General comment

Hello Richard and welcome your story about your cafe racer sounds veryfamiliaras I too own cafe racer and feel exactly the same way about the bike, it has a heart and soul that a lot of the new superbikes do not have, I still have my Ducati s4 fogarty monster for the summer salt free months and ride pre 65 trials in the winter on my Bsa B40 and A I am also in the process of rebuilding a 1966 Sprite, a villiers enginedBritishframed trials bike,. managed to get over to France last year myself to watch the Moto gp then a quick trip across to Brittany for a couple of days, recommended,. welcome again and fingers crossed spring arrives early,

Previously wrote:

Hi All, I've just joined as a fully paid up member 5 mins ago. Looking forward to meeting up with members and attending some events such as the Spanish 5000 bends last year!! Just to say I have a silver cafe racer purchased last year in May. I'm 43 and have ridden bikes since I was 17. I wanted to get away from sportsbikes and a spur of the moment decision broke the bank when I went for the Cafe Racer. I read with interest the comments. I can truthfully say that yes, Norton were dreadful for promising bike delivery times and didn't handle that side of it well at all. That's a fact and there's no hiding it. The important thing is they address it and move on. After getting the bike I had a few niggles which Norton dealt with quickly and efficiently. It's not the best bike I've had in terms of handling and performance, but it has SOUL and I love it. It's solidly built and although expensive, compares well to standard production Jap bikes that are not cheap now. 70mph with an open face helment now feels like 100mph! I've done over 4000 miles including France (not the best for touring obviously!!) I've had a few things done including loud pipes. Sounds like a Ducati, which may upset the purists but it's no bad thing. Happy to take questions form anyone considering or already bought one. Roll on Spring as I'm not going near road salt with it!!!

Hello And Wecome to the Norton owers club , well you now have broke the bank so that meens you not have any cash to buy a Norton from the 1950s or 60s like most of us have, I have been riding bike of well over 40 years now and had my share of spills and dragging your self out of a ditch with grass and soil all over you then you have too see what damage too the bike a when you pick it up the silencer falls off , and your foot rests are bent , yes I have got the T shirt for that many a times for that one?. but the best is when a drive pull out in front of you and you have on were too go but into the side of the car and you are flying over the top and hopefully you land on your feet if your lucky or end up in a butchers shop door way , It was only 3 days ago when a volvo estate car pulled right out in front of me but , by now I knew what he was going too do and half way across the road he sore me and then stopped in the middle of the road and backed up too let me past ,what was that all about? I had all ready got my brakes on full and came too a stop by then, You have too know the limition of your machine, and what will do and will not do as well , the New Commando 961 Is a Very Nice looking bike , well put together , so you need too look after it now , I there will not been many more made so there will be a new model as I know there work on some new ideas , it may come out 2013 we all have to wait and see , what the next bike to come out of Donington workshops is good that Norton is back on the scene, There somthing to look foward too in years too come , so a big wecome too the Club And Happy riding do enjoy you Norton Motorcycling , Yours Anna J Dixon

Previously wrote:

Previously wrote:

Hi All, I've just joined as a fully paid up member 5 mins ago. Looking forward to meeting up with members and attending some events such as the Spanish 5000 bends last year!! Just to say I have a silver cafe racer purchased last year in May. I'm 43 and have ridden bikes since I was 17. I wanted to get away from sportsbikes and a spur of the moment decision broke the bank when I went for the Cafe Racer. I read with interest the comments. I can truthfully say that yes, Norton were dreadful for promising bike delivery times and didn't handle that side of it well at all. That's a fact and there's no hiding it. The important thing is they address it and move on. After getting the bike I had a few niggles which Norton dealt with quickly and efficiently. It's not the best bike I've had in terms of handling and performance, but it has SOUL and I love it. It's solidly built and although expensive, compares well to standard production Jap bikes that are not cheap now. 70mph with an open face helment now feels like 100mph! I've done over 4000 miles including France (not the best for touring obviously!!) I've had a few things done including loud pipes. Sounds like a Ducati, which may upset the purists but it's no bad thing. Happy to take questions form anyone considering or already bought one. Roll on Spring as I'm not going near road salt with it!!!

Hello And Wecome to the Norton owers club , well you now have broke the bank so that meens you not have any cash to buy a Norton from the 1950s or 60s like most of us have, I have been riding bike of well over 40 years now and had my share of spills and dragging your self out of a ditch with grass and soil all over you then you have too see what damage too the bike a when you pick it up the silencer falls off , and your foot rests are bent , yes I have got the T shirt for that many a times for that one?. but the best is when a drive pull out in front of you and you have on were too go but into the side of the car and you are flying over the top and hopefully you land on your feet if your lucky or end up in a butchers shop door way , It was only 3 days ago when a volvo estate car pulled right out in front of me but , by now I knew what he was going too do and half way across the road he sore me and then stopped in the middle of the road and backed up too let me past ,what was that all about? I had all ready got my brakes on full and came too a stop by then, You have too know the limition of your machine, and what will do and will not do as well , the New Commando 961 Is a Very Nice looking bike , well put together , so you need too look after it now , I there will not been many more made so there will be a new model as I know there work on some new ideas , it may come out 2013 we all have to wait and see , what the next bike to come out of Donington workshops is good that Norton is back on the scene, There somthing to look foward too in years too come , so a big wecome too the Club And Happy riding do enjoy you Norton Motorcycling , Yours Anna J Dixon

Hello Richard, good to see another 961 owner on here! I have a 961 Sport which I also had to wait for a lot longer than at first promised. However as you say it was well worth the wait and any initial problems were sorted very swiftly, I have done around 4,000 miles since it was delivered in March. I hope you are not put off by Anna's post(that's if you can understand it) I don't think you need any advice if you have been riding for 26 years! However she means well I think.

I also have a Norton 850 Commando Roadster and 650ss and although I enjoy riding them all as you would expect the 961 has far superior braking/handling and power. I also owned a Ducati Monster S4R a few years back and as you say they sound and feel very much like the 961 with around the same performance.

have anyone had a 2nd service yet? if so what sort of price was it from Norton?

Do the engine casings remain in good quality after a few thousand miles of use?

I'm asking because I saw a 961SE at Betws y Coed a little while back and umm lets just say the bike was looking a little 'tired'. I figured it looked like a bike that'd done 10k miles or more and not been garaged, I asked the owner the mileage as he was about to ride away and he shouted back 1,500 miles!!

Still waiting for my 961 Sport, 11 months since full payment, hoping for March delivery.

Previously wrote:

have anyone had a 2nd service yet? if so what sort of price was it from Norton?

Do the engine casings remain in good quality after a few thousand miles of use?

I'm asking because I saw a 961SE at Betws y Coed a little while back and umm lets just say the bike was looking a little 'tired'. I figured it looked like a bike that'd done 10k miles or more and not been garaged, I asked the owner the mileage as he was about to ride away and he shouted back 1,500 miles!!

Still waiting for my 961 Sport, 11 months since full payment, hoping for March delivery.

Hi Derek, I can't believe that you are still waiting for your 961 Sport, that is outrageous! What reason have they given for the delay?

I have not had the second service yet but the first one was less than £100 and they came to my house and collected it FOC the service was carried out at Donnington or they also offer to service it at your home if you have a garage suitable. My bike looks as good as new after 4,000 miles I had a new rear tyre fitted at 3,000 miles, the engine cases and the rest of the bike are excellent and have no corrosion. I used it all summer and last rode it less than a week ago so it's got wet a few times but not on salted roads! The finish is superb including paintwork, I have several other bikes but this is one of the best and certainly gets the most attention even more than my old Triumph's and Norton 850 Commando Roadster.

Cheers, John Mc

thanks John and Richard for sharing your experiences of ownership. Yes it's been a long wait with various excuses but it sounds like it may well be worth it in the end.

cheers Derek.

Having just read the above ,still more depressed about delivery. Ordered and paid in full for a Sport model November 2010 - and still waiting ... (drums fingers and grits teeth) ...patiently !

Anybody out there know how much to shorten the stand by? my 961 sport decided to fall over in my garage when I was cleaning it. I seen it somewhere that someonetook off about 5mm and someone else 10 mm, I thought about 8mm between return spring and the push down rod on stand, don't want bike to lean over to far, but notstand so upright, even worrying when getting fuel !!

Any tips appreciated.

Clive Willis

Previously wrote:

Anybody out there know how much to shorten the stand by? my 961 sport decided to fall over in my garage when I was cleaning it. I seen it somewhere that someonetook off about 5mm and someone else 10 mm, I thought about 8mm between return spring and the push down rod on stand, don't want bike to lean over to far, but notstand so upright, even worrying when getting fuel !!

Any tips appreciated.!

Clive willis

Hey Clive, I have also been concerned when refuelling and almost dropped the bike when getting off with the stand down! I have to be really careful when I park that the surface is lower where the stand touches. I have had the bike for well over a year now and I was hoping Norton would come up with a modified stand as everyone has had this problem. I would also be pleased to hear what is the best solution, if not I will have to remove a small amount at a time until I find the optimum.

Hi NOC members

Being the owner of a 961se number185, was asked at the time would I like to purchase Bremont watch with matching number, I said yes, thought nice package, with bike & watch only produced in two hundred batches. I have since heard that this system did not go to any sort of plan, because some watches were not offered to early buyers of bikes, but instead went to collectors. Can anyone say wether they have heard similar stories?

Peter Gunn

To all members

Have read in an article about paddock stands, but cannot find any answer either.

So - just to let you know that Hein Gericke are selling an Oxford paddock stand for £44-99. It fits under the swing arm and has rubber feet so no damaged caused.

Peter Gunn

Hello all

Re paddock stands all 961s have a M6 boss welded into the swing arm, simply screw 2off short M6 screws in too use bobbin type paddock stand for cleaning or garage purposes, Totally agree concerning side stand, choice of position when parking up is most important, the stand is far to long and really and does need action from Norton.

Spring is coming ever closer nearly time to put the trials bikes away

Paul

After talking to another 961 owner I bought from Ghostbikes a "Black" paddock stand, cost £34.99 and the bobbins for a couple of quid more. Light but strong and very easy to use.

My 961 was built July '12 and I don't have any issues with the sidestand, maybe Norton have sorted it on the newer bikes?

Hello All

I have today contacted Norton Motorcycles concerning the side stand on my bike as it too does stand at a very steep angle and I have had a couple of near misses and have just caught it in time, They at very quick notice contacted me and are having the bike picked up to have a look at the problem, I would like to say how quick the lads at the factory have responded to my inquiryand how nice to see goodcustomer relations,what a difference than the old days.

Keep smiling

Paul

I ordered my silver cafe racer in February 2012 and it was delivered in March this year, so pretty much what I expected. I'm looking forward to getting it run in and having the louder pipes fitted. I agrees with the comments about the side stand, the bike sits too upright and I'm very wary when parking it, Even worse, when I wheeled the bike out of the garage today for another run, the side stand snapped off as I was releasing the weight of the bike onto it. Luckily I hadn't let go of the handlebars, so it didn't hit the deck. Interesting predicament when you are left holding a bike that you can't release. The weld doesn't look nearly substantial enough to take the weight so I hope the replacement is going to be a lot stronger, otherwise I will be a nervous wreck each time I park it.

Update - excellent service from Norton. Spoke to Seanwho shipped a replacement stand the same day (I agreed to fit it myself to save time, as it's easy enough). I noticed that the replacement had much more weld around the joint. I understand from talking to Sean that Norton doa full quality investigation into something like this. It's good to be able to talk directly to someone who takes your issue seriously. Just need some more fine weather now to get the engine run in.

Previously paul_hailey wrote:

Update - excellent service from Norton. Spoke to Seanwho shipped a replacement stand the same day (I agreed to fit it myself to save time, as it's easy enough). I noticed that the replacement had much more weld around the joint. I understand from talking to Sean that Norton doa full quality investigation into something like this. It's good to be able to talk directly to someone who takes your issue seriously. Just need some more fine weather now to get the engine run in.

Hello Paul

I have also had my side stand modified as I also had a couple of close shaves with bike being to vertical when parked on the side stand, Spoke to Norton and they sorted issue straight away, first class service cannot ask for more, fingers crossed for some decent weather.

Regards

Paul Baddeley

Previously paul_baddeley wrote:

Previously paul_hailey wrote:

Update - excellent service from Norton. Spoke to Seanwho shipped a replacement stand the same day (I agreed to fit it myself to save time, as it's easy enough). I noticed that the replacement had much more weld around the joint. I understand from talking to Sean that Norton doa full quality investigation into something like this. It's good to be able to talk directly to someone who takes your issue seriously. Just need some more fine weather now to get the engine run in.

Hello Paul

I have also had my side stand modified as I also had a couple of close shaves with bike being to vertical when parked on the side stand, Spoke to Norton and they sorted issue straight away, first class service cannot ask for more, fingers crossed for some decent weather.

Regards

Paul Baddeley

Hi Paul and Paul,

I have a Triumph T100 and am thinking of trading up to a new Norton 961 Sport with dual seat. As you've both had your 961s for some time now could you let me know how happy you are with them and their handling, etc.

Thanks, Leigh Gubb

Hello Leigh

I have had mine now for 2 years have not done as many miles as I should have but I cannot fault mine at all, Had a few mods done, some by Norton and some to make Nelly mine, CRG levers, reservoir caps etc, got rid of those crap mirrors all bike manufactures fit and fitted a CRG bar end folding Hindsite mirror. The service I have received from Norton has been first class.Everything I have asked has been done with no issues, all the lads on site are brilliant and cannot be praised enough. I hope this is of use to you good luck and happy miles.

Paul.

I can echo the quality back up service provided by Norton. The only small issue has been an indicator problem traced to a loose earth wire quickly fixed during itsfirst 500 mile service a couple of weeks ago - bike was collected on a monday and I got it back on the thursday all checked and serviced.

Really enjoying the summer riding on this great bike.

Previously leigh_gubb wrote:

Previously paul_baddeley wrote:

Previously paul_hailey wrote:

Update - excellent service from Norton. Spoke to Seanwho shipped a replacement stand the same day (I agreed to fit it myself to save time, as it's easy enough). I noticed that the replacement had much more weld around the joint. I understand from talking to Sean that Norton doa full quality investigation into something like this. It's good to be able to talk directly to someone who takes your issue seriously. Just need some more fine weather now to get the engine run in.

Hello Paul

I have also had my side stand modified as I also had a couple of close shaves with bike being to vertical when parked on the side stand, Spoke to Norton and they sorted issue straight away, first class service cannot ask for more, fingers crossed for some decent weather.

Regards

Paul Baddeley

Hi Paul and Paul,

I have a Triumph T100 and am thinking of trading up to a new Norton 961 Sport with dual seat. As you've both had your 961s for some time now could you let me know how happy you are with them and their handling, etc.

Thanks, Leigh Gubb

Hi Leigh, I have had a 961 Sport since March 2011, I've done just over 5,000 miles and the bike is excellent and gets better with more miles. I had a few minor problems early on but it was one of the early bikes, however the problems were sorted by the Donnington factory swiftly. The service was excellent they collected the bike fixed it and returned it in less than a week. I believe the early problems have all been rectified now so you should not have any issues now.

I had a 2008 T100 prior to the 961 which was also a superb bike. I did 6,500 miles on the T100 in 18 months with no problems. I would say that the T100 is easier to live with compared to the 961 especially at first. However the peformance and handling of the 961 is far superior and it feels a lot more sporty. I think it feels very much like a Ducati Monster to ride with the same level of vibration. I have seen 130mph on the speedo where my T100 would not do much over 100mph, the best I saw was just under 110mph. The 961 will easily do 110mph without really trying. Also the depreciation is almost nill, I paid £12k for mine and it's probably worth more now!

Cheers, John

Previously john_mcnicoll wrote:

Previously leigh_gubb wrote:

Previously paul_baddeley wrote:

Previously paul_hailey wrote:

Update - excellent service from Norton. Spoke to Seanwho shipped a replacement stand the same day (I agreed to fit it myself to save time, as it's easy enough). I noticed that the replacement had much more weld around the joint. I understand from talking to Sean that Norton doa full quality investigation into something like this. It's good to be able to talk directly to someone who takes your issue seriously. Just need some more fine weather now to get the engine run in.

Hello Paul

I have also had my side stand modified as I also had a couple of close shaves with bike being to vertical when parked on the side stand, Spoke to Norton and they sorted issue straight away, first class service cannot ask for more, fingers crossed for some decent weather.

Regards

Paul Baddeley

Hi Paul and Paul,

I have a Triumph T100 and am thinking of trading up to a new Norton 961 Sport with dual seat. As you've both had your 961s for some time now could you let me know how happy you are with them and their handling, etc.

Thanks, Leigh Gubb

Hi Leigh, I have had a 961 Sport since March 2011, I've done just over 5,000 miles and the bike is excellent and gets better with more miles. I had a few minor problems early on but it was one of the early bikes, however the problems were sorted by the Donnington factory swiftly. The service was excellent they collected the bike fixed it and returned it in less than a week. I believe the early problems have all been rectified now so you should not have any issues now.

I had a 2008 T100 prior to the 961 which was also a superb bike. I did 6,500 miles on the T100 in 18 months with no problems. I would say that the T100 is easier to live with compared to the 961 especially at first. However the peformance and handling of the 961 is far superior and it feels a lot more sporty. I think it feels very much like a Ducati Monster to ride with the same level of vibration. I have seen 130mph on the speedo where my T100 would not do much over 100mph, the best I saw was just under 110mph. The 961 will easily do 110mph without really trying. Also the depreciation is almost nill, I paid £12k for mine and it's probably worth more now!

Cheers, John

Thanks John,

Your comments are much appreciated as I have just sold my 1960 Std88 and I want to buy something a bit out of the ordinary and I think that the Norton is.

Cheers

Previously paul_baddeley wrote:

Hello Leigh

I have had mine now for 2 years have not done as many miles as I should have but I cannot fault mine at all, Had a few mods done, some by Norton and some to make Nelly mine, CRG levers, reservoir caps etc, got rid of those crap mirrors all bike manufactures fit and fitted a CRG bar end folding Hindsite mirror. The service I have received from Norton has been first class.Everything I have asked has been done with no issues, all the lads on site are brilliant and cannot be praised enough. I hope this is of use to you good luck and happy miles.

Paul.

Thanks for the reply Paul.

Looks very positive to me so I'll be hoping to get a ride at the Donington works sooner raher than later.

Cheers

Previously james_fanning wrote:

I can echo the quality back up service provided by Norton. The only small issue has been an indicator problem traced to a loose earth wire quickly fixed during itsfirst 500 mile service a couple of weeks ago - bike was collected on a monday and I got it back on the thursday all checked and serviced.

Really enjoying the summer riding on this great bike.

Thanks for your input James.

All the replies I have got are excellent. Need to get a trial ride on one to make sure I fit it.

Leigh