Norton Commando 961 California vs Harley-Davidson Model J (2020)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Norton Commando 961 Californiastacks up against the Harley-Davidson Model J. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Norton Commando 961 California | Harley-Davidson Model J |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2020 | 1929 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 961 cc | 989 cc |
| Horsepower | 80 hp | — |
| Torque | 90 Nm | — |
| Weight | 188 kg | 181 kg |
| Seat height | 32 mm | — |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Double disc | — |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Brembo system, 2 piston “Gold Line” calliper. ABS. | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 120/70-17 / 180/55-17 | 3-26 / 3-26 |
Norton Commando 961 California vs Harley-Davidson Model J — which should you buy?
Picking between the Norton Commando 961 California and the Harley-Davidson Model J usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Norton Commando 961 California brings 80 hp in a 188 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson Model J counters with its own power figure at 181 kg.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: