New model to be launched before Christmas

jan nelder said:
according to the MCN write up, it has revised frame ( with same geometry), less bendy gearchange linkage, new camshafts ( that’s MCN for you...!) and (I suspect) a whole lot of quality control.
Click to expand...
For sure, QC/QA on the original 961s was piss poor.
That may have been most of what was missing to make the 961 a viable commercial success.
 
Martha said:
BritTwit, ref my last post, MCN website has a test and prices
Click to expand...
Got it, thanks.

The test report seems pretty positive, but it's a quickie test, not a long term one. There are a few passages in the report that MCN doesn't get very deep into that are a bit concerning like.

"chunky vibes from the motor..."
"It’s not the fastest retro, nor the smoothest.."
"The engine also needs a bit of throttle to start when it’s warm."

These comments are not delved into at all, they leave me wondering exactly what the writer was trying to say.
We need a greater in-depth, long term test with details, not just one-liners.
 
BritTwit said:
Got it, thanks.

The test report seems pretty positive, but it's a quickie test, not a long term one. There are a few passages in the report that MCN doesn't get very deep into that are a bit concerning like.

"chunky vibes from the motor..."
"It’s not the fastest retro, nor the smoothest.."
"The engine also needs a bit of throttle to start when it’s warm."

These comments are not delved into at all, they leave me wondering exactly what the writer was trying to say.
We need a greater in-depth, long term test with details, not just one-liners.
Click to expand...
Another childish test by MCN. More truth in the Beano.
 
BritTwit said:
Got it, thanks.

The test report seems pretty positive, but it's a quickie test, not a long term one. There are a few passages in the report that MCN doesn't get very deep into that are a bit concerning like.

"chunky vibes from the motor..."
"It’s not the fastest retro, nor the smoothest.."
"The engine also needs a bit of throttle to start when it’s warm."

These comments are not delved into at all, they leave me wondering exactly what the writer was trying to say.
We need a greater in-depth, long term test with details, not just one-liners.
Click to expand...
Longer term tests will be revealing no doubt BT. Chunky vibes and smoothness/speed comments are a bit obvious though. It doesn’t really compare with many other ’modern’ retros. Not many other air cooled, push rod, parallel twins out there to compare with. Think it is/will be a plus for many that it rides like a bike and not an appliance.
 
Last edited:
RVR961 said:
So what's the consensus????
After my 2017 961 Sport was stolen I have the following options:-
1. New 961 from Birmingam, but will I be able to get loud pipes/decat/remap done, as loud pipes save lives and are a MUST for me.
2. My original supplying dealer has new Donnington Cafe Racer in, but will need to change bars, and noise/'safety' as above
3. Used/nearly new Street, if I can find a good one.
4. Listen to the wife, put the money in the abnk and grow old(er) gracefully.
5. Another bike.

(Options 4 and 5 are not really options).

I'm veering towards the Street, but what would you guys do?
Click to expand...
5
 
MAK said:
Another childish test by MCN. More truth in the Beano.
Click to expand...
+1 They are the "Sunday Sport" of moto journalism in my opinion. I gave up my subscription and became a VIP member on here. Much better value and no lies or bullshit (well mostly :rolleyes: )

If I had the choice of a rare Donnington bike or a Brummy std. one and the prices were similar, I would defo go for the latter I think.

I have to admit I was eagerly awaiting what TVS would announce but was a little non plussed when I saw it. Don't get me wrong I love the 961, and am please they are to continue production, but they could have made so many little changes to improve it's looks and really put their stamp on it.

E.g.
  • Got rid of or hidden the ugly air / oil separator and the inline oil filter.
  • Changed the route of the alternator wiring (so it comes from the back of the primary chest for example).
  • Changed the oil cooler inlet and outlet so the pipes can run along the frame tubes and straight in.
  • Covered the injector cable pully
  • Not used ugly remote hydraulic reservoirs (at least on the SF)
  • Bigger airbox
  • Single seat option
  • Improved foot controls (more comfortable)

They need to look at any modern Triumph, there is hardly a cable or hose to be seen.

However, on the plus side I guess it means the basic design of the 961 was sound.

Hopefully someone on here who has plenty of 961 miles will go and test ride a new one and report back.

Anyway, all that said I say good luck Norton, this is a new dawn! The brand needs it after all it's been through.
 
BritTwit said:
Got it, thanks.

The test report seems pretty positive, but it's a quickie test, not a long term one. There are a few passages in the report that MCN doesn't get very deep into that are a bit concerning like.

"chunky vibes from the motor..."
"It’s not the fastest retro, nor the smoothest.."
"The engine also needs a bit of throttle to start when it’s warm."

These comments are not delved into at all, they leave me wondering exactly what the writer was trying to say.
We need a greater in-depth, long term test with details, not just one-liners.
Click to expand...
I never trust any magazine review.
1) it’s a loaner bike
2) they don’t own it
3) it’s to short of a time frame to have any long term review or to experience any issues. Unless it’s straight trash from day one.
 
cliffa said:
+1 They are the "Sunday Sport" of moto journalism in my opinion. I gave up my subscription and became a VIP member on here. Much better value and no lies or bullshit (well mostly :rolleyes: )

If I had the choice of a rare Donnington bike or a Brummy std. one and the prices were similar, I would defo go for the latter I think.

I have to admit I was eagerly awaiting what TVS would announce but was a little non plussed when I saw it. Don't get me wrong I love the 961, and am please they are to continue production, but they could have made so many little changes to improve it's looks and really put their stamp on it.

E.g.
  • Got rid of or hidden the ugly air / oil separator and the inline oil filter.
  • Changed the route of the alternator wiring (so it comes from the back of the primary chest for example).
  • Changed the oil cooler inlet and outlet so the pipes can run along the frame tubes and straight in.
  • Covered the injector cable pully
  • Not used ugly remote hydraulic reservoirs (at least on the SF)
  • Bigger airbox
  • Single seat option
  • Improved foot controls (more comfortable)

They need to look at any modern Triumph, there is hardly a cable or hose to be seen.

However, on the plus side I guess it means the basic design of the 961 was sound.

Hopefully someone on here who has plenty of 961 miles will go and test ride a new one and report back.

Anyway, all that said I say good luck Norton, this is a new dawn! The brand needs it after all it's been through.
Click to expand...
I agree 100%.

To be a premium bike, tidy up the flaws and eye sores and make visible improvements.

Visually, TVS 961 looks identical.
 
Voodooo said:
I never trust any magazine review.
1) it’s a loaner bike
2) they don’t own it
3) it’s to short of a time frame to have any long term review or to experience any issues. Unless it’s straight trash from day one.
Click to expand...
This is why Norton should furnish bikes for long term tests - 2,000- 3,000 mile test.
Let the test report show all of the good, and the bad.
If the motor and EFI are good, then the 961 is "off to the races" so to speak.
 
Voodooo said:
I agree 100%.

To be a premium bike, tidy up the flaws and eye sores and make visible improvements.

Visually, TVS 961 looks identical.
Click to expand...
I think during the NEW 961s introduction, the goal was to have the bike look identical to the Legacy 961.
If the bike is fixed, and does find its niche, I'm sure there will be variants.
 
cliffa said:
+1 They are the "Sunday Sport" of moto journalism in my opinion. I gave up my subscription and became a VIP member on here. Much better value and no lies or bullshit (well mostly :rolleyes: )

If I had the choice of a rare Donnington bike or a Brummy std. one and the prices were similar, I would defo go for the latter I think.

I have to admit I was eagerly awaiting what TVS would announce but was a little non plussed when I saw it. Don't get me wrong I love the 961, and am please they are to continue production, but they could have made so many little changes to improve it's looks and really put their stamp on it.

E.g.
  • Got rid of or hidden the ugly air / oil separator and the inline oil filter.
  • Changed the route of the alternator wiring (so it comes from the back of the primary chest for example).
  • Changed the oil cooler inlet and outlet so the pipes can run along the frame tubes and straight in.
  • Covered the injector cable pully
  • Not used ugly remote hydraulic reservoirs (at least on the SF)
  • Bigger airbox
  • Single seat option
  • Improved foot controls (more comfortable)

They need to look at any modern Triumph, there is hardly a cable or hose to be seen.

However, on the plus side I guess it means the basic design of the 961 was sound.

Hopefully someone on here who has plenty of 961 miles will go and test ride a new one and report back.

Anyway, all that said I say good luck Norton, this is a new dawn! The brand needs it after all it's been through.
Click to expand...
It hasn't got Euro 5 and is released as an individual vehicle. Likely it's keep it how it is, and save the upgrades for when they release something compliant.
 
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