Newbie question

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Hello from Central Oregon and thanks for accepting my application into the group. I am looking at obtaining a local 961 but have some reservations and am hoping for some honest input. For some background, I have a 50 year history of never being without several motorcycles, road raced and off-road raced (never very successfully) and still avidly ride both road and dirt. Current bikes include a Superduke 1290 GT, a Tenere 700, a Husky FE450 and a Husky TX300. I enjoy restoring motorcycles also and have a couple vintage Japanese bikes. My intent with this Commando would be more for display purposes (in my living room!) than actually riding it much, but I do want it reliable and operational. My concerns are that it has virtually no dealer or parts support. The bike has very low miles with a clean history. Question: Would I be buying a nightmare odd-ball bike with no future for value? Sorry for the long post.
 
Hello from Central Oregon and thanks for accepting my application into the group. I am looking at obtaining a local 961 but have some reservations and am hoping for some honest input. For some background, I have a 50 year history of never being without several motorcycles, road raced and off-road raced (never very successfully) and still avidly ride both road and dirt. Current bikes include a Superduke 1290 GT, a Tenere 700, a Husky FE450 and a Husky TX300. I enjoy restoring motorcycles also and have a couple vintage Japanese bikes. My intent with this Commando would be more for display purposes (in my living room!) than actually riding it much, but I do want it reliable and operational. My concerns are that it has virtually no dealer or parts support. The bike has very low miles with a clean history. Question: Would I be buying a nightmare odd-ball bike with no future for value? Sorry for the long post.
Welcome to the group.
why would you be concerned with reliability and parts availability if all you’re going to do is display it in your living room?

These are meant to be ridden and enjoyed. They are dependable and reliable but also some have experienced some minor electrical issues that are easily fixed.

If the price is right, I’d buy it.

To answer your question, since you seem handy and mechanical, parts are available. I live in Michigan and I have parts sent directly to me from the Norton factory without any problems. Up until the world wide covid pandemic, I would order parts directly from Norton and they would be at my door step in 2-3 business days.
 
Hello from Central Oregon and thanks for accepting my application into the group. I am looking at obtaining a local 961 but have some reservations and am hoping for some honest input. For some background, I have a 50 year history of never being without several motorcycles, road raced and off-road raced (never very successfully) and still avidly ride both road and dirt. Current bikes include a Superduke 1290 GT, a Tenere 700, a Husky FE450 and a Husky TX300. I enjoy restoring motorcycles also and have a couple vintage Japanese bikes. My intent with this Commando would be more for display purposes (in my living room!) than actually riding it much, but I do want it reliable and operational. My concerns are that it has virtually no dealer or parts support. The bike has very low miles with a clean history. Question: Would I be buying a nightmare odd-ball bike with no future for value? Sorry for the long post.
I like my 961 if that helps you decide.
 
Welcome to the group.
why would you be concerned with reliability and parts availability if all you’re going to do is display it in your living room?

These are meant to be ridden and enjoyed. They are dependable and reliable but also some have experienced some minor electrical issues that are easily fixed.

If the price is right, I’d buy it.

To answer your question, since you seem handy and mechanical, parts are available. I live in Michigan and I have parts sent directly to me from the Norton factory without any problems. Up until the world wide covid pandemic, I would order parts directly from Norton and they would be at my door step in 2-3 business days.
That's very helpful...and yes, I consider the bike to be almost "art" and while it will be displayed in my house, I will keep it running and ridden occasionally.
 
That's very helpful...and yes, I consider the bike to be almost "art" and while it will be displayed in my house, I will keep it running and ridden occasionally.
And what would you consider a good price for a 2015 961, flawless, 4K miles, new tires?
 
That's very helpful...and yes, I consider the bike to be almost "art" and while it will be displayed in my house, I will keep it running and ridden occasionally.
As a fellow American, I own two 961 Norton’s. You should buy it on looks alone.
 
Hello from Central Oregon and thanks for accepting my application into the group. I am looking at obtaining a local 961 but have some reservations and am hoping for some honest input. For some background, I have a 50 year history of never being without several motorcycles, road raced and off-road raced (never very successfully) and still avidly ride both road and dirt. Current bikes include a Superduke 1290 GT, a Tenere 700, a Husky FE450 and a Husky TX300. I enjoy restoring motorcycles also and have a couple vintage Japanese bikes. My intent with this Commando would be more for display purposes (in my living room!) than actually riding it much, but I do want it reliable and operational. My concerns are that it has virtually no dealer or parts support. The bike has very low miles with a clean history. Question: Would I be buying a nightmare odd-ball bike with no future for value? Sorry for the long post.
Nearly a hand of bikes, go on, raise it to a full hand with a Norton!
 
go rent one for a day at “ Moto fantasy “ which is located actually in Oregon , u can rent an S.E. 961 $250 a day , at least u could back on 2016 when I was passing thru on my 8500 mile jaunt around USA/Canada over a 10 week period on my 961 ( flew it into Halifax , shipped out of Seattle)
 

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Also, can anyone advise on what (if any) internal engine mechanicals were done between the first 961's and the last?
 
Also, can anyone advise on what (if any) internal engine mechanicals were done between the first 961's and the last?
Zero.
the only difference between the MK1 and MK2
Are the sticker, emissions, possibly the ecu computer and crank case breather.
 
As yourself this.
do you want single or two up seating?
do you care about upside down or standard forks?
Do you want polished or black anodized aluminum wheels?
do you want the plastic or metal headlight bucket?
plastic or carbon fiber chain guard and fenders and license plate holder?
Also only the limited production bikes had the BST carbon fiber wheels.
 
i actually prefer the conventional forks, polished rims and single seat.....the other details not important to me.....as mentioned, this thing will sit in my living room as artwork.....ridden occasionally and definitely kept in running condition. I just don't want to invest this much money into a oil leaking grenade though. It won't ever get a lot of miles, I have a few others to fill that role. I LOVE the looks of the machine and would be a proud owner for sure!
 
Zero.
the only difference between the MK1 and MK2
Are the sticker, emissions, possibly the ecu computer and crank case breather.
Depends who you talk to. Folk at the factory claimed all sorts of wonderful changes inc stronger crank cases, better gearbox, etc, etc.

At the time I believed it. No idea now.
 
i actually prefer the conventional forks, polished rims and single seat.....the other details not important to me.....as mentioned, this thing will sit in my living room as artwork.....ridden occasionally and definitely kept in running condition. I just don't want to invest this much money into a oil leaking grenade though. It won't ever get a lot of miles, I have a few others to fill that role. I LOVE the looks of the machine and would be a proud owner for sure!
Like I said before, if all it’s main goal in life to be is a piece of living room art, than buy it. It’s definitely not a oil leaking grenade.

But if you want a prediction of how long parts will be available....let me grab my magic ball......one second....it’s coming.....

magic ball says future parts availability unknown. Buy now.
 
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