961 is back !

Voodooo said:
Ordered a 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP
The ugliness has grown on me.
Pictured with the full termignoni exhaust.
Click to expand...
That is gonna be a bucketload of FUN to ride - kinda like the look too! Been thinking of motarding the 990 for years, or at the least swapping out the 21” front for a 19”😁

Ooops, back to the ‘961 is back’!
 
Gojuu said:
I’m not sure if you’ve had one before, but I’d recommend everyone own one of these at least once. Very difficult to be sedate on though…….
Click to expand...
My first Hypermotard, second Ducati.
I always kinda thought they were ugly, to many they are, but it’s grown on me.

I test rode a hyper a couple weeks ago along with a KTM super duke 1290 R evo.
I like the way the hyper feels, the Duke, is too much bike for me.
 
I get the I spy game, but why can TVS find the fun in playing a game here, but refuses to tell what the real 30% changes are?
 

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Fast Eddie said:
I think someone answered already that it can only be because:
A) it ain’t true
B) the changes are irrelevant to the owner (ie just different suppliers, cost reduction, etc)
C) they know they don’t address the big issues
D) they don’t think it’s important to tell us.

Personally, I fail to see how it could be D.

And the rest are worrying…
Click to expand...
Wish the folks at Norton would just stop trying to be cagey or cute, and just be straight with us and tell us what the changes are.
Explain them in depth, at least the major engine, EFI related ones.
Couldn't give two craps about the minor cosmetic ones.

Now, if they wanted to do a real "spot the difference" challenge, they could put a scantily clad red head on one bike and a blonde on the other. That would be fun.
 
BritTwit said:
I would love to see that, but it would probably be a double edged sword for TVS/Norton.
Great for them to tell us all about their wonderful products, plans, etc...
But they would also have to suffer the slings and arrows from irate members.
While I think the factory having a presence here would show that they have confidence, and stand behind their products, let's be practical, forums can be a very combative, and some times abusive environment.
Knowing all this, I hope someone at Norton still has the onions to join this forum, and interact with members.
Click to expand...
Hello

My name is John, I'm the Head of Communications at Norton. I've got some time at lunchtime today and would be happy to field a few questions on here from anyone that has any questions I can help with. If I can't answer them directly, I can get up and go and find the person in the building with the answer. If I can't find the person, I'll make a list of the unanswered questions and will work through them around the rest of the tasks I'm currently working on. I agree that forums can be combative sometimes (Visordown circa 2007, anyone?), I'm used to it. If you do your best to be polite, I'll do my best to get you an answer. I'll make myself available from 13:00-13:30 today on this thread. Thanks very much.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Welcome John. You’re a brave man !

To get us going, two big questions are:

1) can you clarify what your intention is re the parts supply for 961s and when this will be established?

2) can you explain the changes made to the 961, or at least the major changes actually aimed at improving the bike?

We‘ve recieved various very well worded statements that actually say very nearly nothing. I do hope you don’t give us more of that…
Click to expand...
Thanks for the welcome. There is most definitely a plan with regard to parts and availability for (pre TVS era) 961 owners. Based on what I understand of it, it'll be operational in Q1-2 2023. I can absolutely understand the frustration felt by Voodoo, who I shared a few emails with (posted on a separate thread). The issue that I'm trying to manage from a comms perspective is not repeating the past for Norton, saying something is going to happen on a particular date that then doesn't isn't something I want to happen. As soon as there's more detail on this, I'll share the details on here. The take away from this question is that there is an intention to make parts available and those parts will be available in the first half of 2023. Adding more detail than this at this time would be foolish in my opinion.

In terms of changes to the 961

1Engine Calibration - RemappedThe engine has been extensively remapped, removing a number of issues and improving overall rideability.
2Crankcase Breather ImprovementChanges have been made to the crankcase breather system for phase 1 to reduce the amount of oil carry over during sustained high speed running.
3Inlet and Exhaust Valves PolishedThe Head area of the inlet and exhaust valves has been polished, resulting in a more robust valve which also is less prone to accumulating carbon. Less carbon build-up results is better airflow and therefore performance.
4Cam Chain Guide TensionerThe cam chain guide design has been improved, removing the previous issue whereby the bolts would relax, possibly causing engine stoppage or damage.
5Hardened CamshaftHarder camshaft fitted to phase 1 bikes.
6Hardened Tappet Retention PinsThe tappet retention pins have been hardened and the geometry improved to provide a more robust retention of the valve tappets.
7Gear Change Pawl Arm ImprovedThe hardness of the gear shift pawl arm has been increased. Reducing the likelihood of poor shifting occurring. This was a known issue on the previous bikes.
8Map Sensor Rubber IsolatedThe MAP (manifold pressure) sensor has been rubber isolated. Previously this was 'hard mounted' to the engine, the engine vibrations were then seen to cause periodic sensor failure resulting in poor running.
9Drive Sprocket Nut Working LooseA new assembly procedure has been implement to create a more robust bolted joint for the drive sprocket. Reducing the risk of the nut torque relaxing and needing to be retightened.
10Rocker Assemblies and ShaftsThe valve rockers and shafts have been reworked to improve the tolerances and finish.
11Silencer Mounting Bolts ChangedThe mounting bolts for the silencer to the frame have been changed. Previously the lower bolts were too long, causing damage to the silencer body when tightened. The upper bolt was too short, which could result in them coming loose after time.
12Crank and Balancer Shaft Bearings, bearing locked.The crank and balancer bearings have been fitted into the crankcases using bearing lock to reduce the risk of slippage and premature wear.

I hope that helps. JH
 
Last edited:
John Hogan said:
Thanks for the welcome. There is most definitely a plan with regard to parts and availability for (pre TVS era) 961 owners. Based on what I understand of it, it'll be operational in Q1-2 2023. I can absolutely understand the frustration felt by Voodoo, who I shared a few emails with (posted on a separate thread). The issue that I'm trying to manage from a comms perspective is not repeating the past for Norton, saying something is going to happen on a particular date that then doesn't isn't something I want to happen. As soon as there's more detail on this, I'll share the details on here. The take away from this question is that there is an intention to make parts available and those parts will be available in the first half of 2023. Adding more detail than this at this time would be foolish in my opinion.

In terms of changes to the 961

1Engine Calibration - RemappedThe engine has been extensively remapped, removing a number of issues and improving overall rideability.
2Crankcase Breather ImprovementChanges have been made to the crankcase breather system for phase 1 to reduce the amount of oil carry over during sustained high speed running.
3Inlet and Exhaust Valves PolishedThe Head area of the inlet and exhaust valves has been polished, resulting in a more robust valve which also is less prone to accumulating carbon. Less carbon build-up results is better airflow and therefore performance.
4Cam Chain Guide TensionerThe cam chain guide design has been improved, removing the previous issue whereby the bolts would relax, possibly causing engine stoppage or damage.
5Hardened CamshaftHarder camshaft fitted to phase 1 bikes. This allowed us to complete our
6Hardened Tappet Retention PinsThe tappet retention pins have been hardened and the geometry improved to provide a more robust retention of the valve tappets.
7Gear Change Pawl Arm ImprovedThe hardness of the gear shift pawl arm has been increased. Reducing the likelihood of poor shifting occurring. This was a known issue on the previous bikes.
8Map Sensor Rubber IsolatedThe MAP (manifold pressure) sensor has been rubber isolated. Previously this was 'hard mounted' to the engine, the engine vibrations were then seen to cause periodic sensor failure resulting in poor running.
9Drive Sprocket Nut Working LooseA new assembly procedure has been implement to create a more robust bolted joint for the drive sprocket. Reducing the risk of the nut torque relaxing and needing to be retightened.
10Rocker Assemblies and ShaftsThe valve rockers and shafts have been reworked to improve the tolerances and finish.
11Silencer Mounting Bolts ChangedThe mounting bolts for the silencer to the frame have been changed. Previously the lower bolts were too long, causing damage to the silencer body when tightened. The upper bolt was too short, which could result in them coming loose after time.
12Crank and Balancer Shaft Bearings, bearing locked.The crank and balancer bearings have been fitted into the crankcases using bearing lock to reduce the risk of slippage and premature wear.

I hope that helps. JH
Click to expand...
Hello John , Thanks for joining us ! The TVS era Norton 961 seem at least to my ear to be less noisy from the videos i've seen . Has there been any improvement in the overall noise/vibration/harshness in this current powerplant ? I ask this specifically because I would want to see the engine quieter with less vibration . Thank you again ! Tony
 
TonyA said:
Hello John , Thanks for joining us ! The TVS era Norton 961 seem at least to my ear to be less noisy from the videos i've seen . Has there been any improvement in the overall noise/vibration/harshness in this current powerplant ? I ask this specifically because I would want to see the engine quieter with less vibration . Thank you again ! Tony
Click to expand...
Hello Tony

I haven't ridden or heard the 961 from before TVS' time so this isn't so easy for me to answer. I can say that based on the work listed above, I'd expect reduced NVH compared to the old model. I'll catch up with someone on the Commando team and ask about this.
 
John Hogan said:
Thanks for the welcome. There is most definitely a plan with regard to parts and availability for (pre TVS era) 961 owners. Based on what I understand of it, it'll be operational in Q1-2 2023. I can absolutely understand the frustration felt by Voodoo, who I shared a few emails with (posted on a separate thread). The issue that I'm trying to manage from a comms perspective is not repeating the past for Norton, saying something is going to happen on a particular date that then doesn't isn't something I want to happen. As soon as there's more detail on this, I'll share the details on here. The take away from this question is that there is an intention to make parts available and those parts will be available in the first half of 2023. Adding more detail than this at this time would be foolish in my opinion.

In terms of changes to the 961

1Engine Calibration - RemappedThe engine has been extensively remapped, removing a number of issues and improving overall rideability.
2Crankcase Breather ImprovementChanges have been made to the crankcase breather system for phase 1 to reduce the amount of oil carry over during sustained high speed running.
3Inlet and Exhaust Valves PolishedThe Head area of the inlet and exhaust valves has been polished, resulting in a more robust valve which also is less prone to accumulating carbon. Less carbon build-up results is better airflow and therefore performance.
4Cam Chain Guide TensionerThe cam chain guide design has been improved, removing the previous issue whereby the bolts would relax, possibly causing engine stoppage or damage.
5Hardened CamshaftHarder camshaft fitted to phase 1 bikes.
6Hardened Tappet Retention PinsThe tappet retention pins have been hardened and the geometry improved to provide a more robust retention of the valve tappets.
7Gear Change Pawl Arm ImprovedThe hardness of the gear shift pawl arm has been increased. Reducing the likelihood of poor shifting occurring. This was a known issue on the previous bikes.
8Map Sensor Rubber IsolatedThe MAP (manifold pressure) sensor has been rubber isolated. Previously this was 'hard mounted' to the engine, the engine vibrations were then seen to cause periodic sensor failure resulting in poor running.
9Drive Sprocket Nut Working LooseA new assembly procedure has been implement to create a more robust bolted joint for the drive sprocket. Reducing the risk of the nut torque relaxing and needing to be retightened.
10Rocker Assemblies and ShaftsThe valve rockers and shafts have been reworked to improve the tolerances and finish.
11Silencer Mounting Bolts ChangedThe mounting bolts for the silencer to the frame have been changed. Previously the lower bolts were too long, causing damage to the silencer body when tightened. The upper bolt was too short, which could result in them coming loose after time.
12Crank and Balancer Shaft Bearings, bearing locked.The crank and balancer bearings have been fitted into the crankcases using bearing lock to reduce the risk of slippage and premature wear.

I hope that helps. JH
Click to expand...
John,
Thanks for contributing the info.
Can you provide any additional info on the clutch basket, starter ring gear assembly?
Have there been any changes, improvements in this area?
 
Hi John,

let me add my welcome. Your contributions here are much appreciated. I'll look forward to seeing what sort of updated parts (as well as the ones that remain unchanged) are available in 2023.

Ken
 
Welcome John, great to have you onboard... four questions if you please -

has anything been done to the petrol tanks to prevent them swelling/ distorting ?

has anything been done to prevent the clutch from '' screeching '' when setting off from stationary ?

my bike was one of many that rolled off the stand due to the side stand being too long .. Garner Norton always denied this was a problem... has any modification been done ?

i've noticed on all the video reviews that ALL the bikes have a discolouration/heat mark on the silencers... would this be rectified on customer bikes ?
Thanks,
AL .
 


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