Proper British Bike in My Garage ... FINALLY!

italia · Sep 20, 2017

I'm honored to join the Norton fold and know I'll learn a lot from you guys!

On paper this bike doesn't impress. 80hp. No ABS. No slipper clutch. No traction control. No wheelie control. No adjustable maps. No Quickshifter. But having taken delivery today and been out for its first ride, it's everything I thought a proper British bike should be, except much better suspension! It makes a lovely racket; just enough vibration to remind you it's not some silly smooth inline four. There's no logic behind acquiring this bike. But I think it's gonna bring smiles to my face for many years. My first non-Italian bike. A new 2016 Norton Commando 961 SF MkII. And I think there's room in the garage for another bike. Or two!

Proper British Bike in My Garage ... FINALLY!

speirmoor · Sep 20, 2017

Beautiful, Congrats !

richard-7 · Sep 21, 2017

Love the bikes but want to see more of that Porche. What year? 69??

BPHORSEGUY · Sep 21, 2017

Comgrats, now you need pipes!

italia · Sep 21, 2017

richard-7 said:
Love the bikes but want to see more of that Porche. What year? 69??

Thanks. '72

italia · Sep 21, 2017

BPHORSEGUY said:
Comgrats, now you need pipes!

Definitely! I ordered the Norton mid-crossover pipe and short exhaust cans three weeks ago. They're still not here.

Britfan60 · Sep 21, 2017

FINALLY!! SOMEBODY THAT GETS IT!! Yes. Its not just a retro looking bike. It has the grunt, ride, vibes sound looks and solid construction that a Brit bike should have. Its not an Asian bike that looks like a Brit bike from yesteryear. Hope you get your pipes AND remapping soon. World of difference. They sound BOSS!! Later. Have fun. Post more photos of those other toys. What's the convertible? A TR7?

G81 Can Cycle · Sep 21, 2017

Welcome to the group I can tell from your 961 choice that you are a man of class and intelligence LOL

Fast Eddie · Sep 21, 2017

Congratulations sir, nice looking bike.

BTW I think you're wrong regarding the absence of wheelie control on Nortons. I think you'll find that Norton cleverly built this in to the rear wheel horsepower figure... :wink:

cehenard · Sep 21, 2017

Congratulations. Right frame of mind. Enjoy that bike.

glb · Sep 21, 2017

Excellent bike Have fun and who said you can't wheelie on one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB3_a_NKAtM

BritTwit · Sep 21, 2017

italia said:
I'm honored to join the Norton fold and know I'll learn a lot from you guys!

On paper this bike doesn't impress. 80hp. No ABS. No slipper clutch. No traction control. No wheelie control. No adjustable maps. No Quickshifter. But having taken delivery today and been out for its first ride, it's everything I thought a proper British bike should be, except much better suspension! It makes a lovely racket; just enough vibration to remind you it's not some silly smooth inline four. There's no logic behind acquiring this bike. But I think it's gonna bring smiles to my face for many years. My first non-Italian bike. A new 2016 Norton Commando 961 SF MkII. And I think there's room in the garage for another bike. Or two!

italia

Sounds like you know what I mean when I say owning a 961 is like having a beautiful Italian girl friend: the never ending cycle of obsession, elation, frustration.
Plus, red is the fastest color.
Nice stable of Italian machines. I have a soft spot for Ducatis as well.
Looks like you need to build a second deck in the garage.

Cheers.

contours · Sep 21, 2017

BritTwit said:
Looks like you need to build a second deck in the garage.

Cheers.

:lol:

italia · Sep 21, 2017

Britfan60 said:
FINALLY!! SOMEBODY THAT GETS IT!! Yes. Its not just a retro looking bike. It has the grunt, ride, vibes sound looks and solid construction that a Brit bike should have. Its not an Asian bike that looks like a Brit bike from yesteryear. Hope you get your pipes AND remapping soon. World of difference. They sound BOSS!! Later. Have fun. Post more photos of those other toys. What's the convertible? A TR7?

Thanks! I had the dealer remap it with the Norton 'Aftermarket' map before they shipped the bike to me. It may be running a little rich right now for the stock pipes, but hopefully the new pipes will be here soon.

'81 Alfa Spider

Here are the other toys - descriptions in my signature. The red/white MV Agusta F4RR in the garage pic belongs to a friend of mine. I'm taking it to him next week. Some photog wanted to use my track bike for a photo shoot with a model at Road Atlanta.

italia · Sep 21, 2017

BritTwit said:
italia

Sounds like you know what I mean when I say owning a 961 is like having a beautiful Italian girl friend: the never ending cycle of obsession, elation, frustration.
Plus, red is the fastest color.
Nice stable of Italian machines. I have a soft spot for Ducatis as well.
Looks like you need to build a second deck in the garage.

Cheers.

I had an Italian girlfriend once. She had a Fiat 124 Sport Spider when I met her. Married her. Today she has an '81 Alfa Spider that's parked in our garage.

Agreed, red is the fastest color!

Murph · Sep 21, 2017

We've all gone through the back and forth of should we or shouldn't we. You nailed it- there's no logic in buying one when you look at the specs but it will bring smiles to your face for years to come. Congratulations.

Britfan60 · Sep 22, 2017

Fast Eddie said:
Congratulations sir, nice looking bike.

BTW I think you're wrong regarding the absence of wheelie control on Nortons. I think you'll find that Norton cleverly built this in to the rear wheel horsepower figure... :wink:

I got mine up a bit. How about you and that shaft drive beemer?

Fast Eddie · Sep 22, 2017

Britfan60 said:
Fast Eddie said:

Congratulations sir, nice looking bike.

BTW I think you're wrong regarding the absence of wheelie control on Nortons. I think you'll find that Norton cleverly built this in to the rear wheel horsepower figure... :wink:

Click to expand...

I got mine up a bit. How about you and that shaft drive beemer?

I'm afraid not. I've seen videos of it being done though. So I can only conclude it's my own personal built in wheelie prevention !

Britfan60 · Sep 22, 2017

Fast Eddie said:
Britfan60 said:

Fast Eddie said:

Congratulations sir, nice looking bike.

BTW I think you're wrong regarding the absence of wheelie control on Nortons. I think you'll find that Norton cleverly built this in to the rear wheel horsepower figure... :wink:

Click to expand...

I got mine up a bit. How about you and that shaft drive beemer?

Click to expand...

I'm afraid not. I've seen videos of it being done though. So I can only conclude it's my own personal built in wheelie prevention !

I'd rather replace a chain and sprocket than a shaft anyday. In all honesty though, I popped the clutch a little.

TonyA · Sep 22, 2017

Hello Italia , Very nice machines ! Let us know your impression of the Commando 961 after you've ridden and owned it a while. The bike is without a doubt beautiful and can be ridden daily for long distances . BUT , it has its warts. Oh while I am thinking of this . I just had a chance to listen to a MOTUS 1650 , a bike I think I like alot . The Norton engine is quieter if you can believe it ! Here is my 961.

Proper British Bike in My Garage ... FINALLY!

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