Norton Commando 961
The Norton Commando 961 has a top speed of 195 km/h, produces 79 hp and weighs 198 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Norton Commando 961 was introduced in 2010 as a modern revival of the iconic Norton Commando name, produced by the relaunched Norton Motorcycles in the UK. It featured a newly designed 961cc parallel-twin engine while paying homage to the classic Commando aesthetics of the 1960s-70s, making it a significant milestone in British motorcycle heritage revival. The model was notable for being one of the few genuinely British-built motorcycles of its era, hand-assembled in Donington Park, England.
79 hp
Power
90 Nm
Torque
198 kg
Weight
195 km/h
Top Speed
6.5 L/100km or approximately 15.4 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Isolastic Frame System
The 961 uses Norton's signature Isolastic rubber-mounting system to isolate the engine from the frame, dramatically reducing vibration. This unique engineering keeps rider fatigue low on long rides and is a core part of the Commando's identity.
Watch for Early Build Issues
Early production models (2010–2013) had documented quality control problems including oil leaks, electrical gremlins, and inconsistent assembly from the revived Norton factory. Always verify the bike has had issues addressed and request full service history.
Strong Collector Resale Value
As a low-volume, hand-built British motorcycle, the 961 holds its value exceptionally well and is increasingly viewed as a future collectible. Limited production numbers and brand heritage make well-maintained examples appreciate rather than depreciate.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original 961cc parallel twin relaunch, Cafe Racer and Sport variants, fuel injection, classic styling.
"Beautiful, flawed, and utterly worth the obsession."
The 961 pulls hard from 3,500 rpm with that classic parallel-twin thump you can feel through your whole skeleton — it's genuinely addictive in a way modern bikes simply aren't. But I spent as much time on the phone with Norton's small Donington Park team as I did riding the thing; early fuel injection mapping was rough, the electrics were hand-built cottage-industry stuff, and my Sport developed an oil weep at 4,000 miles that took six weeks to sort. When it runs right, the chassis — that welded steel backbone with Öhlins at both ends — is sharper than the retro look suggests, and the Cafe Racer variant in particular handles with real intent. You're buying into a piece of British industrial resurrection, and that romance costs you in reliability and dealer support.
Pros
Cons
Revised fuel injection mapping, updated suspension, SE and Cafe Racer trims, minor refinements.
Euro 3 compliance updates, revised exhaust system, Sport and Cafe Racer models continued.
Used Buyer Review
"Magnificent when sorted, but budget for inevitable remedial work upfront."
$12,000-$18,000 usedThe 961 is genuinely special — a hand-built British twin that sounds and feels unlike anything Japanese or European money can buy. That parallel twin burbles and snorts in ways that make you grin at every set of traffic lights. But go in with your eyes wide open: Norton's production quality during the Donington era was inconsistent at best. You'll find bikes with oil leaks, electrical gremlins, and parts that simply weren't finished to the standard the price tag demanded. Always get a full service history and budget another grand for remedial work regardless. That said, when one's sorted and running right, it's an experience. The handling is taut and old-school rewarding, the brakes are decent, and the riding position suits longer legs. Resale values have actually held surprisingly well given the brand drama. Buy from a specialist, not a general dealer — someone who actually knows these bikes. Insist on a pre-purchase inspection from a Norton-familiar mechanic. It'll save you considerable heartache.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Norton Commando 961 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALListen for rattling on cold start at idle
Inspect gasket surfaces for seepage or staining
Test all lights, gauges, and starter function
Test all six gears firmly under light load
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Charming but high-maintenance boutique British bike
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Norton Commando 961
Kawasaki W800
Bmw R 12 Ninet
Kawasaki Z900rs
Norton Dominator 650
Bsa Gold Star 650
Compare Norton Commando 961 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Norton Commando 961 vs Kawasaki W800
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Norton Commando 961 vs Bmw R 12 Ninet
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Norton Commando 961 vs Kawasaki Z900rs
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Norton Commando 961 vs Norton Dominator 650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Norton Commando 961 vs Bsa Gold Star 650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Norton Commando 961 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Norton Commando 961? +
Primary chain tensioner wear causes noise/failure: Listen for rattling on cold start at idle (serious) | Oil leaks from crankcase and rocker boxes: Inspect gasket surfaces for seepage or staining (moderate) | Electrical gremlins from poor wiring connections: Test all lights, gauges, and starter function (moderate)
Is the Norton Commando 961 a good motorcycle? +
Magnificent when sorted, but budget for inevitable remedial work upfront. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Passionate riders who enjoy fettling British character. Avoid if: You want reliable daily transport without mechanical involvement.
What is the horsepower of the Norton Commando 961? +
The Norton Commando 961 produces 79 hp @ 6,500 rpm, with 90 Nm @ 5,200 rpm of torque. Top speed: 195 km/h.
Is the Norton Commando 961 good for beginners? +
Not really — the Norton Commando 961 is better for experienced riders. Passionate riders who enjoy fettling British character Avoid if: You want reliable daily transport without mechanical involvement
Is the Norton Commando 961 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Norton Commando 961, notably: Primary chain tensioner wear causes noise/failure (Listen for rattling on cold start at idle). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Norton Commando 961 good for daily use? +
Passionate riders who enjoy fettling British character Fuel: 6.5 L/100km or approximately 15.4 km/L (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Norton Commando 961? +
The Norton Commando 961 reaches a top speed of 195 km/h, producing 79 hp at 198 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Norton Commando 961? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Norton Commando 961, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/norton/commando-961/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
