my bike all other 961s at the first service. As he told me at the time, Norton aren't resting on their laurels with the 961. He also said the dealers had requested that Norton continue to build the 961 even after their new models are in production, as they were sure their would continue to be demand in the UK.
Back in August when I went back to the AD (Oakmere) for its first service, had a chat with the service manager. Out of 50 plus 961s they'd sold at the time, only one had had a problem. A sensor had failed, soon replaced. That sensor sat on top of the air box.. the owner had been jet washing the bike after every ride.. leading to the failure. Once reported back to Norton, they changed the sensor location slightly on all bikes to better protect it. This small mod was performed on my bike all other 961s at the first service. As he told me at the time, Norton aren't resting on their laurels with the 961. He also said the dealers had requested that Norton continue to build the 961 even after their new models are in production, as they were sure their would continue to be demand in the UK.
joncon said:
Thank you for that
I think I have the same approach, eyes wide open. Old style bike with best brakes and suspension but old school engine and style.
Your other option is a restomod original Commando. I think I have the same approach, eyes wide open. Old style bike with best brakes and suspension but old school engine and style.
The fella that's building my Norton Dominator cafe racer had one he'd built for someone. Modern/uprated suspension and brakes, wiring etc but based on an original Fastback.
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