Oil consumption

Well done and thankyou for challenging the persistent, sometimesinaccuratethrow-away remarksmade by some.

Well said Steven, I've had my 961 for 18 months from new, its done over 7,200 miles and I've topped it up with less than 1/3pint during that time.

Unfortunately like most companies Norton Motorcycles have had issues trying to establish themselves in a competitive market, my experience is that they have provided good service and are trying very hard to improve all the time.

It's a fact and a great shame that some people have had problems with their bikes especially in the early days, but it's an even bigger shame that people who have little or no experience of the bikes are so vocal in their criticism.

Andy Lodge - Yorkshire Branch Secretary.

I tried to put this on the previous thread, but it was closed. It was also written before todays MCN news of planned new Norton's, so here goes!

I suspect the reason that most 961 owners keep their heads below the parapet is that they know that any debate will be hijacked by those who know little about, and do not even own, a 961. Apparently Norton should be producing both V8 and electric bikes - strange how none of the world's volume manufacturers produce road going versions of either.

What is the obsession with 'rear wheel horsepower'? Try a factory test ride, and you will find plenty of RWHP, and masses of torque. A few years ago 'Bike' magazine took a 961 to the Isle of Man, and put Michael Dunlop on it. Their columnist wrote:- 'I love the handling, the ride quality, and the overall riding experience. It's like a very good, naked, air-cooled Ducati. And that's a good thing. But it's far more special. Every time I left it, it was surrounded by people taking snaps. It's not superbike quick, but it is quick. With Michael Dunlop aboard, on a twisty road, you would not overtake him, whatever you were riding. I'd put money on it'

Bringing a new motorcycle to volume production is extraordinarily expensive and difficult. There are easier ways of making money. Without Stuart Garner and Simon Skinner, there would probably be no continuation of the Norton brand. Both great people to talk to, but frustratingly difficult to get hold of if you have a problem. But their job is to push the business forward, they have staff to sort out problems. A bit sketchy in the past. The present 'front of house' staff are very good. If you have a problem, start with Karen, a really nice lady, and very efficient. Service technician Nick is great, he knows the bikes inside out, and nothing is too much trouble.

I had a problem with my 961 last year, leaving me seriously hacked off. But I talked to Norton, and it was fixed, with modified parts, and now runs perfectly. It doesn't use any oil.

I own, and like, Norton's of all ages.I like things made in Britain, and my 961 is hand made in Britain, by British people, using quality components. Riding it produces a grin, every time.

At the risk of repeating myself, I like it so much I have just taken delivery of another SF, built as a one -off. If you really whant to know what they are like, go and have a test ride. I think the expression is 'put up or shut up' although I doubt that will happen.

p.s. Following todays good news, I look forward to test riding the V4!

Previously roger_hainsworth wrote:

I tried to put this on the previous thread, but it was closed. It was also written before todays MCN news of planned new Norton's, so here goes!

I suspect the reason that most 961 owners keep their heads below the parapet is that they know that any debate will be hijacked by those who know little about, and do not even own, a 961. Apparently Norton should be producing both V8 and electric bikes - strange how none of the world's volume manufacturers produce road going versions of either.

What is the obsession with 'rear wheel horsepower'? Try a factory test ride, and you will find plenty of RWHP, and masses of torque. A few years ago 'Bike' magazine took a 961 to the Isle of Man, and put Michael Dunlop on it. Their columnist wrote:- 'I love the handling, the ride quality, and the overall riding experience. It's like a very good, naked, air-cooled Ducati. And that's a good thing. But it's far more special. Every time I left it, it was surrounded by people taking snaps. It's not superbike quick, but it is quick. With Michael Dunlop aboard, on a twisty road, you would not overtake him, whatever you were riding. I'd put money on it'

Bringing a new motorcycle to volume production is extraordinarily expensive and difficult. There are easier ways of making money. Without Stuart Garner and Simon Skinner, there would probably be no continuation of the Norton brand. Both great people to talk to, but frustratingly difficult to get hold of if you have a problem. But their job is to push the business forward, they have staff to sort out problems. A bit sketchy in the past. The present 'front of house' staff are very good. If you have a problem, start with Karen, a really nice lady, and very efficient. Service technician Nick is great, he knows the bikes inside out, and nothing is too much trouble.

I had a problem with my 961 last year, leaving me seriously hacked off. But I talked to Norton, and it was fixed, with modified parts, and now runs perfectly. It doesn't use any oil.

I own, and like, Norton's of all ages.I like things made in Britain, and my 961 is hand made in Britain, by British people, using quality components. Riding it produces a grin, every time.

At the risk of repeating myself, I like it so much I have just taken delivery of another SF, built as a one -off. If you really whant to know what they are like, go and have a test ride. I think the expression is 'put up or shut up' although I doubt that will happen.

p.s. Following todays good news, I look forward to test riding the V4!

Totally agree with your second paragraph. Loving my 961 had issues but have with Triumph, Harley & MV. Still there for the riding and great to see some confidence in small British Buisiness.. ð Phil

Previously steven_waight wrote:

Just for info, as the previous thread was closed by the Webmaster, my 961 has 3588 miles on it as of tonight, and has used no oil whatsoever since its first 500 mile oil change last Sept.

Due to be serviced in about a month, Ill post how i get on.

One other thing, on a previous thread postersintimated that the 961 wasnt made in Britain. Ive done the factory tour and i can confirm yes they bloody well are.

I saw thebikes literallyassembled from component parts. Im aware that some components come from abroad, but so what?

I also sat and watched an incredibly skillful young man manufacture a Domiracer tank from alloy sheet using a jig and hand alloywelding, what impressed me even more was the guys age, he was early 20s. There is life in British manufacturing yet....

If you get the chance, do the factory tour....

No one said it was not made in britain you need to read the posting right then you see what was put, most of the part are foreign made and so is the steel for the frame, the quailty is the question !

The uniformed idiotic ramblings of one half baked cretin on this public forum could put off enough potential buyers to scupper the company.

How clever will the NOC look then?

I know I shouldn't post here as I don't own a 961 and have never ridden one, so stick me in the half baked cretin category if you wish. But not in the same padded cell as the other one please. However, I am delighted that Norton is alive and producing bikes and if I could justify one I would buy one. My son, having considered one, bought a BMW instead. The cad. However, the more you talk to BMW owners and professional motorcycle mechanice, the more you realise why BMW are referred to Broken-down Motorcycles Worldwide. Makes the odd issue with 961s seem very trivial. So even the most reputable European motorcycle manufacturers are not perfect. I reckon Norton are doing pretty well.

Previously Gordon Johnston wrote:

I know I shouldn't post here as I don't own a 961 and have never ridden one, so stick me in the half baked cretin category if you wish. But not in the same padded cell as the other one please. However, I am delighted that Norton is alive and producing bikes and if I could justify one I would buy one. My son, having considered one, bought a BMW instead. The cad. However, the more you talk to BMW owners and professional motorcycle mechanice, the more you realise why BMW are referred to Broken-down Motorcycles Worldwide. Makes the odd issue with 961s seem very trivial. So even the most reputable European motorcycle manufacturers are not perfect. I reckon Norton are doing pretty well.

Gordon

Not a cretin at all and I appreciate some balanced positive feedback from someone who doesn't own a 961, thanks

Terry

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Previously steven_waight wrote:

Just for info, as the previous thread was closed by the Webmaster, my 961 has 3588 miles on it as of tonight, and has used no oil whatsoever since its first 500 mile oil change last Sept.

Due to be serviced in about a month, Ill post how i get on.

One other thing, on a previous thread postersintimated that the 961 wasnt made in Britain. Ive done the factory tour and i can confirm yes they bloody well are.

I saw thebikes literallyassembled from component parts. Im aware that some components come from abroad, but so what?

I also sat and watched an incredibly skillful young man manufacture a Domiracer tank from alloy sheet using a jig and hand alloywelding, what impressed me even more was the guys age, he was early 20s. There is life in British manufacturing yet....

If you get the chance, do the factory tour....

No one said it was not made in britain you need to read the posting right then you see what was put, most of the part are foreign made and so is the steel for the frame, the quailty is the question !

Anna. It's the 21st century please move on !!!!! ð? my offer for you to ride my sport still stands, you will see quality is NOT the question...... Terry

I, too, am happy to join the HBC ranks... but do ask this:

Does the panel think.. that with the 961 Commando, Norton might have shot themselves in the foot by NOT shooting for the moon?

Full credit to them for realising many value torque and build quality over license threatening top speeds, but in offering a parallel twin with four pushrod operated valves... a design used by virtually ALL motorcycle manufacturers in the past EIGHTY years... surrounding this neanderthal design with the best of modern technology..... surely there is no excuse for ANY problems?

To read of airboxes needing to be drained after a 'good run' smacks of the emperors new clothes... we ARE in the 21st century, no?

It's great the company IS aiming high with the new V4, and 650 twins coming too (wonder what they'll name them!), but they should be ashamed of ANY bad publicity surrounding the 961... surely?

I tried to put this on the previous thread, but it was closed. It was also written before todays MCN news of planned new Norton's, so here goes!

I suspect the reason that most 961 owners keep their heads below the parapet is that they know that any debate will be hijacked by those who know little about, and do not even own, a 961. Apparently Norton should be producing both V8 and electric bikes - strange how none of the world's volume manufacturers produce road going versions of either.

What is the obsession with 'rear wheel horsepower'? Try a factory test ride, and you will find plenty of RWHP, and masses of torque. A few years ago 'Bike' magazine took a 961 to the Isle of Man, and put Michael Dunlop on it. Their columnist wrote:- 'I love the handling, the ride quality, and the overall riding experience. It's like a very good, naked, air-cooled Ducati. And that's a good thing. But it's far more special. Every time I left it, it was surrounded by people taking snaps. It's not superbike quick, but it is quick. With Michael Dunlop aboard, on a twisty road, you would not overtake him, whatever you were riding. I'd put money on it'

Bringing a new motorcycle to volume production is extraordinarily expensive and difficult. There are easier ways of making money. Without Stuart Garner and Simon Skinner, there would probably be no continuation of the Norton brand. Both great people to talk to, but frustratingly difficult to get hold of if you have a problem. But their job is to push the business forward, they have staff to sort out problems. A bit sketchy in the past. The present 'front of house' staff are very good. If you have a problem, start with Karen, a really nice lady, and very efficient. Service technician Nick is great, he knows the bikes inside out, and nothing is too much trouble.

I had a problem with my 961 last year, leaving me seriously hacked off. But I talked to Norton, and it was fixed, with modified parts, and now runs perfectly. It doesn't use any oil.

I own, and like, Norton's of all ages.I like things made in Britain, and my 961 is hand made in Britain, by British people, using quality components. Riding it produces a grin, every time.

At the risk of repeating myself, I like it so much I have just taken delivery of another SF, built as a one -off. If you really whant to know what they are like, go and have a test ride. I think the expression is 'put up or shut up' although I doubt that will happen.

p.s. Following todays good news, I look forward to test riding the V4!

well buy your self a Honda VFR or Aprilla V4 and then you see !

Anna is once again urging Norton owners to buy different makes of motorcycle - something which is very much against the objectives of the club. Need I remind her that this clubexists to promote ALL Nortons?

Conduct unbecoming in my opinion.

Previously Gordon Johnston wrote:

Anna is once again urging Norton owners to buy different makes of motorcycle - something which is very much against the objectives of the club. Need I remind her that this clubexists to promote ALL Nortons?

Conduct unbecoming in my opinion.

Completey agree Gordon getting a bit fed up of her rambling on,I have a great respect for what Norton are doing and long may it continue. Triumph had there own problems when they first started but look at them now (I have owned 4) so stop knocking the Norton brand let's get behind them.

Den Bourne

Previously steven_waight wrote:

As i said earlier, I dont come on this forum very often, due to the negativity. I was under the false impression that an owners club was for enthusiasts....

Im not sure why the lady in question actually belongs to this forum as Ive never heard her mention a positive comment in any way?

Because I suspect we all believe in free speech, but this is supposed to be a technical forum and I'm surprised that the moderator tolerates this nonsense I for one will not renew if this is allowed to continue when we try to communicate technical issues.

Terry

Is this thread generating more heat than light?

Previously Andy Lodge wrote:

Well said Steven, I've had my 961 for 18 months from new, its done over 7,200 miles and I've topped it up with less than 1/3pint during that time.

Unfortunately like most companies Norton Motorcycles have had issues trying to establish themselves in a competitive market, my experience is that they have provided good service and are trying very hard to improve all the time.

It's a fact and a great shame that some people have had problems with their bikes especially in the early days, but it's an even bigger shame that people who have little or no experience of the bikes are so vocal in their criticism.

Andy Lodge - Yorkshire Branch Secretary.

Just so we are clear:

1. I am delighted for all those 961 owners who love their bikes - as I have said previously;

2. Every motorcycle I have ever ridden has had its short comings of one kind or another - including the Commando I owned for 7 years;

3. I am interested in owning a 961, but I don't think it's unreasonable to suggest that I personally would like a little more RWHP and that is why I have asked if any owners have ever put their bikes on a dynamometer.

4. My greatest concern is that some people appear to have had serious problems with their 961's and being a man of modest financial means I would not like to end up in that position myself. I would have thought that that is an entirely rational position to adopt and not in any sense derogatory.

5. With used 961 prices now apparently falling I might yet be convinced to take a risk and buy one in due course - on the other hand I might wait to see what new models flow from the Government investment. I would not have considered that an unreasonable position to adopt either.

If yourconsidering buying oneget to thefactoryfor atour, justto understand the commitment thecompany have toBritish industry. Non UKcomponents areselected because they are thebest available.UK bought inproducts arefrom specialistsinthat area (wheels etc.) the rest they make orcommission locally.Birmingham, Burton and Cornwall allcontribute They are onajourney; they aresurviving,they are growing; AND they are very open to inspection. I applaud the efforts( let alone the financial commitment)toretain andrefine theNortonmarqueunder thebannerthat oncedominatedtherace tracksofEurope,butwas never firstchoiceon thehighwaysforreal motorcyclists....

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Previously steven_waight wrote:

As i said earlier, I dont come on this forum very often, due to the negativity. I was under the false impression that an owners club was for enthusiasts....

Im not sure why the lady in question actually belongs to this forum as Ive never heard her mention a positive comment in any way?

Because I suspect we all believe in free speech, but this is supposed to be a technical forum and I'm surprised that the moderator tolerates this nonsense I for one will not renew if this is allowed to continue when we try to communicate technical issues.

Terry

Terry and others will not be surprised to hear that I have been moderating this thread all along and have preserved you from some of the more outlandish and inappropriate postings.

I recently closed a similar thread that degenerated into argument and irrelevance and will continue to take action when and as I see fit.

Webmaster

Charles,

I do not think you should buy a 961 in case you are disappointed. Several others before me have extolled the many virues of this great machine - and others have not. I fully sympathise with anyone who have had problems that have not been resolved to their satisfaction. However from my personal experience - which is the only thing upon which I can judge this lovely bike - whilst there have been a couple of minor issues with my 961 the team at the factory have always resolved them efficiently and quickly and totally to my satisfaction. The 961 is plenty quick enough for me (and I do not consider myself too much of a slouch) - but the 961 is not an Aprilia VFR4 or a Yamaha F1 - so if it is pure horseower you want you really should look elsewhere. Ride Safe.

Previously steve_brunt wrote:

Charles,

I do not think you should buy a 961 in case you are disappointed. Several others before me have extolled the many virues of this great machine - and others have not. I fully sympathise with anyone who have had problems that have not been resolved to their satisfaction. However from my personal experience - which is the only thing upon which I can judge this lovely bike - whilst there have been a couple of minor issues with my 961 the team at the factory have always resolved them efficiently and quickly and totally to my satisfaction. The 961 is plenty quick enough for me (and I do not consider myself too much of a slouch) - but the 961 is not an Aprilia VFR4 or a Yamaha F1 - so if it is pure horseower you want you really should look elsewhere. Ride Safe.

Thanks for your concern Steve - I might just buy one yet and would certainly take up the suggestion of a factory tour and test ride first if available. What can be bought can also be sold if it isn't what you want.

I'm no stranger to British motorcycles having owned a Commando and a US Spec T140 in the past. Which did I think was the better machine - they both had their strengths and weaknesses.

As to the comment about technical matters, I have tried repeatedly to get a few more facts about the 961- so far without much success.

As to outlandish postings, so far it seems that none of mine have been removed although I acknowledge that one thread I had posted on appears to have been teminated after someone said he thoughtI would fall off if I attempted an 11 second standing quarter..........

Previously webmaster wrote:

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Previously steven_waight wrote:

As i said earlier, I dont come on this forum very often, due to the negativity. I was under the false impression that an owners club was for enthusiasts....

Im not sure why the lady in question actually belongs to this forum as Ive never heard her mention a positive comment in any way?

Because I suspect we all believe in free speech, but this is supposed to be a technical forum and I'm surprised that the moderator tolerates this nonsense I for one will not renew if this is allowed to continue when we try to communicate technical issues.

Terry

Terry and others will not be surprised to hear that I have been moderating this thread all along and have preserved you from some of the more outlandish and inappropriate postings.

I recently closed a similar thread that degenerated into argument and irrelevance and will continue to take action when and as I see fit.

Webmaster

thanks Chris my confidence is restored.

Terry

Previously webmaster wrote:

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Previously steven_waight wrote:

As i said earlier, I dont come on this forum very often, due to the negativity. I was under the false impression that an owners club was for enthusiasts....

Im not sure why the lady in question actually belongs to this forum as Ive never heard her mention a positive comment in any way?

Because I suspect we all believe in free speech, but this is supposed to be a technical forum and I'm surprised that the moderator tolerates this nonsense I for one will not renew if this is allowed to continue when we try to communicate technical issues.

Terry

Terry and others will not be surprised to hear that I have been moderating this thread all along and have preserved you from some of the more outlandish and inappropriate postings.

I recently closed a similar thread that degenerated into argument and irrelevance and will continue to take action when and as I see fit.

Webmaster

has a member of this club Let me make this clear I have great consideration And Concern about The Great Name of Norton and all thing to do with the Name Its the rights of present owners and future owners to have them know the technical facts on this machnie , I do have the computer data drawing of this machines engine and the overall motorcycle,and I have been around the workshops and seen things at first hand, And there are a number of things that are not right, one is the use of blanc pistons from Subaru and some where in this data of the tolances are out or and the shape of these pistons are not just right, thus ending up with oiling problems , and it seams to me the one who puts his or her head above the parpit get a barracking . When there is clearly is a problem in this area of the engine some engines maybe ok, And not have is problem, has we can see from the owners thread ,But some do have Problems and too the owners great cost too them were they should not of been ! In my opionon its the wrong motorcycle of this time it was out of date before it was even built, Its a great step back wards not forwards and its harping on the days of the old Commando of some 30 odd years ago, they where very good in there time,But that was then! When is common sence going to come out and start to build a all new machine of the future, And one NOT powered buy Fossel fuels the writing is on the wall for all these machnies you have to now face this fact, But maybe is me and the hole world is going backwards where even now building new steam locomotives and next there looking at building new airships are we having a replay of the 1930s and will Norton build a new single and go back to these days again

who knows there are strange things going on maybe someone pressed replay and were all going backwards or Retro Or are we a nation of museum keepers Have a nice day! yours Anna J Dixon