THE BRITISH ICON REDEFINED
The Norton Commando is one of the few motorcycle brand names that has endured. When it was first released in 1967, it established a new benchmark for British motorcycles. Because of the Commando’s superior class, it won the title of “Machine of the Year” for the following five years in a row.
The Commando 961 is the industry benchmark for modern British-made motorcycles and even has part of that era-defining machine’s performance-rich DNA. The Commando 961 heralds in a new era of British production with a totally redesigned 961cc oil and air-cooled engine, precision handling chassis, and the finest components.
TWO STYLES, SAME PURPOSE
961 SP WAS £16.999
NOW £14,795
961 CR WAS £17,499 OTR
NOW £15,475
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PAINT FINISHES
£750
We offer two pinstriping options, which are hand applied to the tank and side panels. On the Manx Platinum paintwork, we offer a twin black and red pair of stripes, that loop the full tank. On the Black paintwork, we offer a shorter single gold strip that tracks the shape of the knee cut-outs at the rear of the tank.
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CORVID ENGINE
£550
As standard, the Commando engine has a natural finish to the alloy in the engine. In the Corvid pack the crankcases, barrels and cylinder head have a black finish, with an extra run of machining on the barrel fins for a bit more pop!
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MIRROR POLISHING
£650
The 961 engine cases come beautifully polished to a light sheen but we also offer see-your-face-in-it mirror polishing for the rocker cover, clutch cover, timing case cover and oil filter.
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EMBROIDED SEAT COVER
£250
A colour matched cover for the pillion seat, with matching leather ‘bumstop’ and embroidered Norton logo..
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PREMIUM PACK
£1250
As standard the Commando 961 comes with a carbon fibre front mudguard but with this pack, we really push the boat out adding a carbon fibre fly screen, rear hugger, chainguard and number plate holder.
Because it combines characteristics that we all desire—timeless appearance, undeniable performance, and a soundtrack which was salvaged from a bygone era—The Commando 961 is the ultimate modern classic.
However, Norton is aware that not all riders are made the same, which is why we now offer the 961 Sport and 961 Café Racer.
NORTON COMMANDO 961 CAFÉ RACER
The Café Racer is the ideal combination of speed and style – a modern reincarnation of the dizzying machines favoured by the Ton Up Boys. It’s clip-on handlebars pull you in close to the action, where the roar of the engine fills your ears and all the matters is where you’re going and how quickly you’re getting there.
NORTON COMMANDO 961 SPORT
The Sport, on the other hand, comes with flat handlebars that favour an upright riding position for riders who have a little more time to spend in the saddle. Made for those for whom the journey is more important than the destination and the ride takes as long as it needs.
DESERVING OF THE NORTON NAME
When the Commando was designed in 1966, Norton stood for the same principles that ‘Pa’ Norton had when he began building motorcycles in 1902. They are the same principles we have now: the highest quality components, precision engineering and traditional craftsmanship; now in a 21st century package. That’s not to say we’ve stuffed the Commando full of pointless tech for the sake of it – the opposite in fact.
Just like the original bike over 50 years ago, a Commando 961 will not tell you when to change gear, it will not take charge of the throttle and it will not get between you and the simple pleasure of a well-earned ride. Instead it offers reliability when you require it, comfort when you want it and the roar of a petrol powered British twin when you ask for it. Quite simply the Commando 961 is everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
We’ve also simplified the Commando 961, so you can specify the exact bike you want. As standard the 961 comes with a traditional finish to the engine, allowing the natural colours and textures of the manufacturing process to show through. If you’ve yearned for Commandos of old then this is the bike for you but, if you’d prefer, we can take a leaf out of Mick Jagger’s book and paint it black. The same is true of the frame, finishing kit, stitching and the pinstriping on the bodywork. You can even choose just how polished you want the engine cases because, at the end of the day, it’s your bike not ours. We do draw the line somewhere though. The things that make a Norton, a Norton – the logo, the hourglass body, the signature fuel tank and gentle angle of the engine – they’re not going anywhere. And nor are we, which is also why every Commando comes with a two-year warranty.
ENGINEERING
CAKE, MEET THE CHERRY
Of course, simplicity doesn’t mean simple. We build the Commando from the best materials; the front mudguard is carbon fibre and the yokes are made from aerospace grade aluminium. We also finish the 961 with the best components available – the fully adjustable forks and shocks come from suspension experts Öhlins, while the brakes come from the Italian maestros at Brembo. As for the engine, that’s far from simple either. Completely redesigned, reengineered and reworked over the past two years, the latest 961cc parallel twin is the most advanced version to date and places a smidge over 76bhp in your right hand. Sometimes the old ways are the best though, which is why it’s still air-oil cooled, still has a dry sump and still sounds as mean as it ever did. We also think reliability never goes out of fashion either, so it’s been built to go 6000 miles between services meaning you get to spend more time on the road and less in the workshop. All that’s left to do now is swing a leg over one and see what everyone has been lauding for the last 56 years.
All bikes subject to a £99 Prep Fee
Finance available please ask for a bespoke quote