2020
Norton Commando 961 California - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 320831 |
|---|---|
| Category | Allround |
| Make | Norton |
| Model | Commando 961 California |
| Year | 2020 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | Steel tubular with integral oil tank. |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Double disc |
| Frontbrakesdiameter | 320 mm (12.6 inches) |
| Frontsuspension | 43mm Ohlins RWU - adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping |
| Fronttyre | 120/70-17 |
| Frontwheeltravel | 115 mm (4.5 inches) |
| Rake | 24.5° |
| Rearbrakes | Single disc. Brembo system, 2 piston “Gold Line” calliper. ABS. |
| Rearbrakesdiameter | 220 mm (8.7 inches) |
| Rearsuspension | Twin-sided steel swing arm. Ohlins reservoir-style twin shocks - Adjustable ride height, preload, compression |
| Reartyre | 180/55-17 |
| Rearwheeltravel | 100 mm (3.9 inches) |
| Seat | Optional dual seat |
| Trail | 99 mm (3.9 inches) |
| Wheels | Polished aluminium rims |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 88.0 x 79.0 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches) |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate hydraulic lifter |
| Compression | 10.0:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Oil & air |
| Displacement | 961.00 ccm (58.64 cubic inches) |
| Driveline | Constant mesh |
| Emissiondetails | 3 way catalytic converter. Euro IV. |
| Enginedetails | Twin, four-stroke |
| Enginetype | Push-rod valve actuation, 3 bearing crank and balancer shaft. |
| Exhaustsystem | Stailess steel |
| 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, Grey, Light Blue |
|---|---|
| Electrical | 300 watt hi-output charging system. |
| Instruments | Analogue speedo and tachometer |
| Starter | Electric |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 188.0 kg (414.5 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Fuelcapacity | 17.00 litres (4.49 gallons) |
| Powerweightratio | 0.4255 HP/kg |
| Seatheight | 810 mm (31.9 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.