2015
Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 808013 |
|---|---|
| Category | Classic |
| Make | Norton |
| Model | Commando 961 Cafe Racer |
| Year | 2015 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | Steel tubular with integral oil tank |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Double disc. Full Brembo system, twin semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston “Gold Line” axial callipers |
| Frontbrakesdiameter | 320 mm (12.6 inches) |
| Frontsuspension | 43mm Ohlins USD - Adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping. |
| Fronttyre | 120/70-17 |
| Frontwheeltravel | 115 mm (4.5 inches) |
| Rake | 24.5° |
| Rearbrakes | Single disc. Full Brembo system, 2 piston “Gold Line” calliper |
| Rearbrakesdiameter | 220 mm (8.7 inches) |
| Rearsuspension | Ohlins reservoir-style twin shocks - Adjustable ride height, reload, compression and rebound |
| Reartyre | 180/55-17 |
| Rearwheeltravel | 110 mm (4.3 inches) |
| Trail | 90 mm (3.5 inches) |
| Wheels | Stainless steel spoked polished rim |
Engine & Transmission
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate hydraulic lifter |
|---|---|
| Compression | 10.1:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Air |
| Displacement | 961.00 ccm (58.64 cubic inches) |
| Driveline | 525 “O” ring chain |
| Emissiondetails | Euro 3 compliant with electronic fuel injection and multiple 3 way catalytic converter |
| Enginedetails | Twin, four-stroke |
| Enginetype | Parallel twin with push-rod valve actuation, dry sump, 3 bearing crank and balancer shaft. |
| Exhaustsystem | Multiple 3 way catalytic converter |
| Fuelsystem | Injection |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Lubricationsystem | Dry sump |
| Power | 80.00 HP (58.4 kW)) @ 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 90.00 Nm (9.2 kgf-m or 66.4 ft.lbs) @ 5200 RPM |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
| Valvespercylinder | 2 |
Other Specifications
| Coloroptions | Black, White, Red, Green |
|---|---|
| Electrical | 300 watt hi-output charging system. |
| Instruments | Analogue speedo and tachometer. Multi-function display including mileage, trip, battery voltage and time. |
| Starter | Electric |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 188.0 kg (414.5 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Fuelcapacity | 17.03 litres (4.50 gallons) |
| Oilcapacity | 3.30 litres (0.22 quarts) |
| Powerweightratio | 0.4255 HP/kg |
| Reservefuelcapacity | 4.00 litres (1.06 gallons) |
| Seatheight | 813 mm (32.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weightincloilgasetc | 203.5 kg (448.6 pounds) |
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.