Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2023 Norton Commando 961: SAME ICON. DIFFERENT STANDARD.
Introducing the 2023 Norton Commando 961…
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.
2023 Norton Commando 961 Guide Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
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 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.
“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
A NEW ERA BEGINS
Change is on the horizon. In April 2020, TVS Motor Company acquired Norton Motorcycles, igniting the start of an exciting new era for the brand and its loyal followers and fans. A partnership destined to breathe life into this truly iconic British marque.
And now to today.
2021 marks the beginning of the Norton renaissance. Drawing on inspiration from the past to build our legacy for the future. And it all starts with a move to new state-of-the-art facilities, alongside the eagerly anticipated launch of new models.
These bikes will be the future of Norton, shaped by innovation and design. They will position Norton where it truly belongs – as one of the most iconic and influential motorcycle brands the world has ever seen.
Norton is back up to speed. And better than ever.
2023 Norton Commando 961 Guide Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
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. 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.” ROBERT HENTSCHEL, CEO OF NORTON MOTORCYCLES
ENGINEERING
SAME BADGE. DIFFERENT ERA.
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.
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.
2023 Norton Commando 961 Guide – Totalmotorcycle.com Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $ See Dealer USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $ See Dealer CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
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
POWER
76.8bhp @7250rpm
TORQUE
81Nm @ 6300rpm
MUDGUARD
Carbon front mudguard
Colour-matched seat cowl
Optional pillion seat (Aftersales)
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
GEARBOX
5-speed constant mesh type
FINAL DRIVE
525 O-ring chain
CLUTCH
Wet multi-plate
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
FRONT SUSPENSION
43mm Öhlins upside-down forks – adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping
REAR SUSPENSION
Öhlins twin shocks with remote reservoir – fully adjustable
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
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 CAFE RACER
MATRIX BLACK
With polished rims
MANX PLATINUM
With polished rims
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
