2024 Norton Commando 961 SP | First Ride
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2024
- I visited the Norton factory after TVS took over and was incredibly impressed with the setup. Now it's time to sample one of their motorcycles, the Commando 961 SP
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![[TH] RNT vs SPG - VCT Ascension Pacific - Day 1](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RUTkf8Detj8/mqdefault.jpg)
My old man had a Norton Commando back in the day in Sydney... Until he got the wheels wedged in the tram lines there. That brush with disaster turned him off biking. He took the expression "tramlining" and interpreted it quite literally!
Oh blimey sounds terrifying! 😬
Ooo..yes! Time to get out the bed and grab a cup of tea! Can't beat one of these vids dropping on a Sunday morning 👍
I agree with you, too many TH-cam "journalists" where chomping at the bit to criticize for the sake of criticizing and for views. You summed it up 100%, its an old new bike and should be celebrated for that. A work of art at a premium. Wish I could afford one but my old Sv650S will do. Enough pucker factor for a 60 year old. That Norton will always be worth a look over your shoulder as you walk away.
I’d definitely be looking back at that beauty each and every single time i walked away from it ❤️
Why oh why do they persist in making an old engine and charging well over the odds for sub standard performance??
If I ever reviewed it I'd say what I feel, I'd probably enjoy riding it but styling wise it is certainly not for me.
@@Achilles22 The Commando 961-SP was never designed as a performance bike, and it’s priced “over the odds” as you put it - because it’s a limited-run vehicle, which demands a price premium!
@@darylclifford what a poor marketing decision , I wonder why?? No wonder Norton have had problems.
50+ years into my motorbike addiction and I have always had a soft spot for the Norton Commando. If this modern interpretation ever shows up in the USA and proves to be reliable I could be tempted😬
I just picked up one of these and think some people forget that bikes are big kids toys most of the time. I think that it holds its own parked up next to any Ducati or BMW in a car park and we are all limited to double digit speeds on the roads. It’s nice that the brand is still going just wish their v4 was 1 ltr so that people could race it at bsb
I disagree that it holds its own next to a Ducati or BMW. It exceeds them!
@@MrWiggleBits what planet are you on?? Or do you need a white stick?
Excellent video Chops. Loved the look of these since they were first released.
My dad has a 1972 750 Commando, and he's been looking at these new versions for a while now. I think this video might help tempt him into taking the plunge.
What a superb review. You really understand that bike. Love the appreciation of British manufacturing .
I’m still (just about) Sportsbike through-and-through, even though I have the Africa twin keeping my ‘blade and ZXR warm in the garage; but in my fantasy garage of 10 bikes, there’s a place for this. Just as a thing to own/enjoy and show off once in a while if nothing else. Very impartial review, much appreciated. Nice work. 👍👍
Yes same here 👍
Nice to chill and enjoy some nostalgia. You can see the quality even on a video , immaculate paint . I suspect these will be loved by anyone who buys one . Great video Chops
You must go and show your Dad John. He'll love it and it will bring a smile to his face. I can't do that anymore which I dearly miss so yes go and show him. It is a great bike. 👍 Dad died in April this year, a biker obviously. He left hs bikes which sadly had to be sold but I have kept his BSA BANTAM D10 of which he had from brand new in 1968. When I was born. Nothing special but it was Dads. Go see him John. THANKYOU.
I did Ian and he loved it, actually brought a tear to his eye. Sorry to hear about your Dad x
I love that the Commando is more repro rather than retro; the air cooled engine differentiates it from most retro bikes, it might be low on horsepower in comparison to its liquid cooled rivals, but the riding experience goes hand in hand with the looks.
Yes absolutely 👍
Absolutely brilliant. I’m really surprised at how close it is to the original Commandos that used to blow me away on my T250R in 1972. Norton used to make a lovely canary yellow and British racing green fastback. Lovely conical shaped exhaust cans.
Thanks Andrew 👍
That guage cluster looks like a friendly robot face when you're riding it 😂
Beautiful bike. By keeping it conventional pushrod architecture, it allows the motor to stay truly vintage looking. The shape of the engine case is exquisite. Though a slipper clutch is definitely something they should’ve added.
Sort those mirrors Chops!
Great review Chopsy 👍. A reviewer who understands the bike, unkike many. This is a true retro bike. Air-cooled, push rod, but with modern brakes, suspension and ignition.
It's a beautiful bike 👍
Great vid, that wing mirror though 😊
Even the 'old school' run out of petrol was there - a under-rated gorgeous bike. Cheers
It may not be packed with electronics but it doesn't need it, that is a beautiful motorbike.
You cheered me up! Thanks for an excellent video. Reminded me of my father describing his original Norton. Definitely on my watch and wish list! One fine day! Back in England! Never say never! Just so many great bikes to choose from in this the future! Excellent video and fair assessment! Thanks again!
Thanks Michael 👍
Beautiful bike Chopsie, 5 minutes in I was thinking it would look dead cool with clip on handlebars. I totally agree with you on the old tech engine, its what the bike needs. I'd love to have a shiney polished retro bike in my garage. Long live Norton, . . . again.
The noise ❤
I nearly bought one of these, but went for a Speed Twin instead, no regrets. I usually have Yorkshire tea in the mornings but have started having camomile in the afternoon, good to ease bloatage after too much white bread...
It’s great looking motorcycle. All the new sports bikes look the same as each other.
Good start to a Sunday 👍
Totally agree with you on this. TMF and others were expecting a Speed Twin or similar as a modern version of a classic. This is a new classic as you said a few times, with upgrades to the brakes and suspension. I’d love to have one if I could afford a collection but as a one bike owner I’m looking forward to the new better value twins coming, hopefully, next year. Cheers mate.
Hi Chopsey, I had 2 Dominators, my first bikes. I built the first one from a box of bits, brings back massive memories. Joe
I love the looks of the new Norton, my brother (well the middle of three) had a black and gold Norton 750 Commando. I rebuilt the points and retimed her by gut feel and approx 12 thou points gap, and checked for pinking and knocking. Was an uncomplicated bike. Brakes were heavy.
This one, is surely so close to the old school bikes of the 70's with suspension improvements, fuel injection, USD Forks, Brembo brakes, electronic spark control, etc, but on other reviews, the engine sounds very noisy at startup and idle - clashy - rattling sounds - it did come across like that in your video at 16:45. Also only 5 gears too? Thanks for the ride review and the love of the old bikes!!!!
I have one and love it. Great balanced and realistic review, thank you. Some of the reviews from you tubers who did not grow up with bikes, born agains and those buying into the so called retro fashion fad don't seem to get it. Which is a shame....thanks again!
To me your buying for the looks,and the Norton experience.Lovely looking machine 👍
Good honest review 👍I must go into our local dealer and have a poke around.
Keep the quality videos coming 👏
Motoline have a 24 plate with 76 miles for £5k under list. Lovely looking thing.
I’m 63 when I first started riding in the 70’s there were a few original Commando’s knocking about, but even by then if you’re arse wasn’t parked on a big Japanese 4 you were considered a relic.
So for me there’s no connection, I’m not into nostalgia (vinyl records etc., modernity has the past licked in my opinion), that said I have seen one parked up and they definitely look great - but let’s be honest they’re flogging a “lifestyle image” and a relatively expensive one…….but I’m glad it exists it’s different.
Beautiful looking bike, except for those fluid resevoirs, need some covers for those!
I think this bike is brilliant, air cooled push rod engine with bags of character, yeah it doesn't make much HP but who cares every ride feels special on bikes like these.
I like it. A great machine for an occasional touch of Brit classic old school biking.
Lovely that is. Quick ride on a Sunday, grab a pie & pint, off home
I'm not old enough to interest me in these kind of bikes - but I can appreciate the look's and sounds 👍
A very fair review, as I'd always expect from you. They've reworked the engine eg 270 degree crank now, but it is based on the original unit - a true retro and a gorgeous looking bike 👍🏻
What a gorgeous bike, love it ❤
Well done LCR. Ive bought a bike on the strength of your review. The same with Username Kate, however this brand won't be on my list.
NB. I loved Norton's especially (JPS) racing.
Sounds awesome love it
Good Review Chops, hope your Dad got to see it.
Oooo .... that is V special chopsy 👍.... niiice ... good review again 👏
Really enjoyed your review of this and if it wasn't so expensive I'd seriously consider owning one just for the way it looks and sounds. I'm lucky to own several bikes so it would be just for special occasions.👍
Nice honest review. I wish some would review the dropped bar ‘cafe’ version.
Stunningly beautiful bike. I would love one of these.
Fantastic review
This is a real retro motorcycle, not just a styled modern motorcycle. Journalist should be careful for what they wish for as they will get shown up when it's delivered. For me this is the only retro I would ever consider. The modern retros are just pale imitations!
Great review & bike chops. Totally agree with you that a lot of people have really missed the point with this bike. They don't have to like it obviously but if they're going to review it, they really need to do their homework & understand what it is & isn't first as it's not like anything else around. Would love to see you review their V4SV & V4CR too if you're in their good books.
Like the fantastic retro look, nice to see they are still going after that nasty Garner chappie episode....👍👍👍
Great vid as usual 👍 and a great looking British bike I keep thinking of taking one of those out after owning the 900 and the 1200R Thruxtons and Triumph don’t make bike in the uk Norton is very tempting 🙈
Not a bike for me. The one that generated loads of interest was the atlas. I know that was the previous incarnation of Norton, but the concept bike generated loads of enquires at the bike show.
If they still have the designs and spec's from that bike, it shouldn't take much to get one production ready.
I think Norton need to show some new bikes, you did the factory tour 2 years ago. I've seen loads of empty press releases from them but nothing has turned into a bike they can sell.
Last year they made a 34m loss, it's how long tvs keep the cash tap open.
Either way, great review Chops. Looking forward to what ever bike your testing next. :)
Awesome bike one of a kind I’d have one next to my Triumph T120 absolutely loved that video chopsy fantastic mate I’ve learned a lot about the bike no emissions and noise testing bloody amazing ☺️👌👊🤝
Glad you enjoyed it 😁👍
Hey Chopsie, that sounds lovely!
A lot of times, you don't get a good sound coming through in the vid, not so with this one.😊
It's a lovely looking thing.
Ps: Hopefully you'll get it around to ya dad so he can check it out.💞🌞🌈🫂🇬🇧🏴🏴🏴🍻
That’s my sort of bike no tv screen and no modes just a motorcycle
My favorite youtuber 🤫
I had a test ride last month and its all about how it makes you feel. The vibes are intrusive but I guess I can live with that. No way would I sell my bike (R1250R) and have this as an only bike but as a second bike its perfect. That is where I think its biggest stumbling block is, as you justify £17,000 on a second bike. If you can its a winner.
Fair comment as it's old in new clothes and nostalgic to boot easily criticised by others,, it's a bespoke choice for the people who can afford it,, extremely well built,, hopefully they will sell a few,, and keep the name going,, ☘️☘️☘️☘️🙈 from northern Ireland
Not my cup of tea, but a great review nonetheless - and I think we all like an old non-teched up bike from time to time
Nice chops, were are the roads you rode on? That Norton would be a fantastic weekend toy.
As much as I want to like it I still think a 360 degree parallel twin with no counter balancers is a mistake. The isolastic suspension in the 70's was basically a bodge. They should have made it a 270 degree like the Triumph.
I watched this video 10 times, and each time I laughed like it was the first time. Just like my jokes👄
Just watched your super review but it was filmed back in the spring, why the delay, company policy?
OMG. THAT FIRRST WOOOOOOOM WOOOOOOOOOM.... YES. ITS A BABY DRAGON!
Well it’s carrying 20 stone and it’s pretty good imagine what it’s like with an11.5 stone on it good fun I expect
If I had to choose between the Norton and the most modern electric bike out there that "they" want us to choose, I would rather pick the Norton for the £. Great post Chops✌
Great looking and sounding bike
And well done for your good deed wonder if the lad knows hes now a youtube star 😂
I feel that if Norton had made this bike smoother and more comfortable it could become a more viable machine and perhaps one that you would be happy to take on longer journeys. Making £16.000 plus more value for money. Nostalgia is fine but sometimes best kept for rose tinted memories. I would still want usable. Beautiful looking though.
A cup of Yorkshire decaf tea for me , 🏴looks stunning sounds great , for a premium bike it should have better design break fluid reservoirs, I like the modern technology on bikes, too expensive for many people just for the occasional special day out ,yes if money was plentiful ,and loads of storage space,then yes this and a few others for those special summer days, this year that would be a handful 😢
Gold forks look out of place but otherwise a stunning bike.
I came to say the same thing. The gold needs toning down to match the pinstripe on the tank. Otherwise, it’s lovely
I have no interest in the Norton but really enjoyed this review. Not everyone is after speed and handling and after all, bikes are about how they make you feel and the aging bike population will likely relate to these bikes so let’s see how the sales go. All bikes are amazing and these look stunning, not my cup of tea but will be for lots of other people so a great review choppsy. I’m a sucker for speed but I wouldn’t mind a bike like this to ogle at in the garage but maybe an R Nine T would be my choice…
its that retro even the seasons gone back to spring , in a new video !! lovely bike …but those sample pots on the handlebars would have to go ..
Yes been in my todo list for some time this one! Yes do agree on the res pots 👍
That is a beautiful machine. It'll be interesting to see what comes next from Norton, as far as their more 'affordable' machines are concerned. Some of their other models are incredible to look at, but will never be affordable.
I think that Norton still has some image recovery to do. I mean, knowing that some of their investors committed suicide always sticks in my mind.
I get the whole 'old bike' feel thing. My primary bike is a BMW R1200R LC, I love that bike, she does everything well, except for a bit of showboating, she's quite anonymous although I think she looks and sounds good. So, recently I just bought a last of the line Buell XB12SS. Totally different concept to the Norton, but just a bike that lets you know it's a bike.
Next, is either save up a lot and get a RC51 SP-2 or go out now and buy a Yamaha TRX850. It's aged well, it's unusual, and it's Yamaha's take on a Ducati 900SS without the Italian headaches.
Anyway, that's my waffle for a Sunday morning. Thanks for another great vid, Chopsy.
I've seen these in a dealership near me. They look fantastic.
16k far too expensive for me though, especially for a weekend toy.
You know Norton are testing you to see if they want to let you loose on the more extreme models ! Every part of my brain says buy the Speed Twin instead and yet my heart says Norton
Oh would love to try the V4 😍
@@LambChopRides Love to see you on one
A realistic review, very enjoyable, thank you! I had a test ride on a silver one (it’s faster of course because it’s silver😂😂😂😂) two days ago and agree that it is a lot of fun Fun FUN! I definitely want one now l’ve had a go. The ‘Luke Rides’ YT review is very odd.
C’mon I think everyone has a bit of respect for one of these
As an addendum, Freddie Dobbs video driving to Norfolk from London and back in a day is bonkers, I rode the Norton for two hours and loved it but it was clear this is not a bike for huge trips, great click bate but didn't do the bike any favours. Park the 961 anywhere and just soak in the approval of people who see it. A guy saw the bike when I parked up at a supermarket and we nearly wet himself with excitement at how it looked. That's what it brings to the table.
like the sound, the finish but omg sort that mirror out
Lovely looking bike apart from the hideous looking clutch and brake hydraulic fluid containers on the handlebars.
Agree, for the money they could've made them look a bit better
The one thing that bugged me the whole video was the cheap brake and clutch master cylinders - even triumph have moved to smoked ones to help make them stand out less
How's 2024 model compare to the 2015-2016 models??? Hello from Australia !
I like the low maintenance aspect of hydraulic tappets. The bike's a work of art. I do wonder how the vibes compare to a Norton Atlas 750, the model before the original Commando, which didn't have isolastic engine mountings and like the 750 and 850 Commandos, was a 360 degree job. I once rode a BSA Lightning 650 which totally put my fingertips to sleep, so this bike, being a 270 degree cranker can't be as bad as some journos have made out. Does anyone know if the cranks are dynamically balanced like the 360 degree1960's Royal Enfield Interceptor 750's were ?
One thing i dont understand is way quick shift and autoblipper? The dct does it all..AND you can shift manual..?
How could they not get the Norton name straight on the bars? It’s the first thing you see!
It’s the poor reliability that’s the crippler. It should be much better nowadays.
Can't avoid looking at the brake and clutch fluid reservoirs! Not pretty. Are they really mounted wonky or is it camera lens distortion ?
The top left handlebar clamp bolt is different from the other three?
"Chopsy goes Commando"
Wow why didn't I think of that title 😄👍
Classic, another Ducati with a failed fuel light. Happened to me on a 1098, I set the trip upon fill up and the tank was empty after 93 miles!!!! Ha ha.
A great bike if you can borrow one for a Sunday morning blast in the summer. Not so great if you have to shell out £17K for one. The carbon mudguard, gold ohlins forks and shocks and radial brembo brakes look out of place and unnecessary. Not for me.
Nice vid! Norton,much like CCM are overhyped and massively over priced. The Norton is assembled in Solihull but the parts come from India. There are far better retros for less money, Norton aren’t the force they used to be.
They're industry leaders in gambling away their pension fund though
Agreed 💯
Does it come with mandatory British oil permeating through the aluminium and guaranteed darkness when Lucas the Prince of darkness strikes??
Shame they forgot to rubber mount the engine. I'd have a sorted, nicely restored original Commando 850 Roadster. £6000 cheaper and probably more reliable.😊
This is much more a modern retro than anything else on the market however I was a little disappointed when I test rode one from the factory. Not with the ride, I really enjoyed it and it did tick many boxes but for the money there are some obvious shortcomings. There are some outstanding qualities, but OMG why on earth put indicators on from a Royal Enfield (as an example), a cheap and nasty chainguard and those cheap reservoirs for clutch and brake. There were other little touches which were substandard for a quality machine. They even accepted that the footrests not being spring loaded was something that needed looking at (maybe they've rectified that now?). Close to hitting the spot but not close enough, some top quality some not. You pay extra for a blacked out engine and a carbon chainguard but for the price everything should be the same top quality.
Low volume manufacturer?
🔥♥️👍🏼
Still waiting to see a review where the tester raves about these Nortons, everyone seems unimpressed.
SVA 👍