Norton Commando 961 SP - review after 1500 mile mountain rally
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- čas přidán 30. 01. 2024
- In this video Bry reviews the Norton Commando 961 SP (961cc parallel twin cylinder engine) after she took it on the 1500 mile Great Malle Mountain Rally.
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// ABOUT THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CHANNEL
The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, restorer profile videos and also anything that takes our interest.
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// CHANNEL PARTNERS
- Alex Rollings - director and producer for the channel.
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- Dave Mitchell - in house mechanic, presenter and producer. Dave also owns and runs a classic motorcycle workshop called Mitchell's Classics.
Website: www.mitchellsclassics.co.uk
- John Oakes - presenter and producer. John is a classic motorcycle enthusiast, rider and restorer and works closely with us on all our video content.
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// A BIG THANK YOU TO
- Bikesure for sponsoring this video production.
Website: www.bikesure.co.uk
Facebook: @bikesureinsuranceservices
Instagram: @bikesure
- Norton Motorcycles loaning us the bike.
Website: www.nortonmotorcycles.com
Facebook: @NortonMotorcycles
Instagram: @norton.motorcycles
- Malle for taking and looking after Bry on the trip.
Website: www.mallelondon.com
Instagram: @mallelondon
Facebook: @MalleLondon
- Shane Benson for taking the photos on behalf of Malle London.
Instagram: @shaneobenson
- Bry Martin for going on this trip and being in our video.
Instagram: @bryrides
- Alex Rollings for producing the video.
CZcams: @motofilmer
Instagram: @motofilmer
// IMAGE CREDITS
All images of The Great Malle Mountain Rally are courtesy of Malle London. Malle London also own the copyright to these images.
Photo credit for the images goes to Shane Benson
Instagram: @shanobenson
#nortonmotorcycles
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#nortoncommando - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I have not ridden through the Alps on a new black Norton since 1973.
For perspective, a restored 1974 with electric start is the same amount of money. Kick start only is 20 kg lighter. Most fun bike ever, the 2023 may be more fun, but kickstarting a 850 Commando and the vibration at idle was a visceral connection to the machine I really loved. Have a good one.
It's good to see a review where someone is enthusiastic about the norton. I think it looks and sounds great. I doubt I'll ever be lucky enough to ride or own one but that doesn't stop me admiring them.
Like your enthusiasm. And your honesty. I totally agree. The 961 is the most authentic modern classic on the market today. The limited vibration that is there only adds to the character of the bike. Personally, I loved it so much when I test rode one, I ordered one there and then. 5 months later, I have no regrets. All the best.
Did the same. Haven't got many miles on it yet. As only got in November .
Don't get why people are soo negative and keep comparing with the mass produced far eastern made truxton !
@@davidforsdike4343 well the Thruxton is superior in every measurable, and costs a lot less, maybe that’s why?, does it matter that it’s constructed in a satellite factory?, it’s made under the exactly the same quality system that’s used in the UK, does it matter then that Norton is wholly owned by an Indian company?, an Indian company that bought the brand from a British privateer who in turn bought it from an American, and therefore the TVS Norton has little in the way of Norton DNA, not to me it doesn’t, to me it’s all about how good a bike is to ride, and it’s looks etc, not about which country it’s constructed or what the nationality is of the owner , what possible difference could that make to how good a vehicle is 😂, in one way though it is unfair to compare the Norton to the Triumph, the Triumph is a much larger capacity engine, so maybe it’s not fair to judge the performance from the Norton against a 1200.
@@1234567marks
I think having a manufacturing capacity is very important.
Especially with the increasing unstable world.
Not bothered who puts the investment in . As long manufacturing carrys on.
Once the skills are lost we are at the mercy of the rest of the world.
@@davidforsdike4343 I’ve got news for you David, we’ve been at the mercy of the rest of the world since the 1970’s 😂
We have taken advantage of basically slave labour and no environmental standards to make our stuff.
Have riden them both . The Truxton just feels like any modern bike. The Norton is really special.
Agree 100%
In what way special? Genuinely interested
@TerryMilesSurrey
Is a feeling that is very hard to quantify.
I am a English Toolmaker. And feeling it is important that we keep the skills and knowledge going in this country. Triumph have switched 99% of products to far east like 99% of all manufacturers.
More importantly it is a really lovely bike to ride on real uk roads. The power delivery is just right for me. And now it has been run in. Is very smooth for a air-cooled push rod engine.
Last bike ever to be made in UK probably.
When the new models are developed , they will be made in India.
I have done some work for the Solihul facility.
Is seriously impressive.
Another wonderful video. Your joy and enthusiasm are truly infectious. Thank you for sharing this experience.
Excellent Bry. What a trip. I agree with some other comments, start saving those pennies. I could see the love. You are smitten.
I have a triumph bobber which i absolutley love an i see it as a bike that i will never sell and these Nortons look just as special. Hopefully ill be adding 1 of these to my garage soon
Really enjoyed your review, I think you nailed it with ‘it might not be the most practical but it’s the most fun’
That was a true life experience just there, and you did it in the classiest most beautiful retro in the world 😊, congratulations.
I had a 1969 Norton 850 Commando and loved it. I also had a 1969 Triumph Bonneville . Both were back in the 70's. I loved British twins and was sorry to see them go under. I'm happy they are back and hopefully doing well. The sound and feel was adictive and the looks so sexy and masculine. The new Norton looks amazing. I would love to try one out.
"I fell on Stelvio" is the best conversation starter, ever....
You should have that bike. I can tell that you really do love riding it and, trust me, life goes by in a flash. Don't look back thirty years from now and have this as one of your regrets. Get it.
Excellent review Bry and so pleased you had such a positive and enjoyable time on the new Commando. Plus, the fact you understood the bike and its foibles being an integral part of its character. So many reviewers just don’t ‘get it’. I have a 1976 Mk3 Commando which is an absolute keeper but always wanted a modern equivalent that delivers a similar vibe. The new Commando (I'm assuming it's the TVS incarnation) just might fit the bill!
Really enjoyed that. Definitely not perfect, but really enjoy riding mine...and hats off for doing the rally...must look into that! Awesome video 👍
You got some bottle riding that just after passing your bike test. Well done. I can imagine how you can be in trouble when a car driver makes you change your line in the middle of a hairpin bend in the alps. Thank god its so well balanced with such great handling and brakes and the torque helps with low down power in being forgiving on tight low speed bends but they dont have the tightest turning circle for u turns anyway. My honda vfr800 caught me out on full lock and ive been riding bikes 40 years. It was in a car park at work.
enjoyed your review, just wish there was some riding footage so we could hear and enjoy
the sound.
That looked a well run rally, even the weather behaved itself. I would prefer a nicely restored Norton Commando 850 what go for about £10,000 or if a modern classic the Triumph Speed Twin 1200. Great review, cheers.
People are saying it's overpriced. In a way it is. But on the other hand it's probably one of the few bikes built in the UK.
Maybe the only thing it's lacking is power.
Good on you for getting stuck in that soon after passing your test. I did the same thing when I first got my car license; straight down to the south of France in my Alfasud I went. Ignore the nah sayers. Sure, on paper it’s lacking and pricy but nothing bar a classic will feel like the 961 as far as new bikes are concerned, well perhaps a Colorado Norton Works Commando 850 but they cost twice as much as a 961! Time to start saving before the government bands us all😢
Oh my that bike is nice. I really wish for one day Norton will have some US dealerships but wishful thinking. But that bike is super cool looking.
Great video.
What a blast that must have been!
Wow, thst is brave. Just got full license, never has seen a switchback in her life and tackles the big passes of the alps with an likely already classic bike.
I appreciate balls 👍 😊
Fantastic review, which rather refreshingly focused on the emotional and non-tangible side of riding the bike as well as the features. I can never say too many good things about this channel. Thanks Bry and Alex.
Love it, thanks. Can't imagine 1500 miles and no oil-soaked pants. My much missed Commando S would have taken at least three pair
Cool bike and a cool support vehicle.
I like some vibration from my motor, make the bike feel more real and alive. I have a 1988 Lowrider that vibrates a lot, even with the rubber mounted motor, and my other bike is a 2022 Pan Am, and it has just enough vibration to make it feel alive.
Agree there are better on paper bikes, but i love it and its quirks, sounds and looks ace, its a keeper for sure
looks great and sounds great but i would take the kawa R900
Nice bikes 😍❤️ Ride safety 😉✌️🇨🇿
Thanks for the review, very interesting, start to finish. Think you've covered everything really well. I love the look of the Commando and would like to get on one. Question for you (or anyone else); you say you have ridden nearly all of the modern classics. How does it compare with the Triumph T100 (if that's one you know), particularly on tighter cornering? I'd like some feedback on that. The new T100 is my ride for the past 12months and I love it. And well done with the ride after only a short time with a full licence.
I’ve ridden a couple of 961’s, hated the vibration, did you not notice it??, if so you’re the only reviewer that hasn’t!! 🤔😂
Also the power was lacklustre (compared to a Thruxton 1200 for example, or the Kawasaki RS900).
The fall on Stelvio was also the bikes fault, the turning circle on those bikes is about the same as an oil tanker 😂
My advice to anyone considering purchasing one of these bikes is make sure you have a good long test ride before buying, not just a quick ride out, ride for at least 2 hours to see if you can put up with the vibration and lack of power.
As a USA resident where the Nortons are forbidden fruit I am super jealous! I've ridden the triumphs and z900rs but they just feel like modern bikes dressed up like classics. The only two bikes I can think of that fit the bill are the royal Enfield and moto guzzi v7 which are good but a bit slow for real twisties. I'd love the superior power from the Norton
@Nomikeal love mine. My main bike is a Motoguzzi v7. Another terribly under powered vibrating machine that can't cruise at 130.
Thanks Bry for the review. Great looking and sounding bike. I agree, the reservoirs are ugly and could have been better designed and located. Price is the stumbling block for me. Doesn’t fit my budget. Cheers, Dan. ✌️🏍🇨🇦
Hi Bry well done on getting your full licence. A great summary on the Norton and your Mountain trip. Cheers.
Hideous brake and clutch reservoirs. Great sounding bike though.
They are made by Brembo and on all top Japanese sports bikes. Get a grip and do some homework....
I’ll get you one if my lottery numbers come in 🤞😅 great video & a beautiful bike 🏍️👏
A very good revew considering used in mounting sides, however from a female point or view very good indeed
EFi on bikes is something I haven't tried. 961 2nd gen will get less expensive so till then I'll leave it to people who can't live without one. Design team did a great job but hobbled by regs. Notice they talk about horsepower, torque is what matters and it doesn't really stack up there.
Honest revue. I have been riding for well over 40 years. And I probably wouldn't attempt that trip. I have no confidence in my riding ability. Not keen on hairpins. Like going up hills, hate coming down them. And wouldn't have an adventure tourer thing, if you paid me. Ugly, giant monstrosities. The Norton is a very pretty bike. I wouldn't mind a go. I have a 97 Speed Triple. Had it for something like 18 years. And I have had other Triumphs. A lot of their bikes are pretty. But the prices less so. Never had a new bike. Always second hand. At my age now I would buy the bobber. Maybe I might get an old one before I stop riding. The Speed Triple is a bit much now. But part of the family. Keep doing bike reviews, and no doubt you will get to ride some other gems.
Hi thanks for the video. What tank pag are you using it looks great?
Ok just listen again got it now. MALLY RALLY. nice
In my opinion the old Norton 750 commando fastback was such a lovely torquey, great handling and sounding bikes id ridden in the early 1980s. Ducati and laverda were exotic and mv were very expensive and moto guzzi were probably the most practical the T3 850 with shaft drive. This 961 isnt cheap but if its really well sorted like TVS have done it will be the nicest parallel twin on the market and far better build quality than the triumph bonny. £17000 is a good price but the finish and paint etc is outstanding and far better than Harley or BMW..
The problem is there aren't many people who are prepared to pay £17000 to £19000 for this bike. Probably a much better idea would be to invest in a classic Norton that will defiantly retain it's value something like a Dominator or Atlas or even a 750 / 850 Commando all of which will be less than half the price and give you the true classic look and feel. I like you would love to own one, but it's far too expensive for what it is and it's not desirable enough to justify the price tag.
Good review, but I've seen some reviews and the consensus is it's way overpriced for what it is, is vibby, as mentioned, not really suitable for longer journeys and there are better options out there. Looks good, but don't use it, just look at it 😀
The vibration is really not bad for a push rod air cooled engine. It improves greatly when properly run in.
Mine cost no more than a far eastern made truxton.
Have riden both . The
It's a shame they are not selling this bike in Australia.
Great that you got what makes them different from all the mass produced fake classics .
Motoguzzi V7 and Royal Enfield excepted.
I always wanted a Vincent Black Shadow. This is much easier to live with and has more power and brakes.
Running out of fuel ( in the middle of nowhere) is no joke, that was an organised ‘jolly jape’ so you brushed it off. Glad you enjoyed the trip but as a new rider you can only have very limited experience of other bikes, that may change your opinion. Dropping the bike twice, again brushed off like ‘whoops’, have you asked how much it would cost to replace those damaged items? Small fortune I imagine.
Like I say, this piece of art would put a horn on a jellyfish.
Great review but I'm sorry, not having a fuel gauge on a £17k bike is not acceptable,
No gear indicator either.
you better get payments on that bike, it's one in a lifetime to still feel it's a grand slam after a ride like that. 😊
It can be dirty fuel on the bottom of the tank.
"Shall we have a look at the sound?" 😂🤣
Have a look at the sound? Great review though
unfortunately it sounds like a support vehicle is needed to ride this bike, and not an adventure bike across the alps
A sexy girl on a commando is a big turn on for many bikers. Its a shame it doesnt have the original Norton 1970s exhausts. They were more open and was the best sounding twin ever made next to the BSA A10.
I think old triumph thruxton 900 is much better then this bike.
200 million investment by TVS in a factory that they state can hit capacity of 5000 bikes production a year ... money laundering more like ?
Why in this day and age would you buy an over priced rehash of the bike Kenny Drear designed and failed with and then messed around with by Stuart Garner and then taken over again by the new Norton company. There are far better and cheaper bikes out there that do not have the chequered history of this bike! Past history can and will influence people's buying decision. I looked at Norton at a show under Garner's control and spoke to him! Not a nice bloke. Overpriced under powered!
Overpriced and not worth the money they are asking for it.The Triumph Thruxton is cheaper and a better bike.The indicators just look budget.
A Honda Civic would surpass a blower Bentley in a game of Top Trumps.
But my love is bigger than a Honda .
Only for you. Your personal opinion of the bike is irrelevant.
I own a new Norton and it feels very special to ride and beautifully built. The Triumph may make more sense on paper, but I’d pay the money and take the Norton instead every day of the week
@AlexBailey-zg9yt
They are a special machine. Don't understand all the hate for a Norton. Was more than happy to pay abit more than a bonivile with clip-ons
@@davidforsdike4343 Why people can’t just celebrate it for what it is - a cool British built bike, which is hand built in Birmingham - is beyond me. Why can’t we just be proud that Norton are making cool bikes again?!
5 speed, this thing is such garbage