Norton Commando 961 Review

Used Buyer Review

The 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.