roofus said:
Upside down forks are reported to be better (stiffer) however I doubt most people can tell the difference. They look "cooler" and cost more, so I guess that makes them better! ;-)
A Trivia Note on Canadian 961's
My Sport came with Upside down forks and radial brakes because Norton Canada originally sent an SE to Transport Canada for import approval and they are stock on that model. Getting a motorcycle approved for import into Canada is a slow and expensive process and Norton Canada didn't want to go to the trouble of getting each version of the 961 approved. As a consequence all 961's imported into Canada come with upside down forks and radial brakes.
The Olin Right Way Up (RWU) forks are superb as well, and for normal street/highway use, more than adequate for any rider. They also provide a more Classic appearance to the 961. They provide the look that Dreer originally intended the bike to have.
Upside downs were the idea of Garner's boys later on. They impart a different, sportier quality to bike.
Variety is the spice of life.