Poor Low speed performance 961 sport

Albaby · May 16, 2025

I get that the 961 is a bit ‘cluncky’ In fact I love that parallel twin rumble, however I really don’t know what are the normal performance characteristics, especially in the low gears at low speed (30 ish mph). I find it runs fantastic over 70mph / 4000 + rpm. However, when travelling at 30 mph through the town limits, as I said it’s cluncky and almost difficult to decide what gear is best ???. So, now I am wondering as to whether I may have just excepted this as being a 961 characteristic. Can anyone relate to this issue or should I expect a better low speed ride. Thanks for reading.

kommando · May 16, 2025

What gear are you using. it's a parallel twin but with offset pins unlike the original Commando.

robs ss · May 16, 2025

My '74 850 :
Above 2000rpm if I'm just trickling along
Above 2500rpm if I want to give the throttle a bigger twist.
I know it's a 360 twin, versus your 270, but similar in many respects.
Cheers

TonyA · May 16, 2025

Albaby said:
I get that the 961 is a bit ‘cluncky’ In fact I love that parallel twin rumble, however I really don’t know what are the normal performance characteristics, especially in the low gears at low speed (30 ish mph). I find it runs fantastic over 70mph / 4000 + rpm. However, when travelling at 30 mph through the town limits, as I said it’s cluncky and almost difficult to decide what gear is best ???. So, now I am wondering as to whether I may have just excepted this as being a 961 characteristic. Can anyone relate to this issue or should I expect a better low speed ride. Thanks for reading.

Keep it at or above 3000 rpm , choose the gear that maintains this engine speed .

Poor Low speed performance 961 sport

Albaby

kommando

robs ss

TonyA

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