Norton Commando 961 - A Good Value

Hello , I am looking for comments and opinions on this topic. I have my view and I will post it in this thread . Thanks

I am waiting for a reply from Norton to a concern I have so give me a week to reply. Good topic Tony. I didn't want anyone to think I'm ignoring the Norton group. I should be back soon.

In a nutshell, here in the US I've never seen a Brit vehicle that is a "good value". The Brits make vehicles that are for the most part oil leaky unreliable vehicles that are a little pricey and cool as shit. Never saw or heard a Brit vehicle I didn't like. ESPECIALLY my 961. Probably the last British vehicle I'll ever own. I'm getting to old for this crap.

I sometimes pretend it says Hyosung or Kymco on the tank. (No offence to owners of those machines) and I realise nope would not have bought it....for that money.

So no they're not good value if we interpret value as simply goods in return for a given amount.

But then....I realise what it is...a point in time...a milestone moment for a small company and I'm part of it

And so with time it seems better and better "value".

The case of if it suits my purpose or yours can change easily though. I like the thought of keeping it but am honest enough to know I like to try new things(bikes) as well.

I guess I "value" choice above all.

If you have read Lila by Persig (famous for 'Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance') you will get this next part ....

'It's a good bike'.

Tony, if you already have a view, why didn't you include it in the original post?
(just wondering)

"A good value" to one person, may not be as much of a good value to another; there could be "better values"...

grandpaul said:

"A good value" to one person, may not be as much of a good value to another; there could be "better values"...

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Exactly.

I never considered my 961 to be a good value in relation to other choices on the market.
Never even crossed my mind.
My purchase was based solely on the bikes "classic" looks, and Commando family appearance.
A better overall value would have been a Suzuki SV650.
But if I parted the two side by side, I wouldn't even see the Suzuki.

I guess that is my sense of value.

My 961 has made me happy more often than not. I can't say that makes it a good value. Had I not inherited a ton of money recently I never would have considered buying one. :mrgreen:

Don't own one but when they first came out I thought they were expensive. A few years down the line you can spend that much money on many other manufacturers machines. You can spend £20,000 having a 70's Commando built by Colorado Norton, and not that far off by Norvil. I expect a Norman White or Mick Hemmings rebuild wouldn't be far off that.
961 Commandos looking more like good value as they get more reliable. - In my eyes!

Hey Tony,
Gotta say NO due to how you worded the thread. I wasn't looking for a bargain when I bought the 961. I can't remember ever buying a motorcycle because it was a "good value". Good deal yes, good value no. I buy them to ride, not sell. Let's be honest, it's not an economic issue. The value of the bike is not going up. It won't be a high mileage rider, it's not the most comfortable, I've had to do a lot of work on this NEW bike, this NEW bike has proven to be rather embarrassing with failures, leaks, noises, and comparable machines often cost less. My Norton has often had to sit in my garage waiting on this or that and I've been content to ride another bike.
Am I pleased with the bike? Gotta say YES due to my love of motorcycles. At this point in my life, I've got the money to spend on the bike. I don't buy bikes as investments, I've got other bikes that serve other purposes better when needed, I've always been capable and mostly enjoy working on motorcycles, and I pretty much don't care what anybody else thinks so I'm rarely embarrassed.
" Consumer Reports" magazine (which I don't read) tells readers what THEY consider a "good value" for a washing machine, vacuum cleaner, automobile, toothpaste or whatever. Might be good advice too. I believe most of us involve our personal passion when it comes to our motorcycles. Anyone who buys a 961 is a gearhead, and had better be somewhat mechanically inclined because they're going to need to work on it, or take it somewhere to get it worked on. "Consumer Reports" would not approve. Would I recommend a new Norton to one of my riding buddies? Doubt it. I'd really be selective on who I'd recommend buying this machine. After reading this forum, how could anyone think that any of the motorcycles mentioned here are a "good value". All of ACCESS NORTON is devoted to how to upgrade, repair, fix, improve and keep our beloved machines working. Thank God for all the helpful people, but if you think these machines are any better than others you're not being realistic.
I'm extremely happy with my Norton Commando 961. I love the looks, sound (when I'm "on it"), handling, feel, useable power and the fact that it is unique. You can't afford my Norton because it's not for sale.
Charlie

I agree with you Charlie, well said...
Raphi, Switzerland

I don't care if it's good value or not. I bought a new SF and will also soon have my Naked Dominator sitting right next to it. What I like about the Nortons are "nobody" in my area has one. To me it's priceless, classic, timeless, quality, and rare in my neck of the woods (Erie Michigan). I don't buy vehicles or toys as an investment, but I do for self enjoyment.
I have absolutely no interest in any jap bike. If I didn't already buy my 2016 Shelby mustang GT350, I would of probably of bought a Brough superior, but not sure I'd spend that much on a bike. If the Dominator wasn't available, my next choice would be either a Triumph Thruxton R or to modify a Bonnieville T120 or possibly a BMW R9T. My cousin just bought a new BMW R9T and it's very nice and runs great, but the quality isn't as good as the Nortons and the looks are there for me. I love my norton 961!

peter12 said:

Don't own one but when they first came out I thought they were expensive. A few years down the line you can spend that much money on many other manufacturers machines. You can spend £20,000 having a 70's Commando built by Colorado Norton, and not that far off by Norvil. I expect a Norman White or Mick Hemmings rebuild wouldn't be far off that.
961 Commandos looking more like good value as they get more reliable. - In my eyes!

Click to expand...

Hat to split hairs, but a Colorado Norton Works is 25,200 to 28,200 English pounds PLUS a bike to rebuild or they will furnish one for another 3 English grand. Way more expensive than a new Norton Commando. But, if I had that kind of bread for another toy......... :lol: So a CNW is not exactly a good value either.

Britfan60 said:

peter12 said:

Don't own one but when they first came out I thought they were expensive. A few years down the line you can spend that much money on many other manufacturers machines. You can spend £20,000 having a 70's Commando built by Colorado Norton, and not that far off by Norvil. I expect a Norman White or Mick Hemmings rebuild wouldn't be far off that.
961 Commandos looking more like good value as they get more reliable. - In my eyes!

Click to expand...

Hat to split hairs, but a Colorado Norton Works is 25,200 to 28,200 English pounds PLUS a bike to rebuild or they will furnish one for another 3 English grand. Way more expensive than a new Norton Commando. But, if I had that kind of bread for another toy......... :lol: So a CNW is not exactly a good value either.

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BRAVO ! Peter12 and Britfan60 ! You have hit on one of my 3 reasons why A New Norton Commando is a GOOD VALUE. Please keep the posts coming . I will give all three reasons in the near future . Reason 1 you now know.

Strange thread...

Agree, the 961 is different, handbuilt, rare so not sure good value comes in to it. Average spec jap bikes are dearer. Honda SH is good value!!

BritTwit said:

grandpaul said:

"A good value" to one person, may not be as much of a good value to another; there could be "better values"...

Click to expand...

Exactly.

I never considered my 961 to be a good value in relation to other choices on the market.
Never even crossed my mind.
My purchase was based solely on the bikes "classic" looks, and Commando family appearance.
A better overall value would have been a Suzuki SV650.
But if I parted the two side by side, I wouldn't even see the Suzuki.

I guess that is my sense of value.

Click to expand...

Fred you said it well! I am a huge MV AUGUSTA fan. When I saw my first 961 in the flesh, there were 3 MV's including a V4 not 10 feet from it, I never saw them!!! Almost 5 years later I still go out in the Garage and just stare at it. So I am thinking I will answer yes, don't really know why, probably never will! :shock:

I have owned 30 bikes. Only 1 other has made me feel as special as the 961. That bike is old enough to have voted in the last 3 Presidential elections. It is still in my garage, right in front of the Norton. Still going with yes!

REASON NUMBER 2 : Long lasting engine and transmission with low maintenance costs. Hydraulic valve lifters minimize or eliminate periodic adjustments. A robust engine and transmission are capable of sustained high speeds and daily use. The motorcycle is of simple and thoughtful design and when work is necessary it will not be a stressful affair. The frame and welding are a work of art and suspension components , wheels and brakes are light weight and very good quality . The handling is excellent ***** 5 stars ***** !!!

, . Just a few of the many handbuilt bikes out there,I'm happy to say good value,bought mine to ride,not as an investment ( not that it can be for years yet ) ,but even the earlier bikes haven't lost too much from when they were new

TonyA said:

The frame and welding are a work of art and suspension components , wheels and brakes are light weight and very good quality . The handling is excellent ***** 5 stars ***** !!!

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Can't agree with you more on this point, Tony!