Question to Dominator and Commando 961 owners

NortonDominator2020

NortonDominator2020

Joined
Sep 12, 2022
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260
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Hello guys,

I’m very glad to find this forum and I’m sure I will learn a lot here.

I own a Norton Dominator year 2020, photos attached.
Recently when I want to slow down and down shift from gear 3 to 2 and from 2 to 1, the second I press the clutch handle the RPM drops down and the engine is turned off in the middle of the riding, if I’m in speed when I leave the clutch it can turn on again and if I’m in slow the rear wheel is obviously getting locked and it can be a dangerous situation… My mechanics tells me it is a well known issue with the Dominator and Commando 961 and that I need to put gas before pressing the clutch or to come in and raise the RPM to 1400-1600.

I don’t find this answers reasonable and will appreciate your advice on that and to ask if anyone have this issue with your 961?

Also, 200 was made from the SS. How many was made from the regular ones like mine later on?

How do I upload pictures?;)

Thank you so much!
Michael
 
NortonDominator2020 said:
Hello guys,

I’m very glad to find this forum and I’m sure I will learn a lot here.

I own a Norton Dominator year 2020, photos attached.
Recently when I want to slow down and down shift from gear 3 to 2 and from 2 to 1, the second I press the clutch handle the RPM drops down and the engine is turned off in the middle of the riding, if I’m in speed when I leave the clutch it can turn on again and if I’m in slow the rear wheel is obviously getting locked and it can be a dangerous situation… My mechanics tells me it is a well known issue with the Dominator and Commando 961 and that I need to put gas before pressing the clutch or to come in and raise the RPM to 1400-1600.

I don’t find this answers reasonable and will appreciate your advice on that and to ask if anyone have this issue with your 961?

Also, 200 was made from the SS. How many was made from the regular ones like mine later on?

How do I upload pictures?;)

Thank you so much!
Michael
Click to expand...
Michael,
Welcome, nice to have you onboard. You have to take out a VIP membership to be able to upload pictures and you are right to mistrust your mechanics opinion. There is a wealth of information to be found on this site and I trust other Domi owners will be able to help you out.
 
StuartSF2015 said:
Michael,
Welcome, nice to have you onboard. You have to take out a VIP membership to be able to upload pictures and you are right to mistrust your mechanics opinion. There is a wealth of information to be found on this site and I trust other Domi owners will be able to help you out.
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot! Can’t wait to get some answers
 
NortonDominator2020 said:
Hello guys,

I’m very glad to find this forum and I’m sure I will learn a lot here.

I own a Norton Dominator year 2020, photos attached.
Recently when I want to slow down and down shift from gear 3 to 2 and from 2 to 1, the second I press the clutch handle the RPM drops down and the engine is turned off in the middle of the riding, if I’m in speed when I leave the clutch it can turn on again and if I’m in slow the rear wheel is obviously getting locked and it can be a dangerous situation… My mechanics tells me it is a well known issue with the Dominator and Commando 961 and that I need to put gas before pressing the clutch or to come in and raise the RPM to 1400-1600.

I don’t find this answers reasonable and will appreciate your advice on that and to ask if anyone have this issue with your 961?

Also, 200 was made from the SS. How many was made from the regular ones like mine later on?

How do I upload pictures?;)

Thank you so much!
Michael
Click to expand...
Hi Michael Welcome. I have a 2015 Dominator and never had that problem nor have I heard of it but, as mentioned, they can be challenging. I am sure one of the more technically minded on the group will post a suitable reply.
 
Michael,
Welcome.
I haven't heard of your specific issue before, but there have been a few instances of engines stopping when the rider pulls in the clutch to stop at a traffic light. Don't know if your issue may be related.
There may be an issue with the TPS sensor.
We have some forum members who work on 961's, I'm sure they will chime in shortly.
 
First rule - Don't DON'T touch the throttle before starting. If you twist throttle before starting it will cause your engine to romp( rpms up and down on it's own). Mine will romp somedays then turn off ignition ,wait a few seconds and the computer will rest. Off you go! My 961 will have a day that it will shut off when coming to a stop. Starts right up and may not do it for a week. TPS I am told is a problem I have not changed mine. Because these aren't available in USA the members have compiled a list of replacement (Bosch and Honda)parts. Some will recommend replacing thing right away. I do it as needed
 
mean gene said:
First rule - Don't DON'T touch the throttle before starting. If you twist throttle before starting it will cause your engine to romp( rpms up and down on it's own). Mine will romp somedays then turn off ignition ,wait a few seconds and the computer will rest. Off you go! My 961 will have a day that it will shut off when coming to a stop. Starts right up and may not do it for a week. TPS I am told is a problem I have not changed mine. Because these aren't available in USA the members have compiled a list of replacement (Bosch and Honda)parts. Some will recommend replacing thing right away. I do it as needed
Click to expand...
First rule of 961 Club. Don't DON'T touch the throttle before starting. ;)
 
HI Micheal. What you describe accurately describes the issue I had with my bike, and I was able to resolve it. I would start with a check around the IAC as Voodooo suggests, looking for leaks or similar in the hoses or fittings.

The reason it's stated not to touch throttle on startup, is that the ECU references TPS value as zero at that time. if you move the throttle at that time, the ECU will see that TPS value as zero, with somewhat undesirable outcomes......
 
Last edited:
Voodooo said:
I have a Domi and a commando 961. I don’t have that issues on either bike.

Are you saying when you engage the clutch the rpm drops and stalls?

How does the bike idle when in neutral?

Is your hoses off at the IAC valve?
Are the hose clamps tight?
Are your throttle body fasteners tight?
Any vacuum leaks?
Enough fuel in the tank?
Loose fuses or relays?
Spark plugs worn?
Click to expand...
Hello Voodoo, thank you.
In neutral the engine works beautifully and will never shut down.
ONLY when I press the clutch to down shift from 3 to 2 and from 2 to 1 the RPM drops down and engine shut down…
What do you think?
 
mean gene said:
First rule - Don't DON'T touch the throttle before starting. If you twist throttle before starting it will cause your engine to romp( rpms up and down on it's own). Mine will romp somedays then turn off ignition ,wait a few seconds and the computer will rest. Off you go! My 961 will have a day that it will shut off when coming to a stop. Starts right up and may not do it for a week. TPS I am told is a problem I have not changed mine. Because these aren't available in USA the members have compiled a list of replacement (Bosch and Honda)parts. Some will recommend replacing thing right away. I do it as needed
Click to expand...
I never did or will do that
 
Gojuu said:
HI Micheal. What you describe accurately describes the issue I had with my bike, and I was able to resolve it. I would start with a check around the IAC as Voodooo suggests, looking for leaks or similar in the hoses or fittings.

The reason it's stated not to touch throttle on startup, is that the ECU references TPS value as zero at that time. if you move the throttle at that time, the ECU will see that TPS value as zero, with somewhat undesirable outcomes......
Click to expand...
Hello sir,
In neutral the engine works beautifully and will never shut down.
ONLY when I press the clutch to down shift from 3 to 2 and from 2 to 1 the RPM drops down and the engine shut down…
Is that exactly the issue you had?
What do you think?
 
I had those issues, mines a 2018 961 commando. Sent it back and had some sensors changed, will have to check my paperwork to see what was done. The sensors and relays fitted were of budget quality so they have been swapped out now and its runnung well. Lamda sensors and then the TPS sensor but there was another one, something like head temperature sensor. Hope to post more later
 
Welshrugby said:
I had those issues, mines a 2018 961 commando. Sent it back and had some sensors changed, will have to check my paperwork to see what was done. The sensors and relays fitted were of budget quality so they have been swapped out now and its runnung well. Lamda sensors and then the TPS sensor but there was another one, something like head temperature sensor. Hope to post more later
Click to expand...
Thanks, you had the exact issue when down shifting? Or the engine was shut down often with no reason?
 
NortonDominator2020 said:
Hello guys,

I’m very glad to find this forum and I’m sure I will learn a lot here.

I own a Norton Dominator year 2020, photos attached.
Recently when I want to slow down and down shift from gear 3 to 2 and from 2 to 1, the second I press the clutch handle the RPM drops down and the engine is turned off in the middle of the riding, if I’m in speed when I leave the clutch it can turn on again and if I’m in slow the rear wheel is obviously getting locked and it can be a dangerous situation… My mechanics tells me it is a well known issue with the Dominator and Commando 961 and that I need to put gas before pressing the clutch or to come in and raise the RPM to 1400-1600.

I don’t find this answers reasonable and will appreciate your advice on that and to ask if anyone have this issue with your 961?

Also, 200 was made from the SS. How many was made from the regular ones like mine later on?

How do I upload pictures?;)

Thank you so much!
Michael
Click to expand...
Welcome to Access Norton.

What happens when you pull in the clutch with the bike idling in neutral, does it keep running?

As mentioned earlier, check the hose between the Idle control motor (the IAC) and the the injector body for leaks splits and that it is seated properly. Also if it has no hose clips fit some.
 
NortonDominator2020 said:
Hello guys,

I’m very glad to find this forum and I’m sure I will learn a lot here.

I own a Norton Dominator year 2020, photos attached.
Recently when I want to slow down and down shift from gear 3 to 2 and from 2 to 1, the second I press the clutch handle the RPM drops down and the engine is turned off in the middle of the riding, if I’m in speed when I leave the clutch it can turn on again and if I’m in slow the rear wheel is obviously getting locked and it can be a dangerous situation… My mechanics tells me it is a well known issue with the Dominator and Commando 961 and that I need to put gas before pressing the clutch or to come in and raise the RPM to 1400-1600.

I don’t find this answers reasonable and will appreciate your advice on that and to ask if anyone have this issue with your 961?

Also, 200 was made from the SS. How many was made from the regular ones like mine later on?

How do I upload pictures?;)

Thank you so much!
Michael
Click to expand...
I totally forgot to write that it start to be like that a few minutes after I ride and the bike is worm, and when it happens: the engine malfunction indicator warning light is on yellow ...
 
NortonDominator2020 said:
Hello guys,

I’m very glad to find this forum and I’m sure I will learn a lot here.

I own a Norton Dominator year 2020, photos attached.
Recently when I want to slow down and down shift from gear 3 to 2 and from 2 to 1, the second I press the clutch handle the RPM drops down and the engine is turned off in the middle of the riding, if I’m in speed when I leave the clutch it can turn on again and if I’m in slow the rear wheel is obviously getting locked and it can be a dangerous situation… My mechanics tells me it is a well known issue with the Dominator and Commando 961 and that I need to put gas before pressing the clutch or to come in and raise the RPM to 1400-1600.

I don’t find this answers reasonable and will appreciate your advice on that and to ask if anyone have this issue with your 961?

Also, 200 was made from the SS. How many was made from the regular ones like mine later on?

How do I upload pictures?;)

Thank you so much!
Michael
Click to expand...
I totally forgot to write that it start to be like that a few minutes after I ride and the bike is worm, and when it happens: the engine malfunction indicator warning light is on yellow
 

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