Motorcycle specifications Norton961 Commando Café Racer MK III 2025 A duel after Hamlet

After the sinking of Norton in 2020, only a handful of survivors have been given a new lease of life following rescue by the TVS Group. The 961 Commando is one of these. Virtually unchanged since its release in 2010, the beautiful English car is back in action after its forced slumber.

The Commando is available in two versions, Sport and Café-Racer. The retro styling is superbly executed, letting the charm work right down to the sting of the seat. The expression "a beautiful Englishwoman" takes on its full meaning here.

There 's not much to distinguish these faux-twins. The Café Racer is sportier, with the adoption of low-mounted handlebars. Anchored under the top tube, they swing the rider into direct contact with the fork, as if the asphalt deserved to be licked before the tire criss-crossed it. All that's left to do is sniff out a Thruxton or CB 1100 RS 5Four and launch a gentlemen's duel on British roads.

The big parallel twin lends itself to a distinguished arsouille, not a battle of watts. Slightly less powerful than in the Garner era, it sends out almost 77 horsepower from its 961 cm3 and 8.3 mkg of torque. This engine is appreciated more for its presence, character and noise than for its performance.
To accompany it, a tubular steel frame supports it, as unobtrusively as possible. It's also supported by an attractive 43 mm Öhlins inverted fork, complemented by 4-piston radial brake calipers from Brembo. The amorto duo also comes from suede. Suspension settings include compression, rebound and preload.

Fans will notice very few differences from the previous model. However, the factory specifies that over a third of the parts have been changed, mainly to improve reliability. A little work on the weight wouldn't have been out of place. The Commando weighs in at 230 kilos.

For the time being, the Norton 961 Commando is not scheduled for sale outside the UK. Let's hope for sustained development so that we can see some of them on our roads.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos