961 Video

1- I think Kenny Dreer's videos captured the sound of a Norton a lot better, on this clip, mechanical noise was overwhelming the music. OK, I know it's no an ad and I do hope Norton comes out with a better sounding clip.

2- The design engineer who let the bike out with those brake and clutch reservoirs looking like they were add ons should be fired. Please hide them :!:

Jean
 
I think they did fire him, I see a job opening for a new design engineer on their web site.
 
I noticed on the design site that there is montion of upcoming models including "Dominator" and "Atlas". They better not re-use the "Manx" name, unless it's a thumper!
 
I don't think you'll have to worry about the "Manx" name being re-used as it remains the property of Molnar Ltd. (whoever that is). Garner and Co. are building new Manx's clones but they are called 30M's.

I had envisaged them producing a new 500 single sport bike along the lines of a road going Manx, but using the Rotax engine from BMW F650s (no development needed) that could be sold to sporty types for less then the new Commando.
 
sidreilley said:
I don't think you'll have to worry about the "Manx" name being re-used as it remains the property of Molnar Ltd. (whoever that is).
Click to expand...

Molnar Ltd. is owned by Andy Molnar, whose company makes Manx Norton replicas, among other things. Based in Preston, Lancashire. A fine engineer. I would say that if he ever made replica Commandos, they would be high quality and fast!

http://www.manx.co.uk
 
I think those silencers aren't going to last very long!
They looked awfully close to the tarmac in the corners :roll:
Otherwise it looks nice.
Personally, I'd prefer it with Ducati Sport Classic-esque spoked wheels, and I'd suspect they'd be cheaper than carbon fibre.
 
I agree on the reservoirs, They did look a little out of place. I just didn't have the guts to say so, LOL LOL. It would be pretty easy to fix that though. The sound of the bike is also not the same with the 270 crank, But it sounds good.
 
It is probably a very good bike, but I don't like the styling at all. Too tall, with too many gaps. I would of expected a more powerful motor from Norton. Seems too "Triumphy" for me. I also do not like these born again bikes using the old model names. Sorry, but not for me.
 
Do want.

961 Video
 
Flo said:
It is probably a very good bike, but I don't like the styling at all. Too tall, with too many gaps. I would of expected a more powerful motor from Norton. Seems too "Triumphy" for me. I also do not like these born again bikes using the old model names. Sorry, but not for me.
Click to expand...

Watch it, that is a trademarked name :mrgreen:

Jean
 
I like the styling, and I've heard quite a few people who don't have an interest in Commandos — or indeed any Norton — saying they like it. When you sit on it, it feels slim and quite compact, like the original. I think the new Commando looks better than the other 'born agains' — the Ducati Sport Classic range and the Hinkley Triumph Bonneville. It doesn't look too chunky and overweight, and each component is in proportion to the other components. Also, it's nice to see all of the rear wheel. The Ducatis and the Hinkley Bonnie don't have quite the right proportions and they lack the slim and graceful lines of the iconic models to which they are a tribute. The new Commando looks lean and purposeful and has a sporty style, qualities that attracted people to the original Roadster. Just my opinion. I wish it well.
 
Its a tough job these days to design a bike to meet all the emission and noise regs and get daylight around the engine. They usually end up filling all the spaces with airbox and other clutter.
That stripped down look is what really sets it apart from the competition, if I had the money I'd buy one.
 
I think it looks great. The problem with a lot of modern bikes is that they are light but they are physically large. The Norton looks the business. Also, the comments on the riding position seem to indicate a lot of thought has gone into the ergonomics. Something again which can't be said about most bikes. Even the naked/sport tourers etc. have high and rearset pegs which give my bung knee a hard time. As for the sports bikes, the defecating dog position just isn't an option.
There isn't a new bike on the market that I would buy, but the 961 comes the closest, by far. If it's as nice a ride as he says, then I don't think the asking price is excessive. Look at every other bike on the market with Ohlins suspension and how much are they? Lots. Just because it doesn't make a squillion horsepower doesn't faze me in the least. He did note how torquey the motor is. That's what we want.
 
In 72 when I bought a brand new commando it was the longest wheelbase and the narrowest bike in it's class and it may have also been the lightest or close to it. So I like the styling keeping these features. As far as using the Commando designation I'm not sure I like that as even the original Norton owners changed models names after significant changes were made to the design.

Going to 17" wheels would tend to lower your clearance in the corners alright.

The Ohlins goodies would account for $4000.00 of the cost for sure and the transmission looks interesting. It looks rather big and apparently is a bit clunky but if they get it smoothed out and you could turn it around I'd be interested in adapting one.

As much as I like it it also makes me like my commandos that much more.
 
I like it. Just need to win lotto first.
270 degree crank. Now where's that been done before???
 
I'm very pleased to see that the Norton marque is coming back and I think the new company are to be commended on their efforts at setting things back as they should be in the world of motorcycles. Purely personal taste, but while I find the new Commando attractive in it's own right, very tidy and business like; it doesn't have the low, lean look of an original. Maybe it's the 19" wheels on both ends, but Commando's have always reminded me of Thoroughbreds, lean and long-legged, and the 961, while business like, is a bit too tall looking. Perhaps in person that's not the case. And what is with a 270' crank? I thought Triumph did that to make their choppers sound like Harleys. Sorry, but British twins should sound smooth at full chat, like a Bonneville with TT pipes, not like a 13 cylinder aircraft radial.
It's always seemed to me that we all, at some point in life, are imprinted with what "right" looks(and sounds) like in a thing, and from there on every new model of that species is compared to our imprinted standard... and usually found wanting. Personally, I rode a 67 Bonneville for a long time, and when I compare it to my new Hinkley, the new one lacks the quick feel and visceral qualities of a Meridian, trading that for convenience and reliability I suppose. Maybe people today are just not able or willing to invest so much time and energy into transportation.
Given the quality of components and limited production, the 961 Commando is not unreasonably priced. One can certainly spend more then that on a new Harley and get mere noise and chrome instead of quality bits and performance, but I'm afraid it will be out of my price range for now, barring some supernatural event. I do wish them well though.
 
I was hoping that Norton would push the boundaries more. I have always thought that if they made a four cylinder, it would be a wonderful bike., more in the lines of a BMW K1300R. Instead, they have chosen a lower powered model. I must admit, it is not of a montorous size that a lot of modern bikes are now.
I can see a market for them, but at that price, I would go for the K1300R.
I think it will sell o/k, especially if they can get the price down later on to keep the sales going.
 
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