Built at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Solihull, the Commando 961 is a modern rendering of an iconic and timeless motorcycle that is unmistakably Norton.
A versatile motorcycle equally at home riding around town as it is on the open road, the new generation Commando 961 arrives in two variants: the SP and the CR.
The two variants are priced at £16,499 and £16,999, respectively.
In 1967, the world had its first glimpse of the Norton Commando. The ensuing decade saw over 55,000 models sold, with the Commando winning multiple accolades including Machine of the Year for five successive years. Such success established the Commando as a household name, completely synonymous with the Norton brand and racing DNA, it became a British icon recognised all over the world.
Both versions of the Commando are powered by an air-oil-cooled 961cc parallel twin, which develops 76.8bhp @7250rpm and 81Nm @6300rpm. The transmission is a five-speed constant mesh type, using a single plate wet clutch.
The Commando 961 utilises 43mm Öhlins USD forks at the front – adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping. At the rear, the Commando runs a twin shock setup, again fully adjustable by Öhlins. The suspension is complemented by a Brembo brake setup, with radial mount calipers at the front coupled to a radial master cylinder.
Both variants come as standard with a Norton electronic analogue speedometer and tachometer, as well as a 300W high-output charging system.
The motorcycle’s beautifully hand-crafted frame and exhaust system, in combination with its signature forward angle engine mount.
The new generation is available in two colour options: Matrix Black and Manx Platinum.
Delicately hand-painted, the Matrix Black finish is complimented by a Duke Gold Norton logo and pinstripe combination. The Manx Platinum version adds one further detail to its Matrix Black pinstripes with a fine Mercury Red detailing.
Both options are paired with polished aluminium rims, and for those seeking a different look, the SP in Matrix Black is also available sporting black rims. To complete the vision, all versions have a hand-polished engine cover and exhaust system.
Where the SP and CR vary is in the classically styled front profile. The SP has conventional upright handlebars whereas the CR goes for a lower-profile ‘clip on’ style, with both made from high-grade, solid aluminium, accompanied by aerospace-grade billet-machined yokes. The polished stainless steel single headlamps also differ between the two variants to add another nuance to the look of each motorcycle.
Norton Motorcycles was founded in 1898 as a manufacturer of fittings and parts to the two-wheel trade and went on to become one of the most iconic British motorcycle brands, manufacturing famous models such as the 650SS, Atlas, Commando, Dominator, Manx, Navigator and more – constantly innovating in motorcycle technology, with features advantageous for lightness and strength in motorcycle racing. Norton Motorcycles has an unrivalled history in motorsport and the brand name is synonymous with Isle of Man TT racing.
In April 2020, Norton Motorcycles was acquired by TVS Motor Company, India’s third-largest motorcycle manufacturer. Under the leadership of TVS, Norton is based out of a new manufacturing facility in Solihull, West Midlands, building British motorcycles in England using traditional hand-crafted techniques with modern day machinery for consistently high quality.
To find out more about the new generation Commando 961, go to: www.nortonmotorcycles.com/range/commando-961/
Website:
www.nortonmotorcycles.com