961 FIRST RIDE

The early engines were produced by MCT UK Ltd, basically a race engine manufacturer. I was
involved form day 1 when the box of bits arrived. MCT were not only to design (refine) the engine
from this box of bits but to develope it. I supplied the cam chains. Very quickly the relatioship
soured and Norton took over. There were several issues with the engine including the cam chain.

I also had issues with Norton and stopped supplying them. I offered to give technical help but
the relationship was too far gone. I hope they have solved the problem but reading some of the
posts on here the problem might still be there. Early engine builds are always dodgy if not developed
fully, and in my humble opinion the early engines needed more work. It is fine offering a 2 year warranty
but the cost of this has to be found somewhere. Even Triumph, who are considerably bigger have
slumped from a healthy profit last year to a loss this year.

Being a Brit I still wish them well but there is a long way to go.

Andy

PS For MCT use Menard Cheever
 
They go for $17,900-$20,995 not including any taxes. I understand your price may include a VAT tax???
 
COMMANDO1954 said:
Just wondered what price they are in the states?They cost £16000 ($26200) in the UK!
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The Café Sport Dual cost just around $24,000 USD. This includes all taxes and dealer charges.
 
Great bikes must get the sports exhausts though after the 500mile service to give it the real Norton sound.... well worth doing :)
 
acadian said:
Nice report. We had one show up at Mods n Rockers this summer, owner seemed quite happy with it.
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This is the Bike from the Mods and Rockers show. Tim Harding's bike
961 FIRST RIDE

961 FIRST RIDE
 
I am now approaching the my first 1000 miles on the 961. The bike is loosening up nicely. It handles great and the power is very useable. I have not had any problems. The bike draws crowds everywhere.
 
My dad told me that at about 3,000 miles the vibrations really toned down and the bike became a lot quieter and started to handle a lot better. With 5,000 miles on it now it's definitely reliable and DEF. turns heads. People pretty much side swipe you coming into your lane trying to get a pic from their cell phones... Def. dangerous riding a Norton 961 due to the attention from others. People are Crazy!!
 
want to know how a bike handles better after 5K miles. hope you can share with us what happens to make it handle better with break in.
 
Well Then , thats a bit like a race horse thats been in a shed for weeks ands all stiff . ( Tight Motorcikle )
and one thats been exercised and warmed up . ( The fits are free but not loose ) .

If they were too tight nothing'd move .Bit like goldilox and the three bears . Gotta be ' Just right ' , when bedded in .
Despite all the nano wotsit space age tripe .
 
Can't say I noticed a difference with mine from 2miles when delivered to the now 4k miles, it's always had fine pin point handling on the turns. Still kicks me out the seat on pot holes like it did from day one too.
 
I have 460 mi. on my Sport now. I find the Ohlins to be superb. I live in NY where we have some pretty rutty roads. They dampen the bumps wonderfully without the bounce though from a softer suspension kind of like a Mercedes vs. a Caddy.
 
On my bike the engine started better, revved free-er, had better throttle response, and the suspension was more supple at 500 miles. These all were still improving at 1000 miles. Others are reporting their bikes still getting better at 1500 miles and beyond. I will have to wait and see but my bike is running and handling fantastic right now !!!
 
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