961 owners

Graham

Although Norton now export across the globe, I'm sure the bulk of 961's are in the UK.

Towards the end of last year any posting on this forum regarding 961's was almost immediately shot down by a few vociferous members, for reasons only known to themselves. It got so bad that even a new rep. from the factory beat a hasty retreat, never to be heard of again.

Fortunately, our good webmaster put a stop to it all. I assume most Norton owners have a general interest in anything Norton, (and other makes), rather than a hate for a particular model. I like all things Norton, and have a mix from 1938 to 2015.

Come back you 961 owners!

We ask Members to log with us their Nortons. Some do and some do not. For what it's worth then, we have ..............

â Commando 961 CafÃ? Racer - 12

â Commando 961 Limited Edition - 1

â Commando 961 SE - 24

â Commando 961 SF - 5

â Commando 961 Sport - 33

â Domiracer - 3

When Norton Motorcycles (UK) launched its machines there were discussions with the Club about NOC memberships but these did not materialise into anything.

As a Club, we do not know how many Donington Nortons have been manufactured.

Webmaster

Previously roger_hainsworth wrote:

Graham

Although Norton now export across the globe, I'm sure the bulk of 961's are in the UK.

Towards the end of last year any posting on this forum regarding 961's was almost immediately shot down by a few vociferous members, for reasons only known to themselves. It got so bad that even a new rep. from the factory beat a hasty retreat, never to be heard of again.

Fortunately, our good webmaster put a stop to it all. I assume most Norton owners have a general interest in anything Norton, (and other makes), rather than a hate for a particular model. I like all things Norton, and have a mix from 1938 to 2015.

Come back you 961 owners!

Graham,

Sadly you are right, the reputation of this membership website for 961 owners is truly negative and hence the lack of posts and more so the lack of new members... Shame really as I have a love of all things two wheeled from scooters to Harley's and anything between, as a member of various motorcycle owner clubs I have been truly surprised by such a hostile reaction for a shared marque.

But there's so much more to worry about in the world, I'll leave the negativity on the site and move on to enjoying the bike. Best wishes to ALL whatever you ride.

Phil

Unfortunately, the previous posts are mostly correct. I am a member of the NOC for nowbut very rarely post or look at the site due to the huge negativity on what is supposed to be an owners club forum. I tend to follow the Access Norton site, based in USA, which is extremely positive about the bikes we own.

I was even warned about the NOC on my factory tour in 2015, his exact words were 'don't bother with the NOC, they're a bit rabid and the 961 is the antichrist to most of that lot....'

Previously steven_waight wrote:

Unfortunately, the previous posts are mostly correct. I am a member of the NOC for nowbut very rarely post or look at the site due to the huge negativity on what is supposed to be an owners club forum. I tend to follow the Access Norton site, based in USA, which is extremely positive about the bikes we own.

I was even warned about the NOC on my factory tour in 2015, his exact words were 'don't bother with the NOC, they're a bit rabid and the 961 is the antichrist to most of that lot....'

Steven

I've been a member of the club for nearly two years and followed the forums since day one, it would seem that most of the negativity towards the 961 came from the same half dozen or so posters and since the webmaster took action this seems to have abated (for now).

I'm not a fan of censorship nor bigotry and have to say that every genuine club member I've met has shown only positivity towards Norton and the 961.

Maybe this is a new beginning for the 961 NOC forum and we can now post helpful advice and positive criticism from those owners who know their machines. May I dare to suggest that any future posts by spiteful non owners are simply ignored.

Ride safe T

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Maybe this is a new beginning for the 961 NOC forum and we can now post helpful advice and positive criticism from those owners who know their machines. May I dare to suggest that any future posts by spiteful non owners are simply ignored.

Ride safe T

I will not be ignoring them, I will be removing them as soon as I see them!

Webmaster

Previously graham_leblond wrote:

Perhaps the moderator can assist with this. As I understand it from the factory there are some 1000 961's registered. Presumably most are in the UK. If so how many UK/European 961 owners are NOC members on this forum. I only ask as there seems to be very few people inputting information for the amount of bikes available. I know that other manufacturers sometimes give away their own club memberships for a year when purchasing a new machine. Perhaps this is something that could bolster membership of the NOC and introduce 961 owners etc. Any views?

Thanks for your constructive ideas Graham. During the latter part of last year we had agreed with Stuart Garner and the sales and servicing team to include a specifically designed flyer that would be handed out new sales and future servicing which will hopefully increase the 961 membership.

With having the AGM at donnington also has been to create a link with them as well as the club organising a few ride out and tours of the factory. But as with everything there is always more we can do!

As webmaster points out lower down the thread not everyone lists their particular machines also many have 961's as second bikes to older Nortons of which are the ones the often register as THEIR bike.

As a 961 commando and Domiracer owner I have found lots of positive comments from meets and when riding in or out of club events however no matter what marque of Norton you ride people have the personal favourites and dislikes the main thing is not everyone chooses to voice them.

and finally I believe that the majority of Nortons being produced now are going abroad with around 2-3000 bikes on order from America, Australia, and Asia and now the waiting list in the uk is about 6 in that the amount of bikes staying in the uk per the amount of demand is significantly less now then when they first launched.

hope this helps

Dom

In Switzerland there were around 90 imports of 961 Commandos in 2011/2012. In May 2012 I got my Cafe Racer as order #81 for the Swiss market.

As far as I know I am the only Swiss NOC-member, language may be one of the reasons for not being active member.

Raphael, Switzerland

Previously David Cooper wrote:

We don't benefit from spreading a religious devotion to Nortons since it will only raise the price and prevent expansion of our own collections!

Don't worry about that. Trendiness is established by wealthy young men in Brooklyn and Tokyo who wear very expensive leather jackets and pudding basin helmets. They look for vintage bikes their peers will admire. The 650SS and the Bonneville are on the list. There are no "single brand" enthusiasts among them (although I met one who will only buy unit Bonnevilles). Luckily for me the Atlas and the iron-head 6T are not trendy yet so I can continue buying parts for them.

Previously graham_leblond wrote:

HI Dom

Thank you very much for the input and information. I know that this may not be the correct section in which to deal with the query and if so then I apologise. However I also joined a local Branch, well not local to me but closer to Terry Woods, who really introduced me to the Norton marque.

I have only been to their meetings a few times and all seem genuinely interested in the newer machinery as well as their own. They are a very knowledgable group owning countless Nortons. (I counted 32 bikes between 2 families).

That said when I asked if anyone was going to Italy next year, I was met with blank looks by most of the members who were not only unaware of the event but surprised that it had been arranged. (I know that it is widely published in Roadholder). If these are the grass root members that should hopefully be encouraging more into motorcycling and introducing them to Norton ownership then something is going wrong.

I know that with people, getting a coherent policy together to disseminate information, that will suit everyone is impossible. However in life we only really get out something if we put effort in.

I therefore hope that all the known and 'hidden' 961 owners on the forum will start to make themselves available so that we can carry the club forwards. Many may start with a new 961 and progress into classic bike ownership. I would hazard a guess that 961 owners are the younger members of NOC and are vital for the club to continue its vital role.

(and when I say younger I really do not include myself in that list!!!!)

Comments Please

Regards

Graham

Hi graham.

As as a branch chairman and organising events etc I do find it frustrating regarding branches not knowing about events etc. As you rightly pointed out the information is there for anyone to find if they are willing to look,the rally in question has been in roadholder for a few months now even with a flyer inside that would have fallen into the members lap. We (the club) also have a Facebook and Twitter page to further help keep in the limelight for those that use them to keep them up to date with club news. Also we have just released an app last month that members can download to their phones, tablet etc (and non members) for free! This has club news, events, NOC shop and more as well as giving our members notifications (there will be an alert sound on thee device and a message flash up on the screen) which will tell the user of the new information.

You out raised a great point in that everyone has their own preference with regard to how much we push them to tell them what's going on. Some people don't like getting emails every week telling them what goes on. Others do..... Getting this mix right is a tricky thing indeed.

Previously graham_leblond wrote:

However I think whilst many of the NOC are dedicated to Norton's, many ride other brands and dare I say in foreign ones. Doesn't necessarily make you a bad person.

I own BMWs and a Goldwing. Am I bad?

In a recent conversation with the president of Norton Canada there are currently 40 961's in Canada. I have the second one registered on the road in North America a 2013 961 Sport. The sport model in Canada is what eventually became known as the SF with the upside down forks. It seems our regulators deemed the different front end on the Sport enough of a difference to require it being certified as a completely separate bike. To get around this all pre-ordered sports came over with this upgrade. Once those orders will filled the Sport was replaced by the SF. I have had it for 2 full seasons now and even took it on a 5 day adventure. Contrary to all the negative press the bike was reliable and a great conversation starter while on the road.

Hi Graham

I'm the only one with a new 961 in Southern Ontario the next closest to me is in Kitchener. Considering the size of Canada, owners of the new 961 are few and far apart.We do have a decent sized group riding older ones though. I have met 2 others on the road in 2 years and only because of a club function with the Ontario Norton Owners.

Kevin

The lost factory records are very worrying. The non-owners will now have more amnunition to fire negative comments at the factory. I trust that they soon surface otherwise this might impact on owners of early 961s that are stolen.

It is very pleasing to note that the Canadian importers/agents have released some useful servicing videos on UTube.

The Rider's Handbook is a bit strange containing 34 pages out of 116 that are titled 'blank page' and actually are. Perhaps these are where the missing records got lost.

As a fairly new member myself I have noted the disdain shown toward the current Norton in general.

I appreciate the bad initial press did little to help their cause but as with all new ventures there will be problems.The question is,do they rectify these issues or not?. If the latter they are doomed.

I have no personal knowledge as to the answer to that hypothetical question.I do know however that if I was ever prepared to spend nearly 20k on a motorcycle,I would definitely buy one as I love the style of the bike.

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

The lost factory records are very worrying. The non-owners will now have more amnunition to fire negative comments at the factory. I trust that they soon surface otherwise this might impact on owners of early 961s that are stolen.

It is very pleasing to note that the Canadian importers/agents have released some useful servicing videos on UTube.

The Rider's Handbook is a bit strange containing 34 pages out of 116 that are titled 'blank page' and actually are. Perhaps these are where the missing records got lost.

Hi,

I do not own a 961, I did however own a T309 in the nineties and Triumph do not know how many of this model were made or sold with any great accuracy so I would cut Norton a bit of slack for their records.

But £90 for a workshop manual seems a tad on the expensive side.

Previously webmaster wrote:

We ask Members to log with us their Nortons. Some do and some do not. For what it's worth then, we have ..............

â Commando 961 CafÃ? Racer - 12

â Commando 961 Limited Edition - 1

â Commando 961 SE - 24

â Commando 961 SF - 5

â Commando 961 Sport - 33

â Domiracer - 3

When Norton Motorcycles (UK) launched its machines there were discussions with the Club about NOC memberships but these did not materialise into anything.

As a Club, we do not know how many Donington Nortons have been manufactured.

Webmaster

I must admit to ignoring the 961 forum for all the reasons previously mentioned. My Sport is an early one and yes I have had some issues, but I realised that buying a hand built British bike was bound to throw up a few problems, so I went into it with the right attitude, I have been rewarded by Norton's never ending helpfulness, with the result I now have a great motorcycle with the highest mileage they have yet seen at the factory, (only 14k ) I am lucky enough to have a selection of bikes to chose from (two older Nortons) and a new Norge, but always for a pleasure ride I will take the 961, so yes include mine on your list.

Previously nigel_darken wrote:

Previously webmaster wrote:

We ask Members to log with us their Nortons. Some do and some do not. For what it's worth then, we have ..............

â Commando 961 CafÃ? Racer - 12

â Commando 961 Limited Edition - 1

â Commando 961 SE - 24

â Commando 961 SF - 5

â Commando 961 Sport - 33

â Domiracer - 3

When Norton Motorcycles (UK) launched its machines there were discussions with the Club about NOC memberships but these did not materialise into anything.

As a Club, we do not know how many Donington Nortons have been manufactured.

Webmaster

I must admit to ignoring the 961 forum for all the reasons previously mentioned. My Sport is an early one and yes I have had some issues, but I realised that buying a hand built British bike was bound to throw up a few problems, so I went into it with the right attitude, I have been rewarded by Norton's never ending helpfulness, with the result I now have a great motorcycle with the highest mileage they have yet seen at the factory, (only 14k ) I am lucky enough to have a selection of bikes to chose from (two older Nortons) and a new Norge, but always for a pleasure ride I will take the 961, so yes include mine on your list.

Hi Nigel

Good to see you here. I live in north Kent and often visit the little Cafe in West Kingsdown on a Sunday morning where a bunch of guys with classics meet up,

Might like to see you there one day and compare notes, any excuse to add a few more miles.

Terry

Previously graham_leblond wrote:

Hi Nigel

Am I right in thinking that you live in the Essex area? If so I have heard a great deal about you from the factory and your dedication to riding your bike in all weathers and whenever possible. Glad to see something positive again.

Regards

Graham

Hi Graham yes well I don't know about the all weathers bit as they are such a pain to clean, But I love the fact that these are 'proper' bikes, with minimal technology to interfere with the true experience of riding a motorcycle, having said that I could be tempted by an ABS model as I am a great believer in this particular asset. I also think one should not under estimate the achievement of starting from scratch a production facility such as Stuart Garner has done and resurrecting the Norton brand, I think the venture deserves all the help we can provide!

Regards

Nigel

Previously graham_leblond wrote:

Previously nigel_darken wrote:

Previously webmaster wrote:

We ask Members to log with us their Nortons. Some do and some do not. For what it's worth then, we have ..............

â Commando 961 CafÃ? Racer - 12

â Commando 961 Limited Edition - 1

â Commando 961 SE - 24

â Commando 961 SF - 5

â Commando 961 Sport - 33

â Domiracer - 3

When Norton Motorcycles (UK) launched its machines there were discussions with the Club about NOC memberships but these did not materialise into anything.

As a Club, we do not know how many Donington Nortons have been manufactured.

Webmaster

I must admit to ignoring the 961 forum for all the reasons previously mentioned. My Sport is an early one and yes I have had some issues, but I realised that buying a hand built British bike was bound to throw up a few problems, so I went into it with the right attitude, I have been rewarded by Norton's never ending helpfulness, with the result I now have a great motorcycle with the highest mileage they have yet seen at the factory, (only 14k ) I am lucky enough to have a selection of bikes to chose from (two older Nortons) and a new Norge, but always for a pleasure ride I will take the 961, so yes include mine on your list.

Hi Nigel Are you going to be available for next months run? I am trying to get as many 961's together as possible along with older machinery so your company or at least your bike will be welcome

Hi Graham, Yes, no problem, I will go wherever!

Regards

Nigel

Previously graham_leblond wrote:

Perhaps the moderator can assist with this. As I understand it from the factory there are some 1000 961's registered. Presumably most are in the UK. If so how many UK/European 961 owners are NOC members on this forum. I only ask as there seems to be very few people inputting information for the amount of bikes available. I know that other manufacturers sometimes give away their own club memberships for a year when purchasing a new machine. Perhaps this is something that could bolster membership of the NOC and introduce 961 owners etc. Any views?

Hi Graham I have been a member for about 5 years now and have read all the comments made on the 961 since it's debut and find it's time I made some comment on my experience with my 961 Sport 2015 bought from Frasers Motorcycles of Sydney Australia. After a visit to Donnington in 2014 and a tour of the Norton facility hosted by Sean Kynnersley I was impressed by the new Norton so much that when I returned to Australia I placed an order for a 961 Sport and received it in February 2015 after a large amount of time and money spent by Warren Fraser to get the bike ready for the Australian market. My bike was then run in as per the service manual and was mostly taken out on 100 to 300klm trips and has never let me down on any occasion,after saying that this is what I have established so far: 1. Oil in airbox - mods fitted with small drain bottle at 2000klm works good and lets ending breathe. 2. Short pipes fitted at 2500klms and mapped after a visit from Norton Engineers to Frasers - Bike now goes a lot better with the Cat removed and hides the noisey primary gears. 3. I don't fill the oil right to the top mark on the dipstick and leave it on the low mark and have no increase in oil in the small bottle collecting from the crankcase and tappet cover. 4.I have had problem with idling from day one as it tends to go from 1200rpm to 2000rpm for no reason so when I stop at lights when this happens I switch it off and on again and this seems to reset everything and have a trouble free day. I now have 5000klm on the bike and enjoy every moment I can ride it as it handles and goes as I expect from a big air cooled twin,but this is coming from an owner of two Command's, Mercury,ES2 and a Model 50 owner so I'm a bit bias to Nortons. I hope this clears the minds of some in the UK who would like to invest in a new Norton and stop those who have negative comments on the 961. Yours from Oz. Greg Cairns (401873)

UK registration info

From https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=norton+961&commit=Search

I have used this in the past for other Nortons and the figures going that far back are iffy to say the least but hopefully more accurate for the 961. Note that its the number where the road tax has been paid so its saying for 2016 there were 165 961's on the road, a lot less than you would think.

Logged on to this site for a look - quite puzzling data. Those 961 licensed bike figures are for 2016 Q3 and if you add in the SORN bikes for Q3 you still don't get very many.

The Commando and Dominator licensed bike figures for Q3 are even more surprising with just 83 Commando 750's , 63 Commando 850's and 82 Dominators (no further breakdown into 88's , 99's , 650ss , etc in these 82 bikes).

Then there's a category of licensed Nortons called "missing" , presumably meaning no model type specified which are surprisingly large at 8,800 for Q3 2016 ! I'm guessing there are large numbers of 961's , Commandos and Dominators within these "missing" model figures , meaning whatever official documentation this website uses (DVLA presumably) just says Norton without any model specified. So nobody is any the wiser really on 961 numbers !

Yes, it seems the missing bit has the majority of Nortons, pity it does not then break the missing down into capacities as the 961 would be easily separated out.

Previously graham_leblond wrote:

Previously graham_leblond wrote:

So here I am hopefully with a group of like minded individuals who might actually want to get out and ride no matter old or new. I would like some of the 961 owners to make themselves known. I know I am new and have no intention of hijacking the forum but maybe we could think about 'meets' 'rideouts' etc over the fairer months. I don't mean this as something separate to the main club events but in tandem with it.

Regards

Graham

We have an NOC Riders' Section message board for just this purpose and would be more than pleased if groups of owners got together and organised runs.

Webmaster

hello to all fellow members,961 CafÃ? racer in manx silver owner with many extras,glad to check in,in 2017.

Hi to Mk11 Sport owners. Had mine for just coming up to a year 3000 plus miles. I do use it all year round and yes it is a bugger to clean. Just had the new remap and all is transformed. Enjoy.

Previously graham_leblond wrote:

Perhaps the moderator can assist with this. As I understand it from the factory there are some 1000 961's registered. Presumably most are in the UK. If so how many UK/European 961 owners are NOC members on this forum. I only ask as there seems to be very few people inputting information for the amount of bikes available. I know that other manufacturers sometimes give away their own club memberships for a year when purchasing a new machine. Perhaps this is something that could bolster membership of the NOC and introduce 961 owners etc. Any views?

Hi Graham, long time no speak! I am still sort of a 961 owner having a new one on order after trading in my lovely early 961 for a Mk2 ABS model, I am hoping for delivery in the spring and indeed have entered the Prescott hill climb in April, although if it has not arrived by then I will ride the 650SS.

Cheers Nigel

Previously webmaster wrote:

We ask Members to log with us their Nortons. Some do and some do not. For what it's worth then, we have ..............

â Commando 961 CafÃ? Racer - 12

â Commando 961 Limited Edition - 1

â Commando 961 SE - 24

â Commando 961 SF - 5

â Commando 961 Sport - 33

â Domiracer - 3

When Norton Motorcycles (UK) launched its machines there were discussions with the Club about NOC memberships but these did not materialise into anything.

As a Club, we do not know how many Donington Nortons have been manufactured.

Webmaster