The last day...

Fast Eddie

Fast Eddie

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Well today was the day. My last day as a 961 owner. I rode the 961 to the dealers and the Monster back home.

First time I’ve ridden a Monster with open pipes, de cat and re map and, rather like Norton’s, it makes a huge difference, but that’s another story.

What I really wanted to share was this, especially for all you 961 owners currently going through the sell or keep conundrum... it was a very sad feeling parting ways with the 961 today, in fact leaving it behind didn’t feel right AT ALL.

My mate didn’t help when he said “you’re mad getting rid of that...you’ll regret it you know” !

Perhaps he’s right... just gotta keep reminding myself I only have so much space...
 
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I can sympathize with that. I'm too crowded to buy another bike right now, and I feel the limitation. But for me, I've been a Norton guy for so long that I just can't imagine not owning at least one of the new ones. My plan is to just keep on "improving" it until it suits me. Might take a while:D. Hard to fault the Monster. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I almost bought one, but went with a Multistrada instead because of the great ergonomics for an old guy. And you probably will regret selling the 961 now and then. I have several bikes I've sold that I wish I still had. Top of the list are the TZ750, 500 Manx, and the Production Racer. And I sold them all cheap, at least by today's standards:(. But for most of us, if we want to try a different bike, it means selling off one to finance it and make space.

Ken
 
Can't fault you on your choice of the Monster.
The Monster has great torque, power and its own basso profundo exhaust note to keep you happy.
Enjoy.
 
Missus and two daughters hate it.

Oh well... good job I de-pillionised it...

The last day...
 

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  • The last day...
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Looks like a lovely new bike but understand the last minutes doubts on the 961. I sold one a couple of weeks ago and still not sure i’ve Done the right thing. It was a unique one that will be impossible to replace.
Oh well, it’s gone now. Only the new one can make me feel better about that lol!
 
Fast Eddie,
It's a shame you had to let your pretty 961 go. I know you'll miss it but I also know you're going to have a blast with the Monster. I rode my S4RS to work today, yesterday I rode the '95 Ducati Supersport and Tuesday I rode the 961. Riding makes going to and from work a treat for me. I sold the Supersport once and felt terrible about it. I bought it back a few months later and won't do that again. Though crowded, I can always find space to park a motorcycle (some in the living room). I saved money for my first bike when I was a kid until I could afford to buy it, and now I save money to get every one I buy. I do not owe any money on motorcycles and when I find one I like I keep it. I don't usually buy one that I'm not happy with after I get it. They don't eat much once you get them the way you want. I find I'm pretty happy with the twelve motorcycles I own, and have no thoughts of getting rid of any except for the Harley dresser when I decide to get a newer model. You know exactly what you had with the 961 and if you can keep track of it maybe it'll come back home. I enjoy all motorcycles (and some motorcyclists) and I have enjoyed your input on this forum. I really look forward to your reports on the 1330 Egli. As far as the Monster, it isn't the fastest but way more than any mortal needs. It's so quick though, you'll have to be careful you don't swallow your tongue. Like Ken says I'll keep my 961 and hopefully keep "improving" it until it suits me too (wish the factory would have done that before I bought it).
Ride safe, Charlie
 
I totally understand the remorse. Even the 821 Duc Monster is a way superior bike. Totally different ride. They, by comparison, are just so damned ugly. Most modern bikes are. They look like grasshoppers. But.....its all about the ride. And having ridden the 1200S a few times....man, what a ride. And comfy too.
Man.....and you had the best looking 961 I've ever seen. Yup....you deserve to be remorseful. Stay safe on that thing. And take my guilt tripping sarcasm with a grain of salt.;)
 
When I went to the NEC bike show back in November 2017, I was close to ordering a monster 1200, then visited the Norton stand and couldn't resist. Were you happy with the price you got for your 961 Nigel
 
Welshrugby said:
When I went to the NEC bike show back in November 2017, I was close to ordering a monster 1200, then visited the Norton stand and couldn't resist. Were you happy with the price you got for your 961 Nigel
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The PX price I got was the same as I’d been offering it to people for by ‘word of mouth’ but did not include the various extra I’ve since sold or kept. So yes, very happy with it. Although I did view it as a new bike that’s bound to depreciate, rather than an ‘investment’. In other words, I was realistic about taking a hit.
 
I have always faired pretty well on bike sales

1996 Ninja ZX6R bought for £6500 sold 6 years later for £3800
2001 Hog 883 low, bought on ebay for £3900, sold 7 years later on ebay for £3100
2006 Moto Guzzi V7 Special, bought for £6999 sold 6 years later, £4750

I figured with the 961 bought for £16,500 and £4500 worth of extras, I would be able to shift it at least for the same amount or even more in time. But maybe I was being a bit hopefull looking at the prices some are selling thiers for on ebay. Anyway, nothing I have to worry about as no plans to sell.
 
You probably got less than you wanted because they had to fit more fork reflectors and paint those coach lines on the back cowl
 
Welshrugby said:
You probably got less than you wanted because they had to fit more fork reflectors and paint those coach lines on the back cowl
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Genuine, original, unused, rare, collectible reflectors were included in the sale for the next owner to cherish.

Ditto long pipes and cat!

Now have some Ducati ones surplus to requirements...
 
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There seem to be 5 times as many 'components' and thus 20 times as many fasteners on this Duc compared to the 961!

And I've yet to find a stainless fastener, kinda took 'em for granted on the 961. Most of the Ducs fasteners seem to be finished in the cheapest possible 'keep it looking nice in the showroom' kind of plating. Most un Norton like.

An all weather rider would struggle keeping one of these Ducs in good nick me thinks, although that's not likely to concern me too much :rolleyes:
 
Voodooo said:
I’d love to get me a new 1200 R monster
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In black I presume?

The R is very nice. Hope I don’t see too many cos whenever I do I’m gonna think ‘wish I’d gone for one ‘o them’ !

Have you seen the staggering array of CF parts available?

Jus’ sayin’...

P.S. I think pillion accommodation is a bit of a joke tho unless your passengers are max 5ft or so.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Although I did view it as a new bike that’s bound to depreciate, rather than an ‘investment’. In other words, I was realistic about taking a hit.
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I expected a fair amount of depreciation. But the price I got for my 3 1/2 year old bike was more like what I’d expect after 10 years ... about half. Maybe all that CF was not a good investment after all?
 
Fast Eddie said:
In black I presume?

The R is very nice. Hope I don’t see too many cos whenever I do I’m gonna think ‘wish I’d gone for one ‘o them’ !

Have you seen the staggering array of CF parts available?

Jus’ sayin’...

P.S. I think pillion accommodation is a bit of a joke tho unless your passengers are max 5ft or so.
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Red. I don’t see any color options available on their website for the R version.
Passenger? I don’t need no stinking passenger lol.

Yes on the carbon.
 
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