New Norton 961

Joined
Mar 15, 2019
Messages
6
Hello.
After 9 years of watching the Norton 961 come into being I have finally saved enough money to buy one!
It’s a great deal of money for me to spend on a motorcycle but rapidly approaching middle age I think I deserve it!!
I have pretty much owned Moto Guzzis most of my motorcycling life!!
I am looking at buying a new commando Sport from a dealer in Surrey (UK). I live about 2.30 hours drive from the dealer but I spoke to them and really liked the way They dealt with me. Basically I was told the ins and outs of living with a new Norton 961.
So I am here and asking for some feedback from owners !!!
Seems to be a lot of low mileage Norton’s for sale and I don’t understand why??
I have read some neg feedback and some positive.
Basically I am asking for some advice and reviews about this bike!!
I looked at Triumph’s 1200r but it just ain’t doing it for me!!
Any advice and feedback would be much appreciated!
Regards
Thgil.
 
Like you I dithered for a few years but made the plunge at the end of 2017 and was on the road beginning March 2018. No regrets. I ran a 1200R at the same time, stunning bike, just wasn't a Norton so the Triumph got exchanged for a Guzzi!

The 961 isn't without it's faults but that doesn't account for the plentiful supply of low mileage examples, they exist for a myriad of reasons I'm sure and weren't ever destined to be high mileage examples from the day the initial deposit was paid.
 
Welcome, i’m Fairly new to the 961 and norton. I must admit, i’m thoroughly enjoying it. Every ride is an event, and i’ve Never ridden a bike that attracts such attention. Kids wave from cars, blokes let you out at junctions with a thumbs up, women fall at my feet (ok I made that one up) but you get the idea.

Keep on a trickle charger and ride it whenever you can. I’ll struggle with more advice because i’m Still learning..... but what more advice do you need than those two cherry’s? Got any photos?
 
Thanks. I do understand temperamental bikes living with Guzzis can be a joy when they’re behaving themselves.
The dealer I contacted was prime Factors Motorcycles.
Was pretty much told what to expect with the Norton. Very honest and very down to earth!!!
I’d have to go with the sport rather than the cafe racer, don’t think my shoulders could cope with clipons!!
Thanks arthritis!!
The dealer is expecting a 961 sport from the factory in the next few weeks. So I’ll be going there and take a test ride.
I must say I have never ridden the 961 and I’ve never ridden the thruxton 1200r.
A mate of mine gave me his opinion.
The thruxton you can ride with your mates!!
The Norton you polish in your garage with your mates!!
He’s Triumph biased so what would he know?
The green eyed monster maybe?!
 
Hi Thigl, I would check out the dealers just to see if anyone has a 50th aniversary model left before you take the plunge. That might mean a trip to Port Talbot but would be well worth it. You could see the latest Banksy, enjoy some celebrations that will go on for the next couple of months once Wales seal the Grand Slam tomorrow and have a few grand of extras thrown in for the price.

I had a few initial issues which you will possibly have until you get the remap etc, but I always look forward to taking the 961 out for a spin, full of character, a decent amount of grunt, great handling and a "real" british hand built bike. Still use my V7 on occasion, cannot yet part with it.
 
Thanks. I do understand temperamental bikes living with Guzzis can be a joy when they’re behaving themselves.
The dealer I contacted was prime Factors Motorcycles.
Was pretty much told what to expect with the Norton. Very honest and very down to earth!!!
I’d have to go with the sport rather than the cafe racer, don’t think my shoulders could cope with clipons!!
Thanks arthritis!!
The dealer is expecting a 961 sport from the factory in the next few weeks. So I’ll be going there and take a test ride.
I must say I have never ridden the 961 and I’ve never ridden the thruxton 1200r.
A mate of mine gave me his opinion.
The thruxton you can ride with your mates!!
The Norton you polish in your garage with your mates!!
He’s Triumph biased so what would he know?
The green eyed monster maybe?!

The first 500 miles are a real PITA - you need to accept that it will be a pig to ride until the first service and remap but once that is done it is a much better prospect. Welsh is right - if you can get an anniversary model it has a lot of extras for the same price as a base model.
John
 
The dealer I contacted was prime Factors Motorcycles.

I live quite close to Prime. I haven't used them yet as I bought mine from the factory 6 years ago when there weren't any dealers. I dropped in on a Prime open day last year and had a chat with Geoff, who is the General Manager and also does the technical work on the bikes. I liked his attitude and approach and made a mental note to go back there if I need dealer support.

A mate of mine gave me his opinion.
The thruxton you can ride with your mates!!
The Norton you polish in your garage with your mates!!

The chances are that your mates won't have a Norton, which makes it more special. I recently spent a whole day polishing my Thruxton R. I'm not into cleaning bikes, I only did it because I was thinking of selling it as it got zero use last year.

I think you are right not to go for the Cafe Racer if you have any doubts about your shoulders. I made that mistake in 2013 and 3 years later I was paying to have the "normal" bars fitted, plus a replacement shoulder.

If I was buying a new one, with what I know now, I would be looking at getting some reasonable miles on it to flush out any issues that might occur, while it is still in warranty. You wouldn't need an excuse to put the miles on it though.
 
New Norton 961
Coming to a town near you ( or pub),considering that 80% of the bikes go abroad , u can imagine my surprise when I nipped in this pub in Northamptonshire to use the loo,& parked mine up along with another dozen.
 
The first 500 miles are a real PITA - you need to accept that it will be a pig to ride until the first service and remap but once that is done it is a much better prospect. Welsh is right - if you can get an anniversary model it has a lot of extras for the same price as a base model.
John
That’s a yes & another yes
 
Hello.
After 9 years of watching the Norton 961 come into being I have finally saved enough money to buy one!
It’s a great deal of money for me to spend on a motorcycle but rapidly approaching middle age I think I deserve it!!
I have pretty much owned Moto Guzzis most of my motorcycling life!!
I am looking at buying a new commando Sport from a dealer in Surrey (UK). I live about 2.30 hours drive from the dealer but I spoke to them and really liked the way They dealt with me. Basically I was told the ins and outs of living with a new Norton 961.
So I am here and asking for some feedback from owners !!!
Seems to be a lot of low mileage Norton’s for sale and I don’t understand why??
I have read some neg feedback and some positive.
Basically I am asking for some advice and reviews about this bike!!
I looked at Triumph’s 1200r but it just ain’t doing it for me!!
Any advice and feedback would be much appreciated!
Regards
Thgil.
My Advice is buy the NEW 2019 961 Euro 4 with full factory warranty . You should be very happy with it.
 
Thanks for the response and advice.
I spoke to Geoff at prime. We was honest with me and like I said told it how it is.
In his words it ain’t a Honda .
Thanks welsh . I will have a good look for a ltd edition.
Saying that prime did have a 2015 mk 1 phantom for sale with 471 miles on the clock.
They’re selling the bike on a customers behalf at £12450.
It’s on the mcn website.
I fear that it’s not going to have any warranty but I’ll take a look whilst I’m there.
 
If you are considering various bikes and have the opportunity to do so, why not go for a good thrash on each bike?
It won't tell you what problems long term ownership will bring but it will let you know what the riding experience is for each.
For example, some riders are happy if the bike runs, looks good and they get attention from others, actual performance isn't too important.

Other riders want the thing to really handle and have great power delivery coming out of corners etc.
You might also want something that can run smoothly at speed on motorway if needed
The only way to find this out is to ride it.

Glen
 
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No matter what you buy you will have a bunch of help on this forum. There are some great contributors,vendors and advisors on this sub forum "Modern" alone. This is what made me make the leap a couple of years ago. Best of Luck with your new 961 !
 
If you want to fill that niche of old school vibes, sound, looks and cool, the Norton is the way to go. And some of the pitfalls of old school Brit Iron too, but at least you know that ahead of time. The difference between showroom bike and a decatted open pipe bike are night and day. Try to find one ahead of time. Some people complain about a modern bike vibrating like that. Frankly, its what I love about it. That roar during deceleration makes me giddy.
 
You could always buy an exceptional low mileage (1900m) used one with £1000's extras ,that you're gonna want to buy eventually (would be 21K+ new) and has had the problems ironed out... and save yourself loadsa money ;)... mine's for sale on here and car&classic.....
 
I have ridden my limited edition California for first time last weekend. Bought it on Ebay with 167 miles on it ( one of several bikes owner had, and after a crash was selling all but his favourite). Since it is running in, I used gentle-ish acceleration and 70 mph top, and it seemed fine, no obvious performance gremlins that others have commented on. ( it is the most powerful bike I have ridden, and am a cautious rider, by the way) Did 164 miles on the ride, and once it went into high speed idling( see other threads.) just switchoff/ on again cured that. Handled very nicely, no wobbles at all on a lot of B roads, and back brake alone can haul you up for routine stops very well. I will put normal bars on it later and probably a touring screen.
 
Great advice people!!
I have just booked a test ride on a thruxton 1200r just because a dealer is local. And because I can.
As said it’s worth a go and I must try it.
Also I have booked a ride on the Norton so I can get a feel of both bikes.
My heart is still with the Norton all said and done. Can’t help it.
I’ll check out your bike 961 al.
Where are you based?
Richard I’ll call you and look forward to getting your views,many thanks for that.
Rich.
 
Should of said that I ride a Guzzi griso which I bought new in 06.
Still have it still love it. Prior to that a V11 which had its moments!!!
Quite use to quirkiness
 
Great advice people!!
I have just booked a test ride on a thruxton 1200r just because a dealer is local. And because I can.
As said it’s worth a go and I must try it.
Also I have booked a ride on the Norton so I can get a feel of both bikes.
My heart is still with the Norton all said and done. Can’t help it.
I’ll check out your bike 961 al.
Where are you based?
Richard I’ll call you and look forward to getting your views,many thanks for that.
Rich.
Click on the avatar - profile page - information
This gives an indication of where people are (if they have entered the info) so you are in North Somerset and 961al is in Lancashire!
John (in Chelmsford) ;)

Edit: that said, you can get the bike transported for about £150 - factorthis in and still a substantial saving on a new one.
 
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