Norton 961 SS Commando - Specifications & Review

961 SS Commando

Article Complete Info

Articleid626744
CategoryNaked bike
MakeNorton
Model961 SS Commando
Year2007

Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels

Frametype4130 chrome molybden steel
FrontbrakesSingle disc. Bremo 4 piston gold line
Frontbrakesdiameter320 mm (12.6 inches)
Frontsuspension43mm Ohlins RSU - Adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping.
Fronttyre120/70-X17
Frontwheeltravel139 mm (5.5 inches)
Rake24.5°
RearbrakesSingle disc. Bremo 2 piston gold line
Rearbrakesdiameter220 mm (8.7 inches)
RearsuspensionOhlins reservoir-style twin shocks - Adjstable ride height, preload, compression, and rebound damping.
Reartyre180/55-x17
Rearwheeltravel102 mm (4.0 inches)
Trail101 mm (4.0 inches)

Engine & Transmission

Borexstroke88.0 x 79.0 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches)
ClutchCush drive clutch
Compression10.1:1
CoolingsystemAir
Displacement961.00 ccm (58.64 cubic inches)
EnginedetailsTwin, four-stroke
Exhaustsystem1 3/4 inch header system with merged collector and twin mufflers with catalytic converters.
FuelsystemCarburettor. Twin 39mm Keihin FCR
Gearbox5-speed
IgnitionCrank fired electronic
Power80.00 HP (58.4 kW)) @ 6500 RPM
Torque65.00 Nm (6.6 kgf-m or 47.9 ft.lbs) @ 5200 RPM
Valvespercylinder2

Other Specifications

ColoroptionsBlack
StarterElectric

Physical Measures & Capacities

Dryweight188.2 kg (415.0 pounds)
Fuelcapacity17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)
Powerweightratio0.4250 HP/kg
Seatheight813 mm (32.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.

About Norton

Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Founder: James Lansdowne Norton
Best Known For: Isle of Man glory (Manx), Featherbed frame, Commando twins; modern V4/V-twin revivals

Company History

Few badges carry more romance than Norton: Manx singles howling over the Mountain, the Featherbed frame teaching the world about chassis stiffness, and the Commando’s rubber-mounted charisma defining a generation of British twins. Financial dramas and ownership changes punctuated the marque’s modern history, but the idea of Norton endured—elegant engines, taut handling, and a certain aristocratic restraint. Recent revivals pursued premium V4s and modernized Commandos with contemporary electronics and finishes, aiming to reconcile heritage with present-day reliability and compliance. Enthusiasts remain drawn to the riding experience: steering that reads the road, engines that speak through the bars, and ergonomics suited to fast B-roads. Historically, Norton is a pillar of motorcycling’s canon. Whether in classic trim under club racers or in modern carbon and billet, the name signals a commitment to the art of handling and the poetry of mechanical rhythm.

Other Years

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