Commando 961

Norton Commando 961 SP & CR
Norton Commando 961 logo
Commando 961
SAME ICON. DIFFERENT STANDARD.
The Norton Commando 961 is more than just a motorcycle. It’s more than a legendary name. It’s an unmistakable icon of the road and now it has been crafted to an entirely new standard. We’ve worked hard to keep the unique character, sound and look of the Commando 961 whilst thoroughly refining its engineering. It’s simply the best Norton Commando there has ever been. Built to retain the strongest attributes that the Commando name has always stood for, this new Commando 961 showcases our cutting-edge production techniques, high-quality materials and attention to detail. So, expect the same icon that has ruled the road for decades – now built to a completely new standard.
Commando-961-feature
Norton Commando 961 Launch Video

ONE COMMANDO. TWO styles.

Norton Commando 961 Sport

More presence, more comfort, and more fun, the Commando 961 SP is a true modern classic for the discerning rider. With conventional high handlebars for a more relaxed, upright position, you will want to ride further, and ride for longer. Thanks to having a pillion seat option, you can share your journey to new memories, Norton style.

Norton-Commando-961-Sport

Norton Commando 961 Café Racer

When you take to the road on the Commando 961 CR, you make a bold statement that’s uncontrived, stripped-back and sophisticated. Evoking history with the style of 1960’s café racers, the Commando 961 CR features an integrated seat cowl that instantly assumes the profile of a classic racer. Lose yourself in the moment as you grasp the 961 CR’s clip on style handlebars for an engaging and visceral riding experience.

Norton-Commando-961-Cafe-Racer
The Norton Commando is a brand in itself, impacting popular culture for decades. Now, in this new era of Norton Motorcycles, we are proud to launch the re-engineered Commando in both Sport and the more limited Café Racer.
Christian Gladwell, Chief Commercial Officer of Norton Motorcycles
DESIGN

UNMISTAKABLY NORTON

Norton Commando 961 Design
Traditional Norton design cues are clear to see, from the distinctive fuel tank and forward canted engine, to the Commando 961’s signature hourglass silhouette and beautiful flowing lines. But beyond that, there is a level of artistry, craftsmanship and precision that takes our new Commando 961 to the next level. The result is a 21st century motorcycling icon. The Commando’s beauty is in the details. Both variants feature a carbon fibre mud guard, solid aluminium aerospace grade billet top yokes, as well as distinctive gold anodized Öhlins forks. The exhaust system and chassis are both hand-built, perfectly complimenting the hand-polished engine covers.
Meanwhile, the inimitable Norton roar comes from an exhaust system designed and crafted at the Norton factory to amplify every decibel. The Commando 961 is available in a choice of two stunning hand-painted finishes: The Manx Platinum features polished rims, while the Matrix Black colourway can be paired with either polished or black rims. This is a Commando, reborn and better than ever.
Norton Commando 961 Design

UNMISTAKABLY NORTON

From the forward canted engine to the authentic engine note.

TWO DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES

Upright bars give the 961 SP a purposeful roadster feel, whilst the race-inspired geometry of the Café Racer lowers the rider into the moment.

HOURGLASS SILHOUETTE

An iconic look synonymous with Norton Commandos through the years.

Norton Commando 961 design features
It’s been some years since the sound of a new Commando engine has echoed through UK streets and we’re delighted to be able to offer our customers this experience once again.
Dr. Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles
Norton Commando Cafe Racer sunset
Engineering

SAME BADGE. DIFFERENT ERA.

Norton Commando 961 Engineering
Exclusively built at the new state-of-the-art Norton factory in Solihull, England, the Commando 961 brings together expert craftsmanship and the very latest production techniques. It’s not just about the way this bike looks. It’s a Norton – and that means the way it feels matters just as much.
The 961cc engine is an air-oil-cooled pushrod parallel twin with dry sump lubrication, that puts out 76.8bhp at 7,250rpm and 81Nm at 6,300rpm. The fuel tank holds 15-litres. 43mm Öhlins upside-down forks at the front – adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping – and fully adjustable Öhlins twin shocks at the back. The suspension is complemented by a full Brembo braking system with radial mount calipers at the front and with ABS.
Norton Commando 961 Engine

DRY SUMP LUBRICATION

The engine sits low in the chassis, improving the centre of gravity and handling.

BREMBO BRAKES

Radial mount caliper and master cylinder at the front with ABS.

CONTROLLED HANDLING

Full Öhlins suspension, with adjustable ride height at the rear.

Norton Commando 961 engineering features
Norton-Commando-961-riders
Specification

  • Engine
    Engine type

    Norton air-oil-cooled pushrod parallel twin with dry sump lubrication

    Bore & stroke

    88mm x 79mm

    Displacement

    961cc

    Compression ratio

    10.1:1

    Ignition

    Crank-fired, electronic fuel injection

  • Performance
    Power

    76.8bhp @7250rpm

    Torque

    81Nm @ 6300rpm

  • Design
    Mudguard

    Carbon front mudguard

    Colour-matched seat cowl

    Optional pillion seat (Aftersales)

  • Chassis
    Frame

    Frame is hand TIG and MIG welded at Norton HQ

    Fuel tank

    15 Litre

    Handlebars – Sport

    Black anodised tapered high bars

    Handlebars – Café Racer

    High-grade anodised billet aluminium clip-ons

    Wheelbase

    1400mm

    Rake

    24.5 º

    Trail

    99mm

    Seat height

    810mm

    Yokes

    Billet-machined

    Exhaust

    Full stainless steel exhaust system with multiple 3-way catalytic converter

    Kerb Weight

    230kg

  • Transmission
    Gearbox

    5-speed constant mesh type

    Final drive

    525 O-ring chain

    Clutch

    Wet multi-plate

  • Brakes
    Front brakes

    Full Brembo system – twin Brembo 320mm fully-floating high carbon steel discs and Brembo 4-piston Mono Bloc radially mounted calipers with ABS, and Brembo front brake master cylinder

    Rear brakes

    Full Brembo system – Brembo 240mm disc and 2-piston caliper with ABS, and Brembo rear brake master cylinder

  • Suspension
    Front suspension

    43mm Öhlins upside-down forks – adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping

    Rear suspension

    Öhlins twin shocks with remote reservoir – fully adjustable

  • Wheels
    Front wheel

    36-spoke, 3.5″ x 17″ polished aluminium rim

    Rear wheel

    40-spoke, 5.5″ x 17″ polished aluminium rim

    Front tyre

    Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300, 120/70ZR17

    Rear tyre

    Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300, 180/55ZR17

  • Electronics
    Lighting

    Polished stainless-steel single headlamp

    Instruments

    Norton analogue speedometer and tachometer

    Charging system

    300W high-output

  • Colour Options – Sport
    Matrix Black

    With polished rims or black rims

    Manx Platinum

    With polished rims

  • Colour Options – Café Racer
    Matrix Black

    With polished rims

    Manx Platinum

    With polished rims

  • Disclaimer
    Product specification

    The products presented on this website are subject to regional applicability and the final specification can change.

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