2023
Norton Commando 961 Cafe - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 267441 |
|---|---|
| Category | Classic |
| Make | Norton |
| Model | Commando 961 Cafe |
| Year | 2023 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | Steel tubular with integral oil tank. |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Double disc. Brembo system, twin semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston callipers. ABS. |
| Frontbrakesdiameter | 320 mm (12.6 inches) |
| Frontsuspension | 43mm Ohlins upside-down forks - adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping |
| Fronttyre | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Frontwheeltravel | 115 mm (4.5 inches) |
| Rake | 24.5° |
| Rearbrakes | Single disc. Brembo system, 2 piston, ABS. |
| Rearbrakesdiameter | 240 mm (9.4 inches) |
| Rearsuspension | Twin-sided steel swing arm.43mm Öhlins upside-down forks – adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping |
| Reartyre | 180/55-ZR17 |
| Rearwheeltravel | 100 mm (3.9 inches) |
| Seat | Colour-matched seat cowl |
| Trail | 99 mm (3.9 inches) |
| Wheels | Polished aluminium rims Dunlop Sportmax tyres. |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 88.0 x 79.0 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches) |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate |
| Compression | 10.1:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Oil & air |
| Displacement | 961.0 ccm (58.64 cubic inches) |
| Driveline | Constant mesh |
| Enginedetails | Push-rod valve actuation, 3 bearing crank and balancer shaft. |
| Enginetype | Twin, four-stroke |
| Exhaustsystem | Stainless steel exhaust system with multiple 3-way catalytic converter |
| Fuelsystem | Injection. Crank-fired, electronic injection |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Lubricationsystem | Dry sump |
| Power | 76.8 HP (56.1 kW)) @ 7250 RPM |
| Torque | 81.0 Nm (8.3 kgf-m or 59.7 ft.lbs) @ 6300 RPM |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain (final drive) |
| Valvespercylinder | 2 |
Other Specifications
| Coloroptions | Black, Platinum |
|---|---|
| Comments | Also called Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer. |
| Electrical | 300 watt hi-output charging system. |
| Instruments | Analogue speedo and tachometer |
| Starter | Electric |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Fuelcapacity | 15.00 litres (3.96 US gallons) |
|---|---|
| Seatheight | 810 mm (31.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weightincloilgasetc | 230.0 kg (507.1 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.