2009
Norton Commando 961 SS - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 900516 |
|---|---|
| Category | Naked bike |
| Make | Norton |
| Model | Commando 961 SS |
| Year | 2009 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | 4130 chromoly steel |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Single disc. Bremo |
| Frontbrakesdiameter | 320 mm (12.6 inches) |
| Frontsuspension | 43mm Ohlins RSU - Adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping. |
| Fronttyre | 120/70-X17 |
| Frontwheeltravel | 140 mm (5.5 inches) |
| Rake | 24.5° |
| Rearbrakes | Single disc. bremo |
| Rearbrakesdiameter | 220 mm (8.7 inches) |
| Rearsuspension | Ohlins reservoir-style twin shocks - Adjstable ride height, preload, compression, and rebound damping. |
| Reartyre | 180/55-x17 |
| Rearwheeltravel | 102 mm (4.0 inches) |
| Trail | 102 mm (4.0 inches) |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 88.0 x 79.0 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches) |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Cush drive clutch |
| Compression | 10.1:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Air |
| Displacement | 961.00 ccm (58.64 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Twin, four-stroke |
| Exhaustsystem | 1 3/4 inch header system with merged collector and twin mufflers with catalytic converters. |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor. Twin 39mm Keihin FCR |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Ignition | Crank fired electronic |
| Lubricationsystem | Dry sump |
| Power | 80.00 HP (58.4 kW)) @ 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 88.14 Nm (9.0 kgf-m or 65.0 ft.lbs) @ 5200 RPM |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
| Valvespercylinder | 2 |
Other Specifications
| Coloroptions | Black/gold |
|---|---|
| Comments | Carbon fiber wheels. |
| Starter | Electric |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 188.2 kg (415.0 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Fuelcapacity | 17.03 litres (4.50 gallons) |
| Oilcapacity | 3.30 litres (0.22 quarts) |
| Powerweightratio | 0.4250 HP/kg |
| Seatheight | 813 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.