2015 norton 961 14k miles, $8500

Depressing state of affairs, it seems. Compare the problems American buyers are reporting to the praises from British owners who are able to take their bikes to the factory for service and repairs. Hard to tell where it's all going. Like Murph, I assumed when I bought mine that parts would still be available for a while, even if difficult to obtain here in the colonies. But I also expected I would be doing all the service and repair myself. Life would be easier if Norton had a parts list available on-line from which I could buy parts direct, but I also understand their desire not to compete directly with their dealers. Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, etc., also won't sell me parts direct from the factories. Still, I've been a Norton owner and enthusiast for 46 years now, and it just seems like I should carry on with the 961, warts and all. If the used ones get cheap enough, maybe I could buy one for spare parts, like I used to do for the old Commandos. Back in the '70s I could pick up Commando basket cases for $200 - $300, and I bought several just for the engine parts to fuel my racing addiction. I don't see the 961s getting to that level, but if they drop enough in price, I might be tempted. I'm already trying to figure out if I could fit a sidecar to one.

Having the help and support of so many other 961 owners on this forum is invaluable. I'm particularly indebted to Richard-7 and his dad, so whatever you do, Richard, please don't desert the forum.

Ken

Hi Ken , Simon from Norton said that the Commando 961 and variants are core to their business . Why would that change now ? I think what we are seeing is their resources being strained by the new products introduction. Are 961 owners waiting a long time for parts ? (I am asking I don't know) Demand for the 961 Commando seems steady world wide anyway. When people see the 961 for the first time , they usually want one. I did , so did you .

Ken
sidecar fitted by a company in Germany - so it is possible.

https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/450571137710126654

John

TonyA said:

Hi Ken , Simon from Norton said that the Commando 961 and variants are core to their business . Why would that change now ?

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I don't doubt that's the current corporate line considering they don't have any other products in the marketplace. But let's see what happens if different models come out or regulations become to onerous.

Thanks for posting the link and pictures, John. I've never ridden one of the tilting sidecar outfits, like the one you posted. I think I would prefer a conventional fixed outfit, but it's nice to see that the bike appears to be suitable for the use. I have a Velorex sidecar available, but would have to have a second 961 to fit it. I don't want to give up the 961 for solo riding yet.

Ken

Ken,
I have to say, my first thought was; Why, why for the love of God WHY? But you asked the question so.....
I am keeping to the excuse “sorry love, there is no space for a pillion passenger”

Did anyone buy the $8500 bike yet?

Eljahara said:

Ken,
I have to say, my first thought was; Why, why for the love of God WHY? But you asked the question so.....
I am keeping to the excuse “sorry love, there is no space for a pillion passenger”

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I've always had a soft spot for sidecars, maybe just because they are so strange. I've had a couple in the past, and would like to have one again. They make great vehicles for shopping and package transport. Besides, they are fun to ride, just a different sort of fun from a solo bike. Still, I can't keep up with the projects I have, so unless a killer deal comes along, it will have to just stay on my to do someday list.

Ken

swooshdave said:

Did anyone buy the $8500 bike yet?

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That is a really good question,as the guy who started this thread hasn’t been here since,if he had a bought it I’m sure he would of told us by now,instead he’s just thrown a grenade in & left, hope I’m wrong !

BLIGHTYBRIT/SF said:

That is a really good question,as the guy who started this thread hasn’t been here since,if he had a bought it I’m sure he would of told us by now,instead he’s just thrown a grenade in & left, hope I’m wrong !

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I agree, he asked the question and probably decided against the purchase. This has got
Feisty in parts though
John

I knew it had been permanently derailed when it turned to sidecars.

im still here and wiring the money tomorrow

pics will follow upon delivery

Now your talking Good Sense !

lcrken said:

... I don't see the 961s getting to that level, but if they drop enough in price, I might be tempted. I'm already trying to figure out if I could fit a sidecar to one.
...

Ken

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Egli did fit a sidecar in Manx silver. I think it is for sale...

Very nice, Raphi. Even if it is on the "wrong" side. I think I'd have to do my own though. I'm pretty sure the price of that one would be way outside my budget (or any budget that I might ever have). I do like it. To be really right, though, it would need a leading link front end. Hard to argue with the quality of any of Egli's builds, although I might make an exception for his Harley D. bike.

Ken

Oranges3 said:

im still here and wiring the money tomorrow

pics will follow upon delivery

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We await with baited breath ,it’s getting tense ,anxious build up , thought we were all going to have to club together

Guys, any of you out in the states or anywhere else where you don't have full dealer support, please get in contact with me - I am happy to sell parts to you, and those of you who have dealt with me will know that there is no significant wait on parts ordered from me. I will also provide technical assistance where necessary, but I can't help if you don't tell me!

961 is very much alive and well, and there are no plans to discontinue it. We have the V4 imminent, and the 650 will not be very far behind it.

TonyA said:

I am glad you still like me !

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You've always been a great source of knowledge and very generous and friendly. What's not to like? But some of us have had hard times with these bikes so I took the spoiled remark a little personally. There have been quite a few Norton employees that stepped up to the plate, albeit after a way too long wait, and when you finally get some satisfaction, they are no longer employed there. I'm sure I'll get my bike sorted...again....eventually.

get 'old' commando bike work on it yourself