My 961 Sport

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Well all as promised an update on my order.

On the 16th Oct last year I placed an order for a 961 sport and paid a deposit, I was given a delivery date for March this year. Yesterday the 17th Jan I received a call from the Norton factory informing me that my bike was being built and that it will be ready for collection next week, this was swiftly followed by an email informing me of the vin and reg number.

Perhaps this report on progress will encourage those of you who have doubts on the viability of Norton to deliver to think again and if you have been holding back on placing an order then don't.

watch this space.

Terry

That's good news Terry, I hope you have some decent weather so you can try it out. I wish you many happy miles with it.

David

Hi terry, well that is good news for you, let us all know how it goes,Iwill be getting in touch with Norton this week for an update on my order,best of luck ride safe.

Hi Terry

That's good to hear. Let us know how you get on with some pictures if possible.

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Previously lee_blackburn wrote:

Hi Terry

That's good to hear. Let us know how you get on with some pictures if possible.

Thanks Lee

the only thing that will keep me off it is road salt that crap eats bikes, only took out my pristine z1000 once with it on road and still paying the price.

Norton's fault for getting the bikes built early (only joking Sean).

i'm hoping to ride it home from factory but we'll see.

Good luck with the ride home. I know what you mean about the salt I haven't taken my 961 or any of my bikes out since the roads were salted. Trouble is as soon as the rain washes it away they put some more down around here.

BTW Please don't give him an invitation to chip in it's been good to have some uninterupted discussions without the his negative comments.

John Mc

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Previously john_mcnicoll wrote:

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Previously lee_blackburn wrote:

Hi Terry

That's good to hear. Let us know how you get on with some pictures if possible.

Thanks Lee

the only thing that will keep me off it is road salt that crap eats bikes, only took out my pristine z1000 once with it on road and still paying the price.

Norton's fault for getting the bikes built early (only joking Sean).

i'm hoping to ride it home from factory but we'll see.

Good luck with the ride home. I know what you mean about the salt I haven't taken my 961 or any of my bikes out since the roads were salted. Trouble is as soon as the rain washes it away they put some more down around here.

BTW Please don't give him an invitation to chip in it's been good to have some uninterupted discussions without the his negative comments.

John Mc

Don't worry John whilst we keep the posts positive they'll have no negitive stuff to feed off....

Hello Terry

hope you have fun and can cope withthe smile of satisfaction that seems to afflict most owners.

Happy miles

Paul.

Hello Terry

hope you have fun and can cope withthe smile of satisfaction that seems to afflict most owners.

Happy miles

Paul.

Hello Paul, Terry, Lee, John and whom else it may concern...

You have to understand me correctly. I do not want to temper anybody's delight with the Commando 961. As Ialready statedsomewhere else here, I enjoy riding the 961 very much as you all do!

My sorrow is more about the after sales service here on the mainland Europe and the very unfair treatment of my local dealer by the Norton Factory. This is darkening the future from my point of view for the markets outside of the UK...

In this sense: Happy and joy-filled milesto everybody!

Raphael Vonaesch, Switzerland

Previously raphael_vonaesch wrote:

Hello Terry

hope you have fun and can cope withthe smile of satisfaction that seems to afflict most owners.

Happy miles

Paul.

Hello Paul, Terry, Lee, John and whom else it may concern...

You have to understand me correctly. I do not want to temper anybody's delight with the Commando 961. As Ialready statedsomewhere else here, I enjoy riding the 961 very much as you all do!

My sorrow is more about the after sales service here on the mainland Europe and the very unfair treatment of my local dealer by the Norton Factory. This is darkening the future from my point of view for the markets outside of the UK...

In this sense: Happy and joy-filled milesto everybody!

Raphael Vonaesch, Switzerland

Hi Raphael, I don't knowenough offacts about this but I would hope that Norton treat as priority getting European support sorted. As many have said before their support in the UK is excellent so they need to have the same reputation in Europe and the other countries exported to.

However I hope that you are enjoying riding your 961 as much as I do mine (weather permitting).

Hi Terry

I guess that you are directly in contact with the Norton Factory in Donington, or do you live outside the UK?

As I stated before this might make the difference...

Hope you get your bike soon and weather is permitting you to ride it! Here in Switzerland it is too cold and salty on the roads...

Raphael

Hi Terry,

I thought your bike was due forcollection last week, not that it makes much difference at this time of the year.

Dave

I've just been informed that my bike will be built next week, a little earlier than I was expecting I'm going to try and get up to the factory next week to see the build in progress - Can't wait!

Previously lee_blackburn wrote:

I've just been informed that my bike will be built next week, a little earlier than I was expecting I'm going to try and get up to the factory next week to see the build in progress - Can't wait!

Good news for you as well Lee, what have you ordered?

Previously david_charlesworth wrote:

Previously lee_blackburn wrote:

I've just been informed that my bike will be built next week, a little earlier than I was expecting I'm going to try and get up to the factory next week to see the build in progress - Can't wait!

Good news for you as well Lee, what have you ordered?

Hi Dave

A 961 Sport in British Racing Green.

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Previously david_charlesworth wrote:

Hi Terry,

I thought your bike was due forcollection last week, not that it makes much difference at this time of the year.

Dave

Yes Dave your right but persistant rain is screwing up my work life so I am well behind, the factory will deliver to me but I had it in my mind to ride away from the factory, and thats what I wanna do salt permiting.

Terry

Weather, work and salt, the curses of the Motorcyclist! I hope you manage to fullfill your ambition.

Previously lee_blackburn wrote:

Previously david_charlesworth wrote:

Previously lee_blackburn wrote:

I've just been informed that my bike will be built next week, a little earlier than I was expecting I'm going to try and get up to the factory next week to see the build in progress - Can't wait!

Good news for you as well Lee, what have you ordered?

Hi Dave

A 961 Sport in British Racing Green.

British Racing Green - sounds very nice,did you choose the colour tomatch your vintage Bentley?Post a photo when you have time. Did you have to pay extra for the custom paint?

No extra for the paint. As for the Bentley - Mmm... It does match the BRG I have my Triumph Sprint ST1050 in though!

I'll post a photo when I can. Can't wait now!

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Hi Raphael

yes I am in the UK and in contact with Norton and I'm sure this must make a difference but i don't understand why Norton would deliberatly harm its reputation in a massive market place, this makes no sense to me.

Hi Terry

I guess it is more a question of (quick) money than reputation...

I don't know if you have knowledge of this interesting article from August 2012.

Raphael

I thought this thread started in January 2014 and once again were back in 2012?????? WTF

So Terry did that "interesting article" fill you with joy as Raphael states he wishes for you. Please tell us all, I mean it!

As a fellow who recently received a new Norton I can assure you they are much updated from the GenI bikes and I can "sincerely" wish you many joy filled miles !!!

I and 2 of my friends have received nothing but first class service from Norton!!!

Lee, I want to see pictures ASAP, It should be gorgeous in that color and one of a kind, at least to my knowledge. Congratulations and I know exactly how you feel right now ! Do not let the haters ruin it for you !

Terry, congrats to you also!!!

Totally agree with you Bob, I first saw this a few years back when I had ordered a 961 Sport. Because of this I nearly cancelled my order as at that time I don't think any had been delivered in the UK so there was no real feedback. I'm pleased that I chose to ignore all this negative stuff as my experience has been very good with the bike and also the support from Norton. It's now 3 years since it was delivered and I don't regret it, in fact if I do sell it I will replace it with another 961 or whatever Norton is available in future.

I was unfortunate enough to buy a brand new Commando in the mid seventies and that was awful. I had loads of problems, oil leaks, things falling off through vibration etc. I sold that after 6 months the only thing I liked about it was the looks. I can find lots of articles about those 60's and 70's bikes but it's not relivant.

All I know is if I had all the problems with mine that couldn't be resolved quickly, I would get rid and buy a Ducati monster or something! However I love the 961 and it is a fantasic bike which always gets admired wherever I go. So enjoy yours Terry and don't be put off by some of these comments.

Cheers, John Mc

Well said John - I won't be put off. Having read a lot of the postings on this forum in the last 4-5 months, by one or two members in particular, I think that I've had as much negativity as it's possible to have.

Still - It's human nature to only post the negative mutterings I suppose. Thankfully my experience with the NOC hasn't been all negative thus far. The members I spoke to at the Clasic Bike Show late last year were really friendly. Here's hoping that this continues.

Hello John I totally agree with what you say and Lee I keep the faith don't let negative reports put you off.As I have stated before there is always some folk that think they are the doggys do dahs and will knock any thing that they only read.I have always in life passed on facts that I know are true, and if I had an issue with any item I had purchased, or the company I had purchased it from would not pursue them in public till all avenues of satisfaction had been explored even if it meant chucking it in a van and presenting it at the front door. I am off trialing tomorrow in the peak district anyone got any ideas about how to stop me from being blown of the bike and to keep my feet on the pegs in this wind.whilst trying to keep the B40 between the flags.Can you tack a motor bicycle per chance Grommit. Paul.

Hi Lee, this is my old 1975 MK3 in BRG with my 2011 961 sport in Manx colour. I was originally thinking of ordering my 961 in BRG, I think yours will look superb. My MK3 has a few mods to make it ride better and BRG wasn't an original colour but I prefer it to any of the ones available.

Cheers, John Mc

Terry, it is not a question of if "you" have done your homework ! The tactic is just to inject negative comments into every single post causing as much trouble for Norton as possible ! You were simply addressed because it is your post.

I was able to "sneak out" yesterday briefly, between storms on my 961 SF and I can assure you they are fantastic bikes, the King of the retros !

Previously john_mcnicoll wrote:

Hi Lee, this is my old 1975 MK3 in BRG with my 2011 961 sport in Manx colour. I was originally thinking of ordering my 961 in BRG, I think yours will look superb. My MK3 has a few mods to make it ride better and BRG wasn't an original colour but I prefer it to any of the ones available.

Cheers, John Mc

Hello John nice pic, nice bikes , why do Norton spoil the looks of the best retro bike aroundwith those poxy mirrors, there are miles better ones on the market, Oberon,CRG manufacture real classy looking items. they were straight in the bin when mine came nearly 3 years ago, blimmey where has that time gone.

Happy miles to all

Paul.

Previously paul_baddeley wrote:

Previously john_mcnicoll wrote:

Hi Lee, this is my old 1975 MK3 in BRG with my 2011 961 sport in Manx colour. I was originally thinking of ordering my 961 in BRG, I think yours will look superb. My MK3 has a few mods to make it ride better and BRG wasn't an original colour but I prefer it to any of the ones available.

Cheers, John Mc

Hello John nice pic, nice bikes , why do Norton spoil the looks of the best retro bike aroundwith those poxy mirrors, there are miles better ones on the market, Oberon,CRG manufacture real classy looking items. they were straight in the bin when mine came nearly 3 years ago, blimmey where has that time gone.

Happy miles to all

Paul.

Thanks John

Your BRG model is a beautiful thing indeed! I'll try and get some photos on here once I've been up to the factory this coming Thur.

I'm V excited!

Hello John nice pic, nice bikes , why do Norton spoil the looks of the best retro bike aroundwith those poxy mirrors, there are miles better ones on the market, Oberon,CRG manufacture real classy looking items. they were straight in the bin when mine came nearly 3 years ago, blimmey where has that time gone.

Those mirrors are necessary in some countries to pass inspection. I put CRG bar end on mine even before I took it Home!

Previously bob_parsons wrote:

Lee, I want to see pictures ASAP, It should be gorgeous in that color and one of a kind, at least to my knowledge. Congratulations and I know exactly how you feel right now ! Do not let the haters ruin it for you !

Terry, congrats to you also!!!

Terry

Alas my photos appear to be too large. Suffice to say I was very excited seeing my Little Green Devil in the final stages of build. I'll have a play with the photos and see if I can manage to attach one...

Hi Lee

Good to hearyou had a good day at the factory, did they give you a date for delivery/collection? I hope that theytold you that silver ones are the quickest!

I don't know what programmes you use on your PC but if you have MS Office, pics can easily be reduced in size using MS Office picture manager.

Dave

Previously david_charlesworth wrote:

Hi Lee

Good to hearyou had a good day at the factory, did they give you a date for delivery/collection? I hope that theytold you that silver ones are the quickest!

I don't know what programmes you use on your PC but if you have MS Office, pics can easily be reduced in size using MS Office picture manager.

Dave

Hi Lee,

Being cheeky here but will this photo of mine keep you going till you get yours.

BOB

Lee, I was thrilled just going to the dealer to see my silver SF after waiting over 2 years. I can't imagine going to the factory and seeing it being built and BRG no less !

Do you remember how many bike building stations they had ?

I was able to open your photo but it was a bit blury ! Do you have a better one ?

Previously bob_parsons wrote:

Lee, I was thrilled just going to the dealer to see my silver SF after waiting over 2 years. I can't imagine going to the factory and seeing it being built and BRG no less !

Do you remember how many bike building stations they had ?

I was able to open your photo but it was a bit blury ! Do you have a better one ?

That photo's the best I managed to get I'm afraid.

To answer your question they had 4 bike building bays with a further area for 'End-of-line' inspection and customer bike servicing. The Hastings House set-up is rather like having an office space that's now been converted for use as an assembly area. All very nice, clean and tidy. In all a rather nice work environment I must say. I also managed to get to see them building a Domiracer frame and swingarm - Beautiful.

I'm now glad that I chose the BRG. It really stands out and suits the bike beautifully. Delivery will be at the end of the first week in March as I may as well wait for the registration plate change here in the UK (It kicks in on 1 Mar).

I can't wait!

Try this for a photo.

That photo is better, I wish i could see it with the tank on, it is gorgeous!

Hopefully the roads will be clearer for you, Lee in March! I took mine out for a short ride on Sunday because the roads were mostly clear and it was 46 deg. out (8C). Monday it snowed 2" and another 12" on Wednesday so I was glad I went, won't be another chance for at least a couple of weeks !

Previously lee_blackburn wrote:

Previously bob_parsons wrote:

Lee, I was thrilled just going to the dealer to see my silver SF after waiting over 2 years. I can't imagine going to the factory and seeing it being built and BRG no less !

Do you remember how many bike building stations they had ?

I was able to open your photo but it was a bit blury ! Do you have a better one ?

That photo's the best I managed to get I'm afraid.

To answer your question they had 4 bike building bays with a further area for 'End-of-line' inspection and customer bike servicing. The Hastings House set-up is rather like having an office space that's now been converted for use as an assembly area. All very nice, clean and tidy. In all a rather nice work environment I must say. I also managed to get to see them building a Domiracer frame and swingarm - Beautiful.

I'm now glad that I chose the BRG. It really stands out and suits the bike beautifully. Delivery will be at the end of the first week in March as I may as well wait for the registration plate change here in the UK (It kicks in on 1 Mar).

I can't wait!

Try this for a photo.

Hello Lee

You are doing the right thing about leaving it till March orNorton will have to fit paddle wheels instead of those nice spoke wheels.Colour looks good and looking at the pictures of the red and black Norton you can see my point about those mirrors,What a difference in look,sOberon or CRG is the way to go.

Happy Miles

Paul

Previously paul_baddeley wrote:

Hello Lee

You are doing the right thing about leaving it till March orNorton will have to fit paddle wheels instead of those nice spoke wheels.Colour looks good and looking at the pictures of the red and black Norton you can see my point about those mirrors,What a difference in look,sOberon or CRG is the way to go.

Happy Miles

Paul

Hi Paul,

Do you mean these lovely oberon mirrors that replaced the ugly standard ones on mine,also fluid tanks to match.

Bob

Looks good Lee, makes sense to leave it till March.

Bob, a neat job, I see you found some blanking plugs for the original mirror mounting points, it finishes it off really well.

Hello Bob

Any mirrors bar those tuppence halfpenny things Norton fit, no disrespect meant but they do nothing for the bike. I fitted to my cafe racer, in the faster colour silver, CRG Hindsight mirror a pair of CRG levers and oberon reservoir caps, gold to match the forks.Removed that gigantic reflector from the number plate and fitted a ten pence sized round reflector, clear tank protector film fitted, can supply name of company if anyone requires. Happy miles to all. Paul.

Hello Bob Any mirrors bar those tuppence halfpenny things Norton fit, no disrespect meant but they do nothing for the bike. I fitted to my cafe racer, in the faster colour silver, CRG Hindsight mirror a pair of CRG levers and oberon reservoir caps, gold to match the forks.Removed that gigantic reflector from the number plate and fitted a ten pence sized round reflector, clear tank protector film fitted, can supply name of company if anyone requires. Happy miles to all. Paul.

Hi Paul,

You have lost me a little here,my photo two posts up,shows mine with bar ends mirrors, Titax levers, and the fluid tanks,but you say my mirrors do not suit the bike yet they are more or less the same as yours? or are you looking at the previous photo before the change. I did the same as you also with the rear reflector and tank protector, great minds think alike.

Bob

Hello Bob

Any mirrors bar those tuppence halfpenny things Norton fit, no disrespect meant but they do nothing for the bike. I fitted to my cafe racer, in the faster colour silver, CRG Hindsight mirror a pair of CRG levers and oberon reservoir caps, gold to match the forks.Removed that gigantic reflector from the number plate and fitted a ten pence sized round reflector, clear tank protector film fitted, can supply name of company if anyone requires. Happy miles to all. Paul.

Hi Paul,

You have lost me a little here,my photo two posts up,shows mine with bar ends mirrors, Titax levers, and the fluid tanks,but you say my mirrors do not suit the bike yet they are more or less the same as yours? or are you looking at the previous photo before the change. I did the same as you also with the rear reflector and tank protector, great minds think alike.

Bob

Hi Bob

I meant the standard mirrors Norton fit, sorry if you thought I meant the ones you had fitted. I am all for bar end mirrors as you can actually see whats gone by instead of what your elbows look like Paul.

Cabin fever must be setting in, we are taking pictures of mirrors !

Here is one for the CRG crowd !

[http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k567/BPHORSEGUY/3rdattempt005.jpg

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Previously bob_parsons wrote:

Cabin fever must be setting in, we are taking pictures of mirrors !

Here is one for the CRG crowd !

[http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k567/BPHORSEGUY/3rdattempt005.jpg

Whooo you lot are driving me mad, your dead right about the mirrors but this goes for most standard fitments. My 03 kawasaki Z1000 now has 15 mods and 132bhp but I can't see me changing much on the 961 (exept the mirrors and.........)

Terry

Hello Terry Its all part of making any bike yours, your own personal touch, all my bikes the trials bikes and the foggy ducati monster have all been tweeked to make them how I think makes them look right to me, Happy miles to all.