Commando 961 message board

Hi Tim,

Thank you, as a new member I was disheartened at some of the 961 forum crap I was reading, I was hoping that this club would be just a small step above the norm and by your actions perhaps my cofidence is restored.

I started biking with Norton (model 19 and ES2) and decided that I'd cap off with another, so last week, after long deliberations I ordered a 961 sport dual seat.

I don't expect to take delivery of it untill next spring but I can wait, after all its more or less a bespoke motorcycle which I fully expect to have its own character just as my model 19 did.

You'll be hearing more from me in the spring untill then ride safe.

Terry.

Thank you Tim, It will be nice to be able to read about whatI want instead of someones personal diatribe about how I should spend my hard earned money.

Thanks again

Paul.

Well said chaps, both of you. I'm in the same situation to Terry (Without the previous Norton ownership to call upon) Thank you for this - It's much appreciated.

I look forward to plenty of constructive and grown up discussion on here both in the run up to collecting my 961 and that lovely period afterwards where one gets to enjoy what'll undoubtedly be a cracking ownership experience.

Well done that chairman,I also have ordered the cafe racer and dont really care what the jealous small minded other members think im going ahead and looking forward to the experience,Stuart Garner is a man whos put his money where his mouth is and the new Norton is going to succeed

Hello everybody

I can understand the chairman's decision. But I hope that Tim or the webmaster will well distinguish between 'crap' and fact in the decision what to remove and what to leave in the forum. I am owner of a Commando 961 and did 6000 miles with it. It is great to ride this bike, but there are still issues that should not be swept under the carpet as we say in Switzerland.

Regards and many happy miles to all 961 owners (already or in future).

Raphael Vonaesch

Is this a wind up? As every one can see it's the same message Tim posted 2 years ago after members posted comments regarding very late delivery of bikes and associated problems when orders were cancelled. I think. Can't be sure because the messages are no longer there.

Subsequently, valid points were raised by members regarding censorship - see, "What on earth...." posted by Steve Snoen in the 961 forum on 18th Sept. 2011.

Personallly, I would be upset if a company I had entered into a contract with, had not done what it said it was going to do. This practice would undermine that companies prospects far more than the comments of a few individuals and the company would have no one to blame but itself.

I think the 961 is an awesome looking bike. As I'm coming to a point in my life when I might actually be able to afford one whilst I can still swing a leg over, I am a regular reader of this message board. I want to know about all current owners' experiences, good and bad, otherwise how am I to make an informed decision? Next to my house, this will probably be the biggest financial commitment I will ever make.

We are encouraged to highlight the good and bad with other service providers and suppliers, so why not Norton? Surely Mr Garner himself would rather see a balanced appraisal of his company on this message board? An excellent tool for evaluating customer satisfaction I would have thought.

I also look forward to plenty of constructive, grown-up discussion and I quite agree that it should not be a sounding board for others to get on their soapboxes. I just hope this announcement does not mean member's negative experiences of machine or after-service cannot be aired, otherwise where's the discussion?

Hello Tim,

Stifling constructive criticism is not healthy, but removing offensive and libellouscriticism is entirely correct.

As a large number of sales come from NOC members, giving Norton Motorcyclesits own forum within the magazine would be very positiveallowing them to respond to criticism directlyand to give the club directlyupdates on production, deliveries, spares etc, modifications.

I realise it is not the function of the NOC to seem topromote companies but there has to be a strong relationship between NOC and the manufacturer for obvious reasons.

All the best.

Harry

It would be interesting to know the exact figures of bikes produced and where they go. I think this has been difficult to establish according to posts on this forum, so one can't assume a large number of 961 owners are NOC members. I would estimate it is a very small percentage of club membership anyway.

Norton Motorcycles (U.K) Ltd already have the means to communicate directly with the NOC by means of this forum. See "Absolute nightmare..." and Sean Kinnersleys post.

I'm against, what should be, a non-profit making organisation aligning itself closely with a commercial profit making organisation.

Simon.

Hello Simon,

I agree that its difficult to determine exact sales figures to NOC members, as it seems that Norton's and supportfunding is determined on exports. Looking on the website of DVLC gives the UK road fund licence registrations as a whole for the UK.

I think where I'm coming from is the creation of better communication and thus understanding for club members and 961 owners and potential owners. This will cut out the 'maverick' e-mails.

Harry

Simon what difference does it make if there is only 1 or 10000 961 sold the bike has Norton on the tank, We have the right as members, from which ever country we call home, of the Norton owners club to have a page where 961 owners can possibly discuss any type of issues either good or bad or share ideas, you have persisted on the 961 pages to criticize or tell possible owners what a waste of money the 961 is. I look at the message board of other Nortons models possibly to see if I could assist but will never slate them as you seem to persistently do ,so please give it a break and let us 961 owners have the discussions we deserve as members.If you want to criticize why not use the views and news pages .

all the best

Paul.

Well said Paul I've checked Simon's posts and Simon I don't know what your issues are surely the clue is in the name, in my world a Norton is just that a Norton end of.

Terry

Previously terry

Well said Paul I've checked Simon's posts and Simon I don't know what your issues are surely the clue is in the name, in my world a Norton is just that a Norton end of.

Terry

Yep - Couldn't agree more. You pays your money and makes your choice. It seems like most of us 961 owners/riders simply want to be able to glean helpful information and advice about our lovely machines. Why would anyone have an issue with that?

Previously terry_woods wrote:

Well said Paul I've checked Simon's posts and Simon I don't know what your issues are surely the clue is in the name, in my world a Norton is just that a Norton end of.

Terry

My 'issues', as you put it, is being allowed to express an opinion based on facts, reasoning and experience, when putting forward an argument, especially against opinions apparently based on wishful thinking, end of,

Simon.

Previously paul_baddeley wrote:

Simon..........you have persisted on the 961 pages to criticize or tell possible owners what a waste of money the 961 is. If you want to criticize why not use the views and news pages .

all the best

Paul.

Try sticking to facts. If you re read my previous postings I said the 961 is expensive due to scale of economies. Also that it cannot be defined as a quality product due to the numerous problems encountered by owners. No surprise you're all so keen to get your hands on the manuals. Saying it is a waste of money are your words.

The way forums work is that somebody makes a comment and then someone replies to that comment. Just because you don't like the reply is tough, it's called a discussion.

Try sticking to facts. If you re read my previous postings I said the 961 is expensive due to scale of economies. Also that it cannot be defined as a quality product due to the numerous problems encountered by owners. No surprise you're all so keen to get your hands on the manuals. Saying it is a waste of money are your words.

The way forums work is that somebody makes a comment and then someone replies to that comment. Just because you don't like the reply is tough, it's called a discussion.

Blimey! I'm glad to see that it's not just me that Simon gets grumpy with

Actually the reply to Paul's postillustrates the whole point of this thread rather well so thanks for that Simon

Previously lee_blackburn wrote:

Actually the reply to Paul's postillustrates the whole point of this thread rather well so thanks for that Simon

Eh? I've re-read Lee's comment several times and still it dosen't make any sense.

Anyway, I'll leave some of the 961 owners wondering what is the actual capacity of the fuel tank, how much does the bike weigh and what exactly is the power output. See 'Technical Specifications' in the 961 forum. Can't believe they'd have embellished any of those figures. May be Lee will be able to tell us...............when he gets one.

Simon.

Simon,

Do you own a 961?

Steve

Previously steve_brunt wrote:

Simon,

Do you own a 961?

Steve

I'll leave you to work that out for your self, shouldn't take too long.

A yes then as you speak with the authority of some one with personal experience...

Nearly right....try again.

There is no need to be an authority on a subject to come to a reasoned conclusion. I can refer to other peoples experiences to do that.......

Previously steve_brunt wrote:

A yes then as you speak with the authority of some one with personal experience...

Happy miles

Paul.

Paul, you have obviously misunderstood (again) my reply to Steve's incorrect conclusion. Try reading it again, and maybe again, however many times it takes.

Hopefully someone may tell me where I'm going wrong with my conclusion that so far there have been alot of 961's with problems. Or have those owners not been telling the truth?

Talking of happy miles, I'm surprised in the low response to the rear tyre info request. Don't tell me you haven't worn one out yet - in the best summer for quite a few years?

Previously simon_ratcliff wrote:

Paul, you have obviously misunderstood (again) my reply to Steve's incorrect conclusion. Try reading it again, and maybe again, however many times it takes.

Hopefully someone may tell me where I'm going wrong with my conclusion that so far there have been alot of 961's with problems. Or have those owners not been telling the truth?

Talking of happy miles, I'm surprised in the low response to the rear tyre info request. Don't tell me you haven't worn one out yet - in the best summer for quite a few years?

Sorry Simon but I have not worn a rear tyre yet as my road riding is very limited due to the wifes health, I also ride in pre 65 off road competion, plus having another 2 road bikes and 5 days a week at work its quite difficult to squeeze it all in, however the rear is nearly due so it will be another Dunlop as fitted, but as the norm with most modern bikes its 2 rear to 1 front, as I don't like mixing brands, so we will see next time it wants replacing. perhaps thats the reason why other 961 owners have not replied to the message board they are on their second rear.

Paul

Well I found myself in the midlands last wednesday with an hour to spare so I called in at the new Norton factory, it was all I expected, a small workforce of dedicated and skilled bike builders hand crafting bespoke bikes for us bikers that respect quality and tradition in a modern package. Cake and eat it springs to mind, roll on spring delivery.

Terry

Looks like you and I are in the same situation Terry. I can't wait for next March!

As Chairman I have requested the web site moderator to remove comments about Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd. and the perceived problems connected with it.

We need to consider the growing number of Members who own Commando 961s and their interests are better served by the Company not being constantly criticized by us. The value of the investment and the supply of servicing and spares is wholly dependent on the Company having a profitable future. We will not be thanked by 961 owning Members if postings on our website are seen in any way as responsible for undermining the success of a Company that the overwhelming majority of Members wishes to see succeedingThe Technical Forum for 961s should be just that. 961 owners are entitled to be able to go to a technical forum and discuss innovations, problems and upgrades without having to wade through a barrage of criticism which will potentially undermine their confidence in the bike and the Company which has to provide servicing and spares. There are an increasing number of Members who own the bikes and who will prefer their Club to be on good terms with the manufacturer of their favorite marque.I have taken this decision in the best interests of the Club and our Members which I hope will be respected and understood.Best wishes

Yes Tim This is the technical forum for the Commando 961 and Heavy twins and Singles and Commando 750/850 Light weight twins and Rotary machines All Technical Forums and should be kept to a point of vieue without any critics or slander, But the EC club members still over see this still going on , as you rightly say that this forum should be monitored by the website manager then all the Technical forums should be treated in the same way. And not just this One forum ,just because the Norton Name is owned by one Mr Stuart Garner and Norton's are on going and being made at Donington Hall . and they get to read what is put on this forum from time to time. you have to treat all the Forums the same way, and not just make this one Special. Yours Anna J Dixon

Previously tim_harrison wrote:

As Chairman I have requested the web site moderator to remove comments about Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd. and the perceived problems connected with it.

We need to consider the growing number of Members who own Commando 961s and their interests are better served by the Company not being constantly criticized by us. The value of the investment and the supply of servicing and spares is wholly dependent on the Company having a profitable future. We will not be thanked by 961 owning Members if postings on our website are seen in any way as responsible for undermining the success of a Company that the overwhelming majority of Members wishes to see succeedingThe Technical Forum for 961s should be just that. 961 owners are entitled to be able to go to a technical forum and discuss innovations, problems and upgrades without having to wade through a barrage of criticism which will potentially undermine their confidence in the bike and the Company which has to provide servicing and spares. There are an increasing number of Members who own the bikes and who will prefer their Club to be on good terms with the manufacturer of their favorite marque.I have taken this decision in the best interests of the Club and our Members which I hope will be respected and understood.Best wishes

Yes Tim This is the technical forum for the Commando 961 and Heavy twins and Singles and Commando 750/850 Light weight twins and Rotary machines All Technical Forums and should be kept to a point of vieue without any critics or slander, But the EC club members still over see this still going on , as you rightly say that this forum should be monitored by the website manager then all the Technical forums should be treated in the same way. And not just this One forum ,just because the Norton Name is owned by one Mr Stuart Garner and Norton's are on going and being made at Donington Hall . and they get to read what is put on this forum from time to time. you have to treat all the Forums the same way, and not just make this one Special. Yours Anna J Dixon

And I also think to manage the web side there should be more than one website manager as he or she as to have holidays or off days and there volunteers at best. as is the executive committee and branch secretarys and Technical advisors . yours Anna J Dixon