Norton Commando 961 vs Bmw R 12 Ninet
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Norton Commando 961
Bmw R 12 Ninet
Horsepower (hp)
79 hp
95 hp
Torque (Nm)
90 Nm
110 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
195 km/h
200 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
198 kg
222 kg
Type
Classic
Classic
Horsepower
79 hp @ 6,500 rpm
95 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque
90 Nm @ 5,200 rpm
110 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Top Speed
195 km/h
200 km/h (estimated)
Weight
198 kg (wet/curb weight)
222 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km or approximately 15.4 km/L (typical real-world average)
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18.2 km/L, estimated real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Norton Commando 961
7.5/10
"Magnificent when sorted, but budget for inevitable remedial work upfront."
Pros
+Intoxicating twin exhaust note
+Genuinely exclusive hand-built feel
+Strong used value retention
Cons
−Inconsistent factory build quality
−Dealer support patchy nationwide
−Parts sourcing can frustrate
Bmw R 12 Ninet
8.0/10
"A premium, characterful roadster that earns its asking price on weekends."
Pros
+Charismatic boxer engine character
+Premium build quality throughout
+Strong dealer support network
Cons
−Engine heat in traffic brutal
−Limited fuel range annoying
−Stubbornly high used prices
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.









