Motorcycle specifications Norton961 Commando SE 2009 Operation 961 confirmed

after a very long gestation period, numerous announcements and as many postponed hopes, the new Norton 961 Commando finally seems to be becoming a reality. The Commando project has been in development since 1999, and the beautiful British model has had time to be desired beyond impatience, especially when it bears a famous name. Is the spirit of the famous Manxes of the mid-20th century and Commandos of the 70s here?

in style, no doubt. A true café-racer as we love them, typical of vintages, contrasting with noble, modern elements. Like Triumph's Bonneville, this model seems to have stood the test of time, flaying its mechanical innards on its journey, leaving today's time to refine its rebirth.

no radial calipers, over-powered 4-cylinders or carbon chassis here. The 961 commando is a nostalgic car, but not a granny. The Englishwoman is on her guard, ready to slap things around and charm at the same time. The telehydraulic fork is classic in its definition, except that the Norton has been outfitted with some very nice Öhlins arms, as well as 2 rear shock absorbers from the same manufacturer. A very inspired touch of class on this black dress.

the motorization had to be worthy. Would you have imagined an ultra-nerdy 4-stroke, a 6-cylinder bursting with suppleness or a punchy single on this machine? NO, it needs a twin. And this one isn't even on our roads yet, it's already got a history. Born in 880 cm3, the parallel twin with 2 valves per cylinder remained in this cubage for 5 years, before being upgraded to 952 cm3 in 2004. Time passed, capital and signatures changed hands, and finally, the mill climbed a flick to 961 cm3. Nostalgic too, the cooling system renews its trust in Eole's fins and whirlpools. The fleet and radiators, we'll see later, much later.

the result is 80 British horsepower, more than 9 mkg of torque, and a character and noise to turn a few shoulder blades.
Finally on the road, but it's been a long wait: the first commandos didn't arrive in France until the end of 2011. Given the legendary and epic nature of this comeback, the 961 commando isn't exactly affordable. Especially with Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes and carbon wheels.

M.B - manufacturer's photos