I own 4 vintage Nortons and 2 961's
2 Vintage Bikes are CNW builds (73 Roadster and 74 Interstate). Very reliable bikes, I would do a cross country trip on either. I have updated both CNW builds with the CNW electric start conversion. These are my favorite bikes in the garage.
2 Vintage Bikes are stock or near stock. 71 Roadster is near stock with the addition of electronic ignition, everything else is OEM with 9,000 original miles. 75 Mark 3 is as stock as the day it left the showroom. Even has points for ignition (which I nostalgically love setting the gap) I love riding these two bikes, but, as other posters have mentioned, I don't take long trips, or we have a chase vehicle
2 961's One is stock with a decat pipe change. One has been modified for road racing.
Overall averages: The best handling bikes are the 961's, but they feel top heavy and you have to "work it" a little harder on the twisty's. The CNW and Stock bikes are great to ride, and the handling is much more responsive than the 961's, but with the fixed foot pegs, you have to watch the lean angle ( I have slid around several corners on a foot peg and the front tire.)
Power Average: The 961's are much faster. But, I still like the feel and power (and sound) of the vintage Commando, especially the CNW builds.
As I said above, my favorite rides of all 5 street bikes, are the CNW builds.
