Norton Commando 961 vs Kawasaki W800
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
Kawasaki W800
Horsepower (hp)
79 hp
47 hp
Torque (Nm)
90 Nm
62.9 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
195 km/h
180 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
198 kg
221 kg
Type
Classic
Classic
Horsepower
79 hp @ 6,500 rpm
47 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque
90 Nm @ 5,200 rpm
62.9 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
Top Speed
195 km/h
180 km/h (estimated, manufacturer does not officially publish)
Weight
198 kg (wet/curb weight)
221 kg (curb/wet weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km or approximately 15.4 km/L (typical real-world average)
4.5 L/100km (approx. 22 km/L, typical 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
Kawasaki W800
8.0/10
"The most honest retro twin you can buy used today."
Pros
+Engine genuinely indestructible
+Exceptional real-world build quality
+Upright ergonomics suit everyone
Cons
−Chrome deteriorates without care
−Parts availability still patchy
−Lacks modern safety tech
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
