Sport v CafÃ? Racer

I've not ridden the sport so I can't comment on the difference. I find the cafe racer comfortable enough as long as I ride it on A or B roads because I am able to move about. I avoid riding it on motorways as I find it then gets uncomfortable after a while - probably has a lot to do with the boredom as well. A six hour motorway journey cured me of ever wanting to travel a long way on a motorway again.

Iwould ask how old are you and how are you built? If you are very flexible and have long arm and legs it might work. If not get the sport. I would try to get some time on a crotch rocket and see if you find it comfortable!!!

Have a Sport 961 which is fine for longish runs in one stint (60 miles plus). Also have a Thruxton 900 which is similar riding position to the Cafe Racer 961 and find thiscomfortable onsimilar longish runs, motorwayorA + B roads.However , definitely cannot manage more than about 15 - 20 miles on my Rocket Gold Star which has really low clip ons and rearsets to challenge all joints from waist downwards - need a crane to get me off beyond this ! I'd say you'll be fine with the 961 Cafe Racer.

Previously james_fanning wrote:

Have a Sport 961 which is fine for longish runs in one stint (60 miles plus). Also have a Thruxton 900 which is similar riding position to the Cafe Racer 961 and find thiscomfortable onsimilar longish runs, motorwayorA + B roads.However , definitely cannot manage more than about 15 - 20 miles on my Rocket Gold Star which has really low clip ons and rearsets to challenge all joints from waist downwards - need a crane to get me off beyond this ! I'd say you'll be fine with the 961 Cafe Racer.

I agree with James on this, I have a 961 Sport but have ridden the Cafe Racer and found it comfortable as it isn't too extreem. I have a MV Agusta F41000 and the Cafe seems like a tourer in comparison.

JMc

If you can ride a Ducati 749 for a couple of hours you'll be fine on a CR!

I have recently put in an order for a Cafe Racer which should be delivered in 6 month time, but I have only been able to ride the sport up to now. I just prefer the looks of the cafe racer, and I understand the clip on bars are not too extreme. Has anybody ridden both versions of the 961, and how different and comfortableis the cafe racer, bearing in mind I will be doing some decent length journeys on the bike. Your opinions would be much appreciated.

David

Well for real comfort you need a Coben seat and 8 inch high bars then you really feel the wind in you face and really start to enjoy the ride at fast speeds , like I do on my Norton Manxman 650 but you have no aching arms as your riding in the right sit up stance and the blood has a chance to get round your body you need to change your foot pegs to the Norton D shape one there better on your feet, Has I got these on my bike there very Good .then it will be old mixed with the new a very bespoke motorcycles at lest it will be all Norton !!!

Yours Anna J

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Previously david_peperell wrote:

I have recently put in an order for a Cafe Racer which should be delivered in 6 month time, but I have only been able to ride the sport up to now. I just prefer the looks of the cafe racer, and I understand the clip on bars are not too extreme. Has anybody ridden both versions of the 961, and how different and comfortableis the cafe racer, bearing in mind I will be doing some decent length journeys on the bike. Your opinions would be much appreciated.

David

Well for real comfort you need a Coben seat and 8 inch high bars then you really feel the wind in you face and really start to enjoy the ride at fast speeds , like I do on my Norton Manxman 650 but you have no aching arms as your riding in the right sit up stance and the blood has a chance to get round your body you need to change your foot pegs to the Norton D shape one there better on your feet, Has I got these on my bike there very Good .then it will be old mixed with the new a very bespoke motorcycles at lest it will be all Norton !!!

Yours Anna J

Pathetic just another chance to get the Manxman in again. We don't want to hear it!

I have never ridden the Norton 961 Cafe, however, I own a Norton 961 Sport and a Moto Guzzi V7 Cafe.

In my view, Cafe Racers, with clip-ons and rearsets are lots of fun, but they are bikes deisigned for short trips and for posing! I love my Moto Guzzi Cafe, and it gets a lot of looks and compliments when I take it out . . .but if I am going for an extended ride . . .i pick another bike!!!!

If you plan to tale your bike on day-trips, or overnight jouneys . . . .get the Sport. If you are going to ride down to the Ace Cafe, and tell all sorts of lies about "Doing the ton!" then get a Cafe!

Just Sayin!!!!

A few weeks ago I rode with my 961 CafÃ? Racer approximately 1'100 miles within 4 days in Germany.

Whilst you can do the ton legally on the German autobahn and profit from the wind which is relieving your wrists, it is okay to ride for about 2 hours before the next break... But for sure, it is not a touring bike!

Before I did place my order I have tried both Sport and CafÃ? Racer. With the CafÃ? Racer it took a while until I was used to the sitting position. Fortunately I had the opportunity to have it for half a day to get comfortable with it. All depends on your preferences and body size as well, I guess...

Raphael

Hi David.

Six months ago I test rode a sport. Put in an order for a Cafe Racer.

I picked up the bike yesterday and rode it 100 miles north.

It is a very different riding position. My knees seemed to be more bent and this caused a bit of pain in my right knee. Five years ago I broke my elbow, wrist and thumb on my right hand. Yesterday I did feel some discomfort from these areas but I am confident that I will get used to it. I also recommend a Corbin to extend a ride by about 20 miles.

Good luck!

Previously david_peperell wrote:

Thanks for all the replys it seems the cafe is usable for most thingsI am obviously going to have to take a longish test ride and see how I find it. I hadn't realized they made a Corbin for the Norton, I'll have to look into that

I had a Corbin seat on my 1973 Commando Roadster a few years back but I don't think they produce one yet for the 961.