Which would YOU have......?

The main advantage to the bike is the fun level. You have to have access to good and interesting/ challenging roads though.
If it's Interstate/ freeway/motorway travel, forget it. Bring the car or truck, set the cruise on 5 over the speed limit and you are good to go all day. Stop for lunch and stop for dinner as those are the most exciting parts of those travel days.
Fortunately we have an abundance of both types of roads here, and by here I mean the Western side of North America.
The UK has some excellent roads too, although they are quite different from the high speed twisty 2 lane mountain highways that we have here.

Glen
 
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Onder said:
You know if you really are honest a bike for long distance has very few advantages any more v. an auto. MPG my car does as well as my Commando. It carries whatever dry and secure. It sure is safer. Bike has the advantage in tailbacks and parking and in summer that is not insignificant.
I take one of my four old bikes out as often as possible when the weather is good. All else it is the econopod.
No doubt, I am now old.
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You are correct in just about every regard - but bikes are more fun and keeps you feeling young!!
 
City Garage said:
It did, but they had to say something nice about Norton. If they just were honest and say its a fun bike to ride but don't compare it.

It's funny, I've ridden more types and sizes of motorcycles than I can possibly remember but I always come back to comparing the 961 to the first iteration of the Ducati Monster. The frame, the noise, the ride. It was a cheaper, unique bike of its time. 1993 circa
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That’s exactly what I said…


What’s the best none Norton Norton ?

I want a modern naked bike. 2 or 3 cylinder. 173kg or 380 pounds or less. Minimum of 100 hp. I present to you. MV Agusta Superveloce https://www.mvagusta.com/en/superveloce-800-serie-oro I have a MV Agusta Rivale with that 800cc triple engine. Triples are a great blend of 2-cylinder torque...
www.accessnorton.com www.accessnorton.com
 
cliffa said:
That’s exactly what I said…


What’s the best none Norton Norton ?

I want a modern naked bike. 2 or 3 cylinder. 173kg or 380 pounds or less. Minimum of 100 hp. I present to you. MV Agusta Superveloce https://www.mvagusta.com/en/superveloce-800-serie-oro I have a MV Agusta Rivale with that 800cc triple engine. Triples are a great blend of 2-cylinder torque...
www.accessnorton.com www.accessnorton.com
Click to expand...
Great minds!!!...
 
worntorn said:
If visceral means sound then stick a de cat on the Triumph and go.
I've got one here but I can't bring myself to installing it as the bike gets used on a lot of long runs. Pretty sure the extra noise would be annoying and tiring on a 500 mile day. If visceral means adding vibration then I'm out of ideas. Im not at all fond of bikes that vibrate a lot, but we must put up with a certain amount of it on the old solid mounted parallel twins. I have a couple of those in the shed and they are OK for short low speed stuff once in awhile, that's about it.
If I actually want to travel somewhere- give me a bike that is as smooth as possible. Nowadays I will add relatively quiet to the list of preferences.
Number 1 ahead of everything is that it has to get there and back under its own steam!

Glen
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My Speed Twin is booked in to have a full system installed and remap in october ( he's very busy)... that should sort the sound... and the snatchy throttle in low gears/low speed.... ( the test bike 961 had perfect fuelling)... i actually enjoy the vibration the 961 brings (no, not that way)... it's not TOO much... the Triumph is too smooth, too sterile. characterless... Yes it's better than the Norton in almost every way... but the Norton put a bigger smile on my face. And i still think the 961 (sport) i rode in the test handled better than my Speed Twin, even with K tech razors on the rear.
 
They have to make them so that most people will like them and most people want smooth. If you do big mileage it's even more rare to find someone happy with a vibratory type bike. I have both types here and I'm forever trying to make the shakers a little less shakey.

I suppose I should just sell them to someone who craves a vibrating motorcycle!
A friend just test rode a new Thruxton RS. He complained that it vibrated too much! They do have a strong pulse when accelerating hard, but actual vibration is pretty minimal, so I'm not sure what he is sensing.
Impossible to keep everyone happy I guess!

Glen
 
Strictly for old bikes, the Commando ruins all other bikes at speed. Smoothness makes it all so much more enjoyable.
 
961al said:
My Speed Twin is booked in to have a full system installed and remap in october ( he's very busy)... that should sort the sound... and the snatchy throttle in low gears/low speed.... ( the test bike 961 had perfect fuelling)... i actually enjoy the vibration the 961 brings (no, not that way)... it's not TOO much... the Triumph is too smooth, too sterile. characterless... Yes it's better than the Norton in almost every way... but the Norton put a bigger smile on my face. And i still think the 961 (sport) i rode in the test handled better than my Speed Twin, even with K tech razors on the rear.
Click to expand...

We may not be best qualified for this - asking a bunch of old guys to describe what they’re feeling? And we’re struggling? Go figure!😄

I’ve tried waxing lyrical about the visceral/authentic nature of the Norton ride for me in other posts (and to mates), with very limited success cos it’s difficult. One thing’s for sure, it ain’t just about vibrations - for me anyway!

For me it starts as I’m getting my riding gear on. I tap that beautiful tail unit on the spot where my old man’s initials are located (an old British biker of the truly original variety - 94 when he popped his bike boots) and start er up. The ride’s started and I haven’t thrown a leg over yet - that’s the ownership and heritage connection I guess.

The fact that Norton is still made in the UK, by British bike builders, matters here for some (a lot) - difficult to measure and describe, and maybe to understand if you don’t have that connection.

The riding stuff is obvious, with the original nature of the engine configuration letting the rider know they‘re riding a big British twin - no mistaking it! No tech to intrude, that feedback is unique to the air cooled parallel twin configuration (effectively 70 years old) and is addictive - for some.

Of course Triumph has an (almost) equal heritage connection, but has had to globalise to achieve its stellar success. Tubine smooth, tech laden, water cooled wonders engineered down to a price point and then dressed up as a heritage machine (IMO). This may not give some, who remember the twins of old, the same riding and (more importantly for me) ownership experience. The fact that they are now ubiquitous and mass manufactured overseas may mean a two year love affair for most, before it’s moved on.

Re-living that authentic biker experience from years gone by is a contradiction as we age of course, when we old farts crave comfort with our cred’! What cred our younger selves would alot to an inflatable cushion and high bar conversion we can only guess!:oops: I use mine as a CR was intended to be used, so comfort comes a clear second. If yer gonna mile munch, the Triumph turbine twin may be a much better option.

Vloggers don’t get any of the ‘ownership’ aspects - it’s not just pound per performance - and why should they. Match the 961 up with a modern retro like the Speed Twin and your VLOG is compromised before you put the key in the ignition. But I’m glad they do it anyway, or we’d have less to debate.

I’m just gonna continue to relish what we have, hope (with optimistic expectation) that the iconic Norton marque can come anywhere near Triumphs well earned success, whilst trying hard not to compare the 961 to ‘better’ bikes.

My opinion only.
 
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Stephen_Spencer said:
We may not be best qualified for this - asking a bunch of old guys to describe what they’re feeling? And we’re struggling? Go figure!😄

I’ve tried waxing lyrical about the visceral/authentic nature of the Norton ride for me in other posts (and to mates), with very limited success cos it’s difficult . One thing’s for sure, it ain’t just about vibrations - for me anyway!

For me it starts as I’m getting my riding gear on. I tap that beautiful tail unit on the spot where my old man’s initials are located (an old British biker of the truly original variety - 94 when he popped his bike boots) and start er up. The ride’s started and I haven’t thrown a leg over yet - that’s the ownership and heritage connection I guess.

The fact that the Norton is still made in the UK, by British bike builders, matters here for some (a lot) - difficult to measure and describe, and maybe to understand if you don’t have that connection.

The riding stuff is obvious, with the original nature of the engine configuration letting the rider know they‘re riding a big British twin - no mistaking it! No tech to intrude, that feedback is unique to the air cooled parallel twin configuration (effectively 70 years old) and is addictive - for some.

Of course Triumph has an (almost) equal heritage connection, but has had to globalise to achieve stellar success. Tubine smooth, tech laden, water cooled wonders engineered down to a price point and then dressed as a heritage machine (IMO). This may not give some, who remember the twins of old, the same riding and (more importantly for me) ownership experience. The fact that they are now ubiquitous and mass manufactured overseas may mean a two year love affair for most, before it’s moved on.

Re-living that authentic biker experience from years gone by is a contradiction as we age of course, when we old farts crave comfort with our cred’! What cred our younger selves would alot to an inflatable cushion and high bar conversions we can only guess!:oops: I use mine as a CR was intended to be used, so comfort comes a clear second. If yer gonna mile munch, the Triumph turbine twin may be a much better option.

Vloggers don’t get any of the ‘ownership’ aspects and why should they. Match the 961 up with a modern retro like the Speed Twin and your VLOG is compromised before you put a key into the ignition. But I’m glad they do it anyway, or we’d have less to debate.

I’m just gonna continue to relish what we have, hope (with optimistic expectation) that the iconic Norton marque can come anywhere near Triumphs well earned success and try not to compare the 961 to ‘better’ bikes.

My opinion only.
Click to expand...
I agree with you here.

I do have one question.
How come you don’t own a classic bike? Or do you?
 
961al said:
And i still think the 961 (sport) i rode in the test handled better than my Speed Twin, even with K tech razors on the rear.
Click to expand...
Hello 961al , So , Is it possible that the comparison review you posted is the true opinion of the testers ? And not a bone thrown to Norton ? You own both so do others . I can say that my 961 Commando is faster and handles better than my 2004 Air cooled Triumph Thruxton. So , back in 2010 when the 961 Norton came out it was more competitive with the similar machines available at the time .
 
Onder said:
Strictly for old bikes, the Commando ruins all other bikes at speed. Smoothness makes it all so much more enjoyable.
Click to expand...
You might want to try a Vincent twin. Setup right they are very smooth and high in torque output.
For everything else though, you are correct. Paintshakers the lot! That includes old Hondas. They were bad for high rpm vibration and they needed high rpm to go.

Glen
 
I can't help but continue to think that the answer to this is both.

They actually aren't a thing to compare.

A Zippo isn't a Bic. A Biro isn't a Mont Blanc. An iWatch isn't a Rolex.

One is a functional object that serves a purpose, often extremely well. The other gives the function feeling.

It's a review. You can choose without being told.
 
Voodooo said:
I agree with you here.

I do have one question.
How come you don’t own a classic bike? Or do you?
Click to expand...
Practicality; 3 cars, 3 bikes. Standard double garage holds two cars (not suited to storage outside) and three bikes. Only possible through the wonders of Dynamoto stands.

I dirt ride so the (adventurised) DRZ is a must. Into adventure/distance riding and need a turn key bike, the 990 fits the bill - circumnavigated Aus in 42 days, did’nt miss a beat.

For a road bike I would dearly love a true British classic, but it would need to be reliable. My solution was the only British bike that has that authenticity, with modern reliability (I can hear the guffaws from here). Unless willing to pay a gazillion dollars for a modern Brough, there is nothing of a quality/authenticity on the market that I would deem a keeper. But yes, in my mind I believe it has the configuration and build to be a future classic.

Plus it’s a Norton of course, I have links and therefore affinity with the marque. Helps that the bike is drop dead gorgeous. Maybe the reason that I am particularly interested in them succeeding. Had I bought two, was from overseas and had a bad experience I may not view things in the same way.
 
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To answer a few posts further back on the list: 'ruin other bikes at speed' I simply mean that the isolastic ride provides the only old bike that has useful mirrors at 70, in other words no punishing vibrations. And as for the Vincent, I don't know anyone who will let me test ride theirs and although at this point in life I could actually afford to buy one, I cannot say I am willing to make the investment and be willing to deal with the added worries of riding out on it. It is bad enough on a bike worth a eighth of what a Vin goes for.
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Practicality; 3 cars, 3 bikes. Standard double garage holds two cars (not suited to storage outside) and three bikes. Only possible through the wonders of Dynamoto stands.

I dirt ride so the (adventurised) DRZ is a must. Into adventure/distance riding and need a turn key bike, the 990 fits the bill - circumnavigated Aus in 42 days, did’nt miss a beat.

For a road bike I would dearly love a true British classic, but it would need to be reliable. My solution was the only British bike that has that authenticity, with modern reliability (I can hear the guffaws from here). Unless willing to pay a gazillion dollars for a modern Brough, there is nothing of a quality/authenticity on the market that I would deem a keeper. But yes, in my mind I believe it has the configuration and build to be a future classic.

Plus it’s a Norton of course, I have links and therefore affinity with the marque. Helps that the bike is drop dead gorgeous. Maybe the reason that I am particularly interested in them succeeding. Had I bought two, was from overseas and had a bad experience I may not view things in the same way.
Click to expand...
The guffaws are real SS. Reliability track record of the 961 doesn’t compete with a well sorted original Commando.
 
Fast Eddie said:
The guffaws are real SS. Reliability track record of the 961 doesn’t compete with a well sorted original Commando.
Click to expand...
I’m sure. Although we didn’t have much of a clue ref reliability back in 16/17, when I purchased.

The more significant issue is that the new 961 is sorted. No doubt we Donington dudes will benefit from that in the long run also.
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
We may not be best qualified for this - asking a bunch of old guys to describe what they’re feeling? And we’re struggling? Go figure!😄

I’ve tried waxing lyrical about the visceral/authentic nature of the Norton ride for me in other posts (and to mates), with very limited success cos it’s difficult . One thing’s for sure, it ain’t just about vibrations - for me anyway!

For me it starts as I’m getting my riding gear on. I tap that beautiful tail unit on the spot where my old man’s initials are located (an old British biker of the truly original variety - 94 when he popped his bike boots) and start er up. The ride’s started and I haven’t thrown a leg over yet - that’s the ownership and heritage connection I guess.

The fact that the Norton is still made in the UK, by British bike builders, matters here for some (a lot) - difficult to measure and describe, and maybe to understand if you don’t have that connection.

The riding stuff is obvious, with the original nature of the engine configuration letting the rider know they‘re riding a big British twin - no mistaking it! No tech to intrude, that feedback is unique to the air cooled parallel twin configuration (effectively 70 years old) and is addictive - for some.

Of course Triumph has an (almost) equal heritage connection, but has had to globalise to achieve stellar success. Tubine smooth, tech laden, water cooled wonders engineered down to a price point and then dressed up as a heritage machine (IMO). This may not give some, who remember the twins of old, the same riding and (more importantly for me) ownership experience. The fact that they are now ubiquitous and mass manufactured overseas may mean a two year love affair for most, before it’s moved on.

Re-living that authentic biker experience from years gone by is a contradiction as we age of course, when we old farts crave comfort with our cred’! What cred our younger selves would alot to an inflatable cushion and high bar conversion we can only guess!:oops: I use mine as a CR was intended to be used, so comfort comes a clear second. If yer gonna mile munch, the Triumph turbine twin may be a much better option.

Vloggers don’t get any of the ‘ownership’ aspects - it’s not just pound per performance - and why should they. Match the 961 up with a modern retro like the Speed Twin and your VLOG is compromised before you put the key in the ignition. But I’m glad they do it anyway, or we’d have less to debate.

I’m just gonna continue to relish what we have, hope (with optimistic expectation) that the iconic Norton marque can come anywhere near Triumphs well earned success, whilst trying hard not to compare the 961 to ‘better’ bikes.

My opinion only.
Click to expand...
Not bad Stephen not bad at all.
 
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