MKII's any good ??

Fast Eddie · Mar 25, 2017

Presumably there are a few MK11 owners out there when have racked up some miles on them by now.

So, a question to those riders: are the new MK11's any good? Do the claimed (long list of) mods and tweaks really make for a better motorcycle? Are the known foibles really ironed out now??

richard-7 · Mar 25, 2017

Called mkii but that was after they fixed the issues in 2014. So besides the name, most 2014's and all 2015 are no different than a mkii other than the ECU. AND NOW the maps and bin files available for older ecu is as good as new ecu. So if you find a 2014 for sale and its a better price than new, you might as well get it.

TonyA · Mar 25, 2017

richard-7 said:
Called mkii but that was after they fixed the issues in 2014. So besides the name, most 2014's and all 2015 are no different than a mkii other than the ECU. AND NOW the maps and bin files available for older ecu is as good as new ecu. So if you find a 2014 for sale and its a better price than new, you might as well get it.

Hello Richard , I don't think FastEddie wants to buy a bike . I think he just wants to know how the MK2 's are doing now. I would like to know how many MK2's were actually sold in the USA . I don't know of any . And how many of them visit this website ? It was a bit troubling to hear that some of the MK2 owners are still having some issues whatever they are . Lets hope that Norton are taking a serious interest in finally getting the 961 totally sorted out.

BLIGHTYBRIT/SF · Mar 25, 2017

Hi Chaps, I've had mine a year next week, 10,000 miles now, never had a prob with idling/cutting out /stalling or oil leaks( & have the transmission vent kit from CNW), I believe the factory are on updates continuously regarding all aspects of the bike, mines had a factory service this year & got a longer dip stick,bigger check valve on oil line,cosemetically the bikes still like new & considering I did between 200 & 400 miles every day for 10 weeks last summer topping up with fuel up to 4 times a day, spilling fuel on tank & covering with stickers (now removed using turps) it still got a great finish.
On close inspection I got a few scuffs down to me & all luggage I carried,but fingers crossed it's running great,got a few trips to France planned this summer on it, one with globe traveller Nick Sanders to the Pyrenees,so I'm happy, feel like a boys own adventure every time I get on it.
In fact I'm seriously looking into taking it to Cuba & seeing what's it's really like there,failing that riding it to India , then flying it to Perth Australia then ride onto Gold Coast ,my son will be there from October onwards to live, the trick is finding tarmac roads all the way, I do fancy Iran riding but Pakistan maybe too wild west ? Anyone know?
Any ol how I will be visiting relatives in Chester during the summer so I'll hook up with u on your manor Fast Eddie & let u have a blast on the 961, it may not be for everyone , bit quirky perhaps,but I bought it ride it as an everyday bike .

TonyA · Mar 25, 2017

Hello Richard , All of that sounds awesome. I have heard about the new dip stick. Did you get to keep the old stick ? I ask because I would like to know how much the markers have changed . I also saw that they have added knurling to the stick for easier reading. also , I don't think that is a check valve Norton has installed on your bike. It is a in line filter screen put into the oil feed line. I am ordering one from Norton as well.

Fast Eddie · Mar 25, 2017

richard-7 said:
Called mkii but that was after they fixed the issues in 2014. So besides the name, most 2014's and all 2015 are no different than a mkii other than the ECU. AND NOW the maps and bin files available for older ecu is as good as new ecu. So if you find a 2014 for sale and its a better price than new, you might as well get it.

I agree that many changes were running changes Richard and therefore the may be little difference between a late 'mk1' and an early 'mk11'.

But certainly here in the UK, the factory made a lot of claims about a lot of changes, inc some fairly substantial mechanical changes to the gearbox and others.

The press seemed to back this up with generally very positive ride reports and comments about them being 'smoother' and 'more refined' etc.

I'm not wanting to knock the older bikes or get into a debate about what changed when, but I am very interested in knowing how good the current bikes are.

Fast Eddie · Mar 25, 2017

BLIGHTYBRIT/SF said:
Hi Chaps, I've had mine a year next week, 10,000 miles now, never had a prob with idling/cutting out /stalling or oil leaks( & have the transmission vent kit from CNW), I believe the factory are on updates continuously regarding all aspects of the bike, mines had a factory service this year & got a longer dip stick,bigger check valve on oil line,cosemetically the bikes still like new & considering I did between 200 & 400 miles every day for 10 weeks last summer topping up with fuel up to 4 times a day, spilling fuel on tank & covering with stickers (now removed using turps) it still got a great finish.
On close inspection I got a few scuffs down to me & all luggage I carried,but fingers crossed it's running great,got a few trips to France planned this summer on it, one with globe traveller Nick Sanders to the Pyrenees,so I'm happy, feel like a boys own adventure every time I get on it.
In fact I'm seriously looking into taking it to Cuba & seeing what's it's really like there,failing that riding it to India , then flying it to Perth Australia then ride onto Gold Coast ,my son will be there from October onwards to live, the trick is finding tarmac roads all the way, I do fancy Iran riding but Pakistan maybe too wild west ? Anyone know?
Any ol how I will be visiting relatives in Chester during the summer so I'll hook up with u on your manor Fast Eddie & let u have a blast on the 961, it may not be for everyone , bit quirky perhaps,but I bought it ride it as an everyday bike .

Hi Richard, that's a pretty glowing report! I'd love to meet up sometime and you'd be more than welcome to have a blast on 'The Blue Bomber'... But only if you absolutely promise to thrash it !!

richard-7 · Mar 25, 2017

Most times, newer is better. Just helping you save a few bucks if a deal pops up. I think Richard Pearcr review says it all. We did upgrade his ignition and vent first leg of his trip so would be nice to hear of any other long haul or daily riders of a 2016 or newer that has everything stock.

BLIGHTYBRIT/SF · Mar 25, 2017

I'll attempt to post a pic of me dipstick next few days,well u know what I mean,the check valve is on the front oil pipe coming down along frame from the top, the mechanics showed me the new one they fitted,it was of a larger orifice & I guess spring loaded ,only able to blow thru it one way ! With a nozzle like connection either side all made of alloy, & yes fast eddie did u see that trick BMW 9 in MCN ?

TonyA · Mar 25, 2017

BLIGHTYBRIT/SF said:
I'll attempt to post a pic of me dipstick next few days,well u know what I mean,the check valve is on the front oil pipe coming down along frame from the top, the mechanics showed me the new one they fitted,it was of a larger orifice & I guess spring loaded ,only able to blow thru it one way ! With a nozzle like connection either side all made of alloy, & yes fast eddie did u see that trick BMW 9 in MCN ?

Hello Richard , If I understand correctly , this is the return line you are referring to ? The line running up to the oil cooler and then on to the tank ? If so , this is new to me and I am interested in getting the better RETURN check valve as well ! This should eliminate all of the wet sumping Great News !

Fast Eddie · Mar 26, 2017

BlightyBrit is obviously a very satisfied mk11 owner...

But surely he's not the only one...?!

NortonFactoryUK · Mar 27, 2017

Fast Eddie said:
BlightyBrit is obviously a very satisfied mk11 owner...

But surely he's not the only one...?!

Hi Fast Eddie,

As I've said before, the factory is always open and test rides are available so you can come and see for your self. Just get in touch with one of our sales team to organise.

Regards

Simon

worntorn · Mar 27, 2017

Perhaps Nigel (fast Eddie) could use a MK2 to replicate the 100,000 mile 2 year Tony Rose test ride as sponsored by the Vincent company in 1951/52 to show the reliability and durability of their product?. Back then it was almost unthinkable that an aircooled motorcycle could run 100,000 miles without rebuild or any serious mechanical issues. Even today that is quite a feat.
It was a wild thing to do in 1952 when 25,000 -30,000 miles covered normally meant it was time for a major rebuild. Tony commuted a great distance to his work every weekday then hooked up to a big sidecar to haul the family around on weekends.
He reported on the bike's performance, (warts and all, maintenance or mechanical problems) every month in the MPH magazine. Vincents already had a rep for durability along with speed. Phil Vincent & Phil Irving believed in the bike and wanted to capitalize on their design.
With the Norton 961, the rep is not so good, there have been lots of issues. A test of this type, if it went well, could really help the company. BlightyBrit's run was a good start.

Glen

Fast Eddie · Mar 27, 2017

NortonFactoryUK said:
Fast Eddie said:

BlightyBrit is obviously a very satisfied mk11 owner...

But surely he's not the only one...?!

Click to expand...

Hi Fast Eddie,

As I've said before, the factory is always open and test rides are available so you can come and see for your self. Just get in touch with one of our sales team to organise.

Regards

Simon

Hi Simon,
Well yes, I realise that, but a short test ride is not going to tell me what long term ownership is like. It will tell me how much fun it is to ride, and I expect it would be very impressive on this score, but it can't replace feedback from owners with healthy mileage under their tyres!

And whilst we're on the subject Simon...let's be honest... it's not as though I have not already reached out to you regarding MK11 info...!

But, if we may, I'd like to stay on topic here and invite more feedback from more MK11 riders...

richard-7 · Mar 27, 2017

I ride my bike daily and my dad and Richard Pearce tour theirs. Great machines. If the factory wants to give me a mkii as a daily, give me a call. I'm up for it.

Britfan60 · Mar 28, 2017

Looking to dump that bimmer already?

contours · Mar 28, 2017

Britfan60 said:
Looking to dump that bimmer already?

Ha ha! :lol:

Fast Eddie · Mar 28, 2017

Britfan60 said:
Looking to dump that bimmer already?

If you're referring to my beloved 'Panzer' the answer is no! Thats a keeper for a while yet. There is a vacant space next to it in my humble shed though...

Smudge · Mar 28, 2017

Fast Eddie,
A quick run down of my MII, I've owned it for for 8 months now, it ran in as stated (this was soul destroying) mileage is up to 1500,
Things I done to the bike, decat pipe, short motad exhausts (these were fitted due to cosmetics reasons only), the factory re-mapped the bike, don't know which map was fitted by I would say its still running lean, due to it sometimes pinks a bit under load.
I also replaced the mirrors to bar ends, couldn't see out of the standard ones.
Also fitted the vent kit, bosch coil pack, & 8.5 silicone ht leads (did this after reading up on it, its preventive maintenance nature of my job)
Things I found wrong with my bike, when I first start going into left hand turns it seemed to drift, what it was the rear shocks had been set at different heights, adjusted job done,
The left hand side of the bike all the bolts were slack, so spent some time taken them out and copper slipping every bolt (its a way you get to know your bike).
After pushing the bike hard, the rev,s were climbing then dropping, lock nut fitted everything seems ok now.
Things I would like to change, the fueling, position of the rear brake lever & the position of the gear lever.
Rear brake lever sticks out to far so when I use it my foot hits the lever not the peg, (i don't use the rear that often so am ok with it)
Gear lever, I would like to raise it cause sometimes it a pain get my foot under when going up the gear.
As for riding the bike I have 4 other bikes in the garage and I always go to the Norton first because it puts a smile on my face, but if you get one, you will have to learn to walk away from it as soom as you park it up, as somebody always wants to talk to you about it.

Fast Eddie · Mar 28, 2017

Smudge said:
Fast Eddie,
A quick run down of my MII, I've owned it for for 8 months now, it ran in as stated (this was soul destroying) mileage is up to 1500,
Things I done to the bike, decat pipe, short motad exhausts (these were fitted due to cosmetics reasons only), the factory re-mapped the bike, don't know which map was fitted by I would say its still running lean, due to it sometimes pinks a bit under load.
I also replaced the mirrors to bar ends, couldn't see out of the standard ones.
Also fitted the vent kit, bosch coil pack, & 8.5 silicone ht leads (did this after reading up on it, its preventive maintenance nature of my job)
Things I found wrong with my bike, when I first start going into left hand turns it seemed to drift, what it was the rear shocks had been set at different heights, adjusted job done,
The left hand side of the bike all the bolts were slack, so spent some time taken them out and copper slipping every bolt (its a way you get to know your bike).
After pushing the bike hard, the rev,s were climbing then dropping, lock nut fitted everything seems ok now.
Things I would like to change, the fueling, position of the rear brake lever & the position of the gear lever.
Rear brake lever sticks out to far so when I use it my foot hits the lever not the peg, (i don't use the rear that often so am ok with it)
Gear lever, I would like to raise it cause sometimes it a pain get my foot under when going up the gear.
As for riding the bike I have 4 other bikes in the garage and I always go to the Norton first because it puts a smile on my face, but if you get one, you will have to learn to walk away from it as soom as you park it up, as somebody always wants to talk to you about it.

Thanks Smudge. It sounds like, minor niggles aside, you're happy with the bike right?

If I recall correctly you're way oop North somewhere arncha?

MKII's any good ??

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