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What made you buy a 961?

It's very quiet here on the 961 board, I guess most of you, like me have put the bikes away for the winter. Here in Germany,even if I was brave enough to ride in the sub zero temperatures,winter tyres are mandatory - anyone tried buyingwinter tyres for a motorcycle?

The question is as the title suggests what made you buy a 961?

(I know what you are thinking Simon, no we don't wear underpants on our heads put pencilsup our noses and intermittently utter the phrase "wubble wubble". Even if I did I would refuse to be repatriatedlaugh)

As a young lad of 17/18 in the 70's my dream bike was eithera Black Commando 850 Interstate or a John Player Norton. At the time I could not afford either, so I ended up buying a T140V (not the wisest decision I have ever made, but that's another story). I think the Interstate was about 150GBP more expensive than the T140. The idea of a Norton lay dormant till I visited the NEC show in either 07 or 08. I think it was the first year Norton showed the new bikes or at least the pre-production models. The Cafe Racer jumped out at me as the the only bike I had seen for years that shouted at me very very loudly - BUY ME, it was even more appealing because it was a Norton. In 2012 afternearly 40 years I realised the dream of owning a Norton.

Happy christmas to you all.

David

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I'm not at all likely to buy a 961. I also dreamed of a Commando in the 1970s but it was a few years later before I managed to acquire one. I still like it a lot...but the obsession with ever older Nortons means that my next one's going to be a flat tanker...There's no accounting for it, is there ?

No winter tyre requirement here in Belgium and it's not too cold either at the moment, but the Indian Dunlops on the 16H are skittering all over the place.

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David, I went to the 2010 motorcycle show with the intent of buying a new motorcycle and it was down to a Ducati 1098 tri colour and a 961 Cafe Racer. Went to the Ducati stand first, as I also have a S4 Fogarty Monster, then to Norton stand and that was it, The 961 is just about the most prettiest looking bike, and still is in my opinion. Dont give a fig about how short the guards are or how much road crap is thrown up, cant get as dirty as I do at weekends in the autumn and winter riding the B40 in classic trials.I have put a few different bits on that I have come to like over the years, CRG levers, CRG bar end mirrors.Oberon reservoir caps.Its a bike that when you go out and come back you have a smile on your face.Just love it. Best wishes to all Norton Owners and Happy Miles in 2014. Paul.

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When I was in High School Nortons were the dream bike. When I saw the Dreer Bikes I was hooked. Then in 2010 when I saw the prototypes I ordered one! It only took 3 years. smiley

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I'm too young to have been seduced (Or otherwise) by the original Commandos. Having said that I do like the look of the older models.

No, for me the 961s have always looked 'Right' ever since I first saw them back in 2010. Having thought about buying one then I went down a different route for a while but now I'm back.

I will say that my tour around the Norton Factory back in Aug this year was enough to make my mind up to take the plunge and I intend on keeping mine for a long time to come.

The fact that others seems to have such an active dislike actually makes me ever more convinced that my decision was the correct one. After all who wants something that everyone else likes. That'd be bland. wink

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Previously paul_baddeley wrote:

Dont give a fig about how short the guards are or how much road crap is thrown up, cant get as dirty as I do at weekends in the autumn and winter riding the B40 in classic trials.

That'll be a useful weight saving tip then for all off-roaders - remove the rear mudguard and cut the front one in half.

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Previously simon_ratcliff wrote:

That'll be a useful weight saving tip then for all off-roaders - remove the rear mudguard and cut the front one in half.

Repetitive .....Boring .....

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Previously teddy_bayer wrote:

Previously simon_ratcliff wrote:

That'll be a useful weight saving tip then for all off-roaders - remove the rear mudguard and cut the front one in half.

Repetitive .....Boring .....Teddy I was told when I got into trials a good while ago that there is always one that thinks he is the b all and end all of anything trials its quite obvious that this web site has the very same superstar. Seasons greetings to all Paul.

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I first saw the 961 at the NEC Bike show in 2009 and I just had to have one. I placed my order for a Manx colour version at the show, it is due for it's first MOT in 3 months. It is a fantastic looking bike and goes as good as it looks. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend purchasing one to anyone considering it. I also find it very comfortable and I like the slim tank.

John Mc

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Previously paul_baddeley wrote:

Previously teddy_bayer wrote:

Previously simon_ratcliff wrote:

That'll be a useful weight saving tip then for all off-roaders - remove the rear mudguard and cut the front one in half.

Repetitive .....Boring .....Teddy I was told when I got into trials a good while ago that there is always one that thinks he is the b all and end all of anything trials its quite obvious that this web site has the very same superstar. Seasons greetings to all Paul.

I'm hoping some 961 owners are going to get a sense of humour for Christmas.

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Previously david_charlesworth wrote:

It's very quiet here on the 961 board, I guess most of you, like me have put the bikes away for the winter. Here in Germany,even if I was brave enough to ride in the sub zero temperatures,winter tyres are mandatory - anyone tried buyingwinter tyres for a motorcycle?

The question is as the title suggests what made you buy a 961?

(I know what you are thinking Simon, no we don't wear underpants on our heads put pencilsup our noses and intermittently utter the phrase "wubble wubble". Even if I did I would refuse to be repatriatedlaugh)

As a young lad of 17/18 in the 70's my dream bike was eithera Black Commando 850 Interstate or a John Player Norton. At the time I could not afford either, so I ended up buying a T140V (not the wisest decision I have ever made, but that's another story). I think the Interstate was about 150GBP more expensive than the T140. The idea of a Norton lay dormant till I visited the NEC show in either 07 or 08. I think it was the first year Norton showed the new bikes or at least the pre-production models. The Cafe Racer jumped out at me as the the only bike I had seen for years that shouted at me very very loudly - BUY ME, it was even more appealing because it was a Norton. In 2012 afternearly 40 years I realised the dream of owning a Norton.

Happy christmas to you all.

David

Well what you should be saying why have you not gone a bought a new Norton, Because I not a sheep that follow the herd, I like to be very different That why I chose to buy a Norton Manxman as there Very rare and Not many have them, So I out there on my own Doing my own stuff , So thay can keep your 961, for me, So this is my time now, so happy riding lads

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Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Well what you should be saying why have you not gone a bought a new Norton, Because I not a sheep that follow the herd, I like to be very different That why I chose to buy a Norton Manxman as there Very rare and Not many have them, So I out there on my own Doing my own stuff , So thay can keep your 961, for me, So this is my time now, so happy riding lads

Anna,

Thankfully we all have different tastesand I am sure you are as happy with your Manxman as I am with my 961.

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The title of this was WHAT MADE YOU BUY A 961 ? so I would expect answers from 961 owners. However AD still managed to get intheir usual Manxman stuff, so this will probably get locked soon. I don't mind Simon's comments at least he has something interesting to say, which(witch) we can understand.

JMc

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Hi all. Back in 1972 when i was 17 and crazy about bikes of all types, i used to gaze and dribble at the site of the then 750 combat Norton. I never had the money and used to ride a 1959 5Ta. Here we are some 40 years plus further on and ive only just got around to owning a 1972 combat, but now i gaze and dribble at the 961 but i dont have the money. Maybe in another 40 years when i'm 99 i could pick up a good restored one. Merry Christmas all. Mark.

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Previously david_charlesworth wrote:

It's very quiet here on the 961 board, I guess most of you, like me have put the bikes away for the winter. Here in Germany,even if I was brave enough to ride in the sub zero temperatures,winter tyres are mandatory - anyone tried buyingwinter tyres for a motorcycle?

The question is as the title suggests what made you buy a 961?

(I know what you are thinking Simon, no we don't wear underpants on our heads put pencilsup our noses and intermittently utter the phrase "wubble wubble". Even if I did I would refuse to be repatriatedlaugh)

As a young lad of 17/18 in the 70's my dream bike was eithera Black Commando 850 Interstate or a John Player Norton. At the time I could not afford either, so I ended up buying a T140V (not the wisest decision I have ever made, but that's another story). I think the Interstate was about 150GBP more expensive than the T140. The idea of a Norton lay dormant till I visited the NEC show in either 07 or 08. I think it was the first year Norton showed the new bikes or at least the pre-production models. The Cafe Racer jumped out at me as the the only bike I had seen for years that shouted at me very very loudly - BUY ME, it was even more appealing because it was a Norton. In 2012 afternearly 40 years I realised the dream of owning a Norton.

Happy christmas to you all.

David

Hello David and all the best to you, im buying a New Norton because i wanted some individuallity and love the look of the cafe racer in silver of course,my first big bike was a 650ss and lasted longer than my first marriage,i was nearly 18 too young for marriage but not for that bike,mind you have been waiting 18months for the new norton hope thats not an omen,ride safe.

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Previously frederick_hood wrote:

Hello David and all the best to you, im buying a New Norton because i wanted some individuallity and love the look of the cafe racer in silver of course,my first big bike was a 650ss and lasted longer than my first marriage,i was nearly 18 too young for marriage but not for that bike,mind you have been waiting 18months for the new norton hope thats not an omen,ride safe.

You will find it has been worth the wait. You will also find that silver ones are the fastestlaugh

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Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Previously david_charlesworth wrote:

It's very quiet here on the 961 board, I guess most of you, like me have put the bikes away for the winter. Here in Germany,even if I was brave enough to ride in the sub zero temperatures,winter tyres are mandatory - anyone tried buyingwinter tyres for a motorcycle?

The question is as the title suggests what made you buy a 961?

(I know what you are thinking Simon, no we don't wear underpants on our heads put pencilsup our noses and intermittently utter the phrase "wubble wubble". Even if I did I would refuse to be repatriatedlaugh)

As a young lad of 17/18 in the 70's my dream bike was eithera Black Commando 850 Interstate or a John Player Norton. At the time I could not afford either, so I ended up buying a T140V (not the wisest decision I have ever made, but that's another story). I think the Interstate was about 150GBP more expensive than the T140. The idea of a Norton lay dormant till I visited the NEC show in either 07 or 08. I think it was the first year Norton showed the new bikes or at least the pre-production models. The Cafe Racer jumped out at me as the the only bike I had seen for years that shouted at me very very loudly - BUY ME, it was even more appealing because it was a Norton. In 2012 afternearly 40 years I realised the dream of owning a Norton.

Happy christmas to you all.

David

Well what you should be saying why have you not gone a bought a new Norton, Because I not a sheep that follow the herd, I like to be very different That why I chose to buy a Norton Manxman as there Very rare and Not many have them, So I out there on my own Doing my own stuff , So thay can keep your 961, for me, So this is my time now, so happy riding lads

Anna.

Sheep gather in flocks, not herds. Other than that it was logical,well thought out iinsult in a topic you otherwise wouldnt have been able to contribute to. Its not for a lion like you to tread carfully while forum behaviour is on the adjenda eh?

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I do not normally post on this page, I have not got, nor do I want, a 961. However, it does annoy me to see the number of derogatory comments made by non owners. We do not see other models subjected to such criticism, and they all have their faults. If you don't like the 961 don't open the page, leave it for those who do.

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Why I bought my Norton Commando 961 Dual Seat.

Reasons to be cheerful Part 3!!

  • Beautiful classic styling
  • Truly superb handling
  • Highest quality suspension available
  • Best brakes in the business
  • Beautifully engineered yokes and brackets from aluminium billet
  • Lovely red illuminated dials
  • Gorgeous wheels with stainless spokes
  • And the engine; big, involving, rewarding, an event
  • Hand built in Great Britain

âTo sum up the Norton Commando 961 is a brand new motorcycle that bridges the gap between classic and thoroughly modern, an interesting bike that can ask a lot of its owner and yet as the relationship develops rewards where other motorcycles can leave you cold, very cold.

I am very proud to ride my 961 and I am very proud to be back as a member of the NORTON OWNERS CLUB.

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A life long affair with Nortons started in the early '70's when looking round an Oxford bike dealer one saturday ,whilst at college in the west country ,seeking larger capacity for a trade-in onmy barely six month oldBSA 250 Gold Star on which I'd passed the test.

Amongst the lines of second hand Trumpets,Beezas, Ajays, Velos, etc, wasalow , gleaming, silver and blackNorton that caught my eye - a 650sswith Tickle clip-ons and rearsets plusfive gallon ally tank and single racing seat. "That's a man's bike" declared the shop manager who'd been following me round as he studied me , a scrawny nineteen year old ,somewhat dubiously. Ignoring his well intentioned advisory remark , I walked around thispiece of poetry on two wheels several times , studying every square inchwhile busily dispelling lingering doubtswhyIcouldn't haveit. "Give it a test ride if you want"offered the manager who'd sensed my got-to-have-it demeanour.

A couple of times round the block and there was no going back.£220 was the price on the five year old Nortonand I got £180 trade-in for my almost newBSA. With sale transacted , climbed aboard and pointedthe 650ssup theA40 dual carriagewaytowards Cheltenham - and the restis history.

Three Commandos followedover the next decade , two of which I still have,and the marque was forever indelibly stampedon my psyche.961 ?No contest , had to haveone !

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Previously John Shorter wrote:

I do not normally post on this page, I have not got, nor do I want, a 961. However, it does annoy me to see the number of derogatory comments made by non owners. We do not see other models subjected to such criticism, and they all have their faults. If you don't like the 961 don't open the page, leave it for those who do.

Dale Middlehurst regularly criticises original Commando's, I think purely because they superseded the featherbed twins - he admits prejudice, whilst attempting to put forward an argument based on engineering. There are other members who are anti Commando too. I'm not anti any bike - some owners,but not bikes. Recognising faults does not equate to a dislike. The original Commando's had plenty.

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Simon, some babies are born ugly, but their parents would not agree! The same principal applies to the 961. If you have spent over £15k, on a bike, you do not wish to know that others think you bought a dog.

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Previously John Shorter wrote:

Simon, some babies are born ugly, but their parents would not agree! The same principal applies to the 961. If you have spent over £15k, on a bike, you do not wish to know that others think you bought a dog.

If some people are confusing dogs and motorcycles I don't know what they are taking but I would like some as well!

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Does anyone know how many 961 owners/future owners use the forum? 10 have been interested enough to post so far. Thank you to those that have. It all makes interesting reading. The rest of you don't be shy!

Simon Clarke - is the dual seat a true dual seat or 1 + someone you are really friendly with?

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David,

I visited the NEC show in 2012 specifically to choose a new bike. I knew the dual seat model would be there as I had spoken with the factory and they had just released it for production. My wife was with me and we looked carefully at everything on show but as soon as she saw the new Nortons that was it. We both sat on the dual seat and she said this is the one. The rest is history.

Since getting my Sport in September I've ridden it more two up than solo. It fits her perfectly and she finds it comfortable. The seat pad isn't overly large, it suits the lines of the bike but is bigger than most modern naked bikes. I also have four modern Triumph's one of which is the 1200 Tiger Explorer XC and she, along with my two daughters have pestered me more to take them out on the 961 than that!

Life eh, never a dull moment!!

Simon.

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Because they are sexy as hell, and the older ones wanted a little brother to talk to.

And they are British, and I can!

Cheers, Merry Christmas to one and all.

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Previously simon_clarke wrote:

David,

I visited the NEC show in 2012 specifically to choose a new bike. I knew the dual seat model would be there as I had spoken with the factory and they had just released it for production. My wife was with me and we looked carefully at everything on show but as soon as she saw the new Nortons that was it. We both sat on the dual seat and she said this is the one. The rest is history.

Since getting my Sport in September I've ridden it more two up than solo. It fits her perfectly and she finds it comfortable. The seat pad isn't overly large, it suits the lines of the bike but is bigger than most modern naked bikes. I also have four modern Triumph's one of which is the 1200 Tiger Explorer XC and she, along with my two daughters have pestered me more to take them out on the 961 than that!

Life eh, never a dull moment!!

Simon.

Simon, you didn't really answer the question- as I hope you are very friendly with your wifelaugh.

Seriously now, thats good to know, as many of the bikes produced today have a pillion seat that seem to be the size of a postage stamp and look to beas comfortable as a Fakir's bed of nails.

You are indeed a lucky man, you can ride your 961 and not return home to be greeted bylong faces and to learn that your dinner is in the dogsmiley

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Previously simon_clarke wrote:

Why I bought my Norton Commando 961 Dual Seat.

Reasons to be cheerful Part 3!!

  • Beautiful classic styling
  • Truly superb handling
  • Highest quality suspension available
  • Best brakes in the business
  • Beautifully engineered yokes and brackets from aluminium billet
  • Lovely red illuminated dials
  • Gorgeous wheels with stainless spokes
  • And the engine; big, involving, rewarding, an event
  • Hand built in Great Britain

âTo sum up the Norton Commando 961 is a brand new motorcycle that bridges the gap between classic and thoroughly modern, an interesting bike that can ask a lot of its owner and yet as the relationship develops rewards where other motorcycles can leave you cold, very cold.

I am very proud to ride my 961 and I am very proud to be back as a member of the NORTON OWNERS CLUB.

And its a push rod engine just like my 1960 Norton Manxman 650

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Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

And its a push rod engine just like my 1960 Norton Manxman 650

Anna,

Have you ever considered goingfor a very long ride on your pushrod engined 1960 Norton Manxman 650?

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Previously david_charlesworth wrote:

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

And its a push rod engine just like my 1960 Norton Manxman 650

Anna,

Have you ever considered goingfor a very long ride on your pushrod engined 1960 Norton Manxman 650?

Game,Set and Match to the 961 owner.

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Previously peter_stowe wrote:

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Previously david_charlesworth wrote:

It's very quiet here on the 961 board, I guess most of you, like me have put the bikes away for the winter. Here in Germany,even if I was brave enough to ride in the sub zero temperatures,winter tyres are mandatory - anyone tried buyingwinter tyres for a motorcycle?

The question is as the title suggests what made you buy a 961?

(I know what you are thinking Simon, no we don't wear underpants on our heads put pencilsup our noses and intermittently utter the phrase "wubble wubble". Even if I did I would refuse to be repatriatedlaugh)

As a young lad of 17/18 in the 70's my dream bike was eithera Black Commando 850 Interstate or a John Player Norton. At the time I could not afford either, so I ended up buying a T140V (not the wisest decision I have ever made, but that's another story). I think the Interstate was about 150GBP more expensive than the T140. The idea of a Norton lay dormant till I visited the NEC show in either 07 or 08. I think it was the first year Norton showed the new bikes or at least the pre-production models. The Cafe Racer jumped out at me as the the only bike I had seen for years that shouted at me very very loudly - BUY ME, it was even more appealing because it was a Norton. In 2012 afternearly 40 years I realised the dream of owning a Norton.

Happy christmas to you all.

David

Well what you should be saying why have you not gone a bought a new Norton, Because I not a sheep that follow the herd, I like to be very different That why I chose to buy a Norton Manxman as there Very rare and Not many have them, So I out there on my own Doing my own stuff , So thay can keep your 961, for me, So this is my time now, so happy riding lads

Anna.

Sheep gather in flocks, not herds. Other than that it was logical,well thought out iinsult in a topic you otherwise wouldnt have been able to contribute to. Its not for a lion like you to tread carfully while forum behaviour is on the adjenda eh?

Barrr Mowww

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I've obviously got my interest into British bikes in my mother's milk: I knew I had to get one as an under 10yo boy. My first real motorcycle was a Triumph 6T on which I rode criss cross this country with luggage filled by 20 kilos tools. Couple of years I lived puritanily and put all my extra money apart. Finally in 1973 I was ready to buy a new motorcycle. I insisted to have a black Commando Interstate but Norton didn't even have a distributor in this country. So dealing straight with the factory I finally got "The Lightest Superbike of the World" as was printed on the crate.

I've ridden two thirds of my age on the Interstate, well over 200.000 miles and gradually my tool roll grew from the Commando's genuine one to the 20 kilos sack again.

For some unknown reason I jammed at the computer on C'mas night 2011. For some equally strange reason I typed 'Norton Commando' on the search machine. There were news for me: Norton had risen from ashes and there was available a motorbike I could have designed myself: a Norton Commando 961!

I didn't sleep that night nor the next one either. On the third day I ordered a black 961 Commando Sport and despite my dubius state I haven't had to regret that decision for a second. I got the bike well in time for this year riding season, in January 2013.

The bike looks better than any production motorcycle available, handles immaculately, sounds good enough (with aftermarket exhausts) and goes well enough for an old biker.

The Sport has did the last summer without any problems, just rather high oil consumtion and heavy clangour from the transmission bother a bit. But not even a tool roll hasn't to be packed along on my over 10.000 miles on it, and I feel having become younger for 20 years last season!

So, as an answer to the question what made me to buy a 961: To get to ride a motorcycle without a tool roll!

Juha Juurikkala

Finland

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Previously juha_juurikkala wrote:

I've obviously got my interest into British bikes in my mother's milk: I knew I had to get one as an under 10yo boy. My first real motorcycle was a Triumph 6T on which I rode criss cross this country with luggage filled by 20 kilos tools. Couple of years I lived puritanily and put all my extra money apart. Finally in 1973 I was ready to buy a new motorcycle. I insisted to have a black Commando Interstate but Norton didn't even have a distributor in this country. So dealing straight with the factory I finally got "The Lightest Superbike of the World" as was printed on the crate. < ..........

.......... >So, as an answer to the question what made me to buy a 961: To get to ride a motorcycle without a tool roll!

Juha Juurikkala

Finland

Hi Juha, excellent answer and very positive.

JMc

Attachments 28357_125792407448795_7853951_n-jpg
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Previously juha_juurikkala wrote:

I've obviously got my interest into British bikes in my mother's milk:..

...So, as an answer to the question what made me to buy a 961: To get to ride a motorcycle without a tool roll!

Juha Juurikkala

Finland

Great story Juha - we have followed almost identical paths to Nortonhood through life. I gota '73 Commando Interstate (Mk 1A)back in the day , still having it , and after another MK 3out in Africafor twenty odd years the 961 was a foregone conclusion when it came out ,taking delivery Oct 2012.

Also bycoincidence my main career was with a Finnish company (Neste Oy / Fortum Oy)for 21 years ,mostly out in Africa.Many visits to company head office in Helsinki's Vantaa area over the yearswhere saunas and great evenings with colleaguesstill hold fond memories - "Kipis !"

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Previously james_fanning wrote:

Previously juha_juurikkala wrote:

I've obviously got my interest into British bikes in my mother's milk:..

...So, as an answer to the question what made me to buy a 961: To get to ride a motorcycle without a tool roll!

Juha Juurikkala

Finland

Great story Juha - we have followed almost identical paths to Nortonhood through life. I gota '73 Commando Interstate (Mk 1A)back in the day , still having it , and after another MK 3out in Africafor twenty odd years the 961 was a foregone conclusion when it came out ,taking delivery Oct 2012.

Also bycoincidence my main career was with a Finnish company (Neste Oy / Fortum Oy)for 21 years ,mostly out in Africa.Many visits to company head office in Helsinki's Vantaa area over the yearswhere saunas and great evenings with colleaguesstill hold fond memories - "Kipis !"

Kipis James!

So you must have visited the Neste Oy headquarters, the huge glass tower at the sea? When the building was constructed in the middle of 70's, the GM of Neste Oy was Mr. Uolevi Raade. So the exceptional building got it's still existing nickname "Raade's Tooth".

You've got both of your Commandos a bit earlier than me. My 850 is one of the earliest Mk2As, engine no. 306600. It's recently restored and still lives in my garage. My 961 Sport is number ...491, popped out from the factory Dec 2012.

The third member of my Norton family is 1935 CS1, a 500 Cammy single. It is a barn find I made in early 90's. I got to buy it when pressured the owner politely for several years. Since that the bike was stored until I finally found time and energy to start the restoration work in 2010. Hope to get it finished in 2015 when the bike will turn 80yo!Hope being able to participate the International Norton Rally 2015 on it!

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Previously juha_juurikkala wrote:

Previously james_fanning wrote:

Previously juha_juurikkala wrote:

I've obviously got my interest into British bikes in my mother's milk:..

...So, as an answer to the question what made me to buy a 961: To get to ride a motorcycle without a tool roll!

Juha Juurikkala

Finland

Great story Juha - we have followed almost identical paths to Nortonhood through life. I gota '73 Commando Interstate (Mk 1A)back in the day , still having it , and after another MK 3out in Africafor twenty odd years the 961 was a foregone conclusion when it came out ,taking delivery Oct 2012.

Also bycoincidence my main career was with a Finnish company (Neste Oy / Fortum Oy)for 21 years ,mostly out in Africa.Many visits to company head office in Helsinki's Vantaa area over the yearswhere saunas and great evenings with colleaguesstill hold fond memories - "Kipis !"

Kipis James!

So you must have visited the Neste Oy headquarters, the huge glass tower at the sea? When the building was constructed in the middle of 70's, the GM of Neste Oy was Mr. Uolevi Raade. So the exceptional building got it's still existing nickname "Raade's Tooth".

You've got both of your Commandos a bit earlier than me. My 850 is one of the earliest Mk2As, engine no. 306600. It's recently restored and still lives in my garage. My 961 Sport is number ...491, popped out from the factory Dec 2012.

The third member of my Norton family is 1935 CS1, a 500 Cammy single. It is a barn find I made in early 90's. I got to buy it when pressured the owner politely for several years. Since that the bike was stored until I finally found time and energy to start the restoration work in 2010. Hope to get it finished in 2015 when the bike will turn 80yo!Hope being able to participate the International Norton Rally 2015 on it!

... indeed , spenta few days in that glass tower mostly in winter with frozen sea which we gazed at fromone of the high floors during company meetings , etc.Neste CEO when I joined in '88 was a tall , young looking guy ,Jaako Uomatilla (spelling probably wrong !) - I worked for a subsidiary company called Neste Advanced Power Systems (NAPS) dealing in solar photovoltaic technology - set up and ran their Africa regional sales office in Nairobi. Great days back then when Neste was owned 95% by the Finnish government - and which changed dramatically over the following decade as it was steadilyprivatised, eventually merging with Ivo Oy in '99 to create today's Fortum Oy.Quit full timefinally in 2009 although stilldo a bit of workfor them asAfrican agent on commission basis.

My Mk1A Commando came out of the factory in Sept '73 and engine number is actually 140 numbers before the Mk1A was supposedly launched according to Norton records but specialist books mention that engines were often taken out of sequence on the factory assembly line so many anomalies exist. Mk1A was the first "noise control" model with bean can silencers and special airbox. Mk2A is virtually the same except with slightlysmaller Interstate tank andhad some mod to eliminate a problem with third gear - my thirdhas an audiblewhine although hasbeen like that for years and doesn't seem to get any worse. Like you , have had no problem with my 961savingoil consumption which seemsa bit on the high side , similar to others , although withinthe limits advised byNorton - doesn't bother me.

Your 500 cammy single is quite a find - good luck with the restoration. Good examples in UK change hands at serious money. Apart from my two 850 Commandos and the new 961 Sports(sunburst yellow), also have a '62 BSA Rocket Gold Star and in process of ordering a new build Egli-Vincent 1200 - is there a cure for the disease?

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My Mk1A Commando came out of the factory in Sept '73 and engine number is actually 140 numbers before the Mk1A was supposedly launched according to Norton records but specialist books mention that engines were often taken out of sequence on the factory assembly line so many anomalies exist. Mk1A was the first "noise control" model with bean can silencers and special airbox. Mk2A is virtually the same except with slightlysmaller Interstate tank andhad some mod to eliminate a problem with third gear - my thirdhas an audiblewhine although hasbeen like that for years and doesn't seem to get any worse. Like you , have had no problem with my 961savingoil consumption which seemsa bit on the high side , similar to others , although withinthe limits advised byNorton - doesn't bother me.

Your 500 cammy single is quite a find - good luck with the restoration. Good examples in UK change hands at serious money. Apart from my two 850 Commandos and the new 961 Sports(sunburst yellow), also have a '62 BSA Rocket Gold Star and in process of ordering a new build Egli-Vincent 1200 - is there a cure for the disease ?

About the disease. I've similar symptom also into CitroÃ?n cars, and once after some miserable purchases years ago I begged cure for that disease. My wife protested against the disease, she didn't accept the thought her husband being sick. She determined my state as 'periodically uncontrolled passion'.

So, as far as I've understood you must also be around your 60's. I suggest we decide to live the rest of our years as passionate gentlemen, not diseased ones. Maybe we can live longer that way!

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Previously juha_juurikkala wrote:

About the disease. I've similar symptom also into CitroÃ?n cars, and once after some miserable purchases years ago I begged cure for that disease. My wife protested against the disease, she didn't accept the thought her husband being sick. She determined my state as 'periodically uncontrolled passion'.

So, as far as I've understood you must also be around your 60's. I suggest we decide to live the rest of our years as passionate gentlemen, not diseased ones. Maybe we can live longer that way!

I also had my first Commando in the mid 70's and even though I had a few problems with it (it was a combat engine!) I've always had a love forNortons and now have had a MK111 850 for a number of years. So when I saw the 961 at the 2009 bike show I had to have one and put my deposit on there and then.

 


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