NORTON COMMANDO 961 SE (2009 - on) Review

Version: SP Sport Variant

Year: 2023

I would recommend it as a fun and involving ride. It is Old School Brittish made and I love that. I would doubt that it is 100% British, given the switch gear and instruments. I don't need or want any more rider aids than ABS on a bike, unless it has more than 120BHP. I have a 1975 Mk2A Commando 850 and the experience of riding the 961SP is in essence a 21st-century version of that, with the benefit of being able to stop as fast as it can go! The design and weight distribution are excellent, as is the CRP composite fuel tank and airbox. While it is an expensive bike compared to modern Triumphs and other high volume bikes, Norton's were not cheap in their heyday, so comparatively, what you get is a very well made bike with the pedigree to match the price. Ducatis and MotoGuzzi's are higher volume products but they are not cheap either.If fast is the order of the day, I'd take my EBR 1190 for a spin. My Honda CBX occasionally gets a look-in but it is a huge lump of a bike by comparison. I also have a Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS, and the Norton is my go-to bike for a ride out. The Thruxton has more power and gizmo's, rider modes, etc. but the Norton handles better and is more enjoyable and involving to ride IMHO.Some are negligible but there are five things I don't like about the New 916SP:1. The rider footpegs are great quality bespoke items but they don't have return springs if you kick them up accidentally, so it is a distraction trying to get your boot back on top again if you flip them up accidentally.2. The side stand doesn't inspire confidence as the bike doesn't lean much on level ground, so it gives the feeling that it could be blown over easily. It hasn't happened but it is something I feel nervous about when parking it.3. The steering lock is too restrictive for maneuvering. It is fine while in motion but I'll be taking a file to the stops to maximise the lock-to-lock range once the warranty is up.4. The Gearbox is great once run in is completed but a tall sixth gear for motorway cruising should be something in development. As it is the transmission and engine are great but perhaps a belt drive would be an advantage over chain since it isn't a power monster. 5. The switchgear has no locator and relies solely on clamping force to stop rotation. I've used double sided tape to make sure it stays put, but these items should be mich better than the ones fitted.

Buying experience: While there wasn't a dealership network at the time I bought the bike in July 2023 but it wasn't a big issue, as I expected reliability and it was delivered. The sales process was great and the benefit of having seen the heritage displays and the manufacturing process reinforced the history and quality ethos of the new Norton factory - backed by what is a considerable TVS investment. Now, with an expanding dealer network, the process will be a lot simpler for new customers but I can't fault the factory sales team or the attention to detail of the technicians and engineers who recreated this machine from the ashes of the last great pension robbery.

Year: 2023

Annual servicing cost: £250

Great for a Sunday blast but not the bike for any distance. Marmite of a bike, need to test ride before committing to buy. Fantastic looks.

Version: SF Mk 2

Year: 2015

Cool Retro

Version: Sport

Year: 2014

It's a great looking bike with the performance from a bygone era,it takes time to get into its zone but given quiet country roads at 60-70mph in third and fourth it's a peach.

Buying experience: From a dealer £13495 price as advertised and paid

I ordered a new Commando as soon as I could. Having got the bike and put a few miles on it before the weather really struck, I am very pleased with it. It rides well and as an old diehard put it: "That's motorcycle porn that is". The negative comments here are purile, clearly from people who don't understand what the bike represents. You are not going to get a hand built motorcycle for £7-8k - wake up and smell the coffee. Oil leaks, nope, sorry to disappoint Mr 'Mark My Words'. The world is full of miserable negative people, unfortuatly some of them ride motorcycles and leave comments which are factually incorrect. I've been riding bikes since the 60s and have gone through British, Italian, Japanese, German and American bikes. I am seriously chuffed to be riding British Iron. What Bird1050 says is quite right, the moment someone does something good in this country, someone with a chip on his/her shoulder has to start slagging it off. What Garner and his team at doing at Norton is nothing short of fantastic. In the world of mass produced plastic bikes the new Norton stands out from the crowd, and no one who has seen the bike has had a bad thing to say about it or the Company. Good luck to the Norton Motorcycle Company, I would like to think that this is the start of a long successful celebrated business. As for the neggies, move on sonny - nothing to see here. Steve H