Pictures of your Norton 961

Spring has finally arrived here too. Short lived though apparently, so I made the most of it as I have a few days off work. In the background of one picture you'll see a Bloodhound Missile which is situated at a disused missile site near where I live.View attachment 78883View attachment 78884View attachment 78885

Cliffa, do you live anywhere near Lausanne ? I have friends there and have ridden/driven there a couple of times.
 
Hi Sam, Lausanne is about 2 1/2 hours from me. I live near Zürich. Nice spot isn’t it?
 
Hi Sam, Lausanne is about 2 1/2 hours from me. I live near Zürich. Nice spot isn’t it?
Yes beautiful, rode to Zurich once and the Champions fountain wasn't working so was really dissapointed . Did the usual and went to see where Smoke on the water was recorded, I really like eastern France round Besancon on the way. First time I went I was on a T160 and we stopped at a gas station and asked a young lad if he knew the address we were looking for , he says - sure do follow me---- as he then gets into a Testarossa, he must have only been about 20years old, probably daddy's car. :)
 
Holy Moses ! You are riding the wheels off that Harley !
Yessir, sure am !

I’ve just modified and re-wired the rear end to A) improve the pathetically poor (frankly unsafe) stock rear lighting and B) fit a set of Leather Pro QD panniers, also to neaten things up and fit a seat that actually comfortable to sit on. So I fancy a few miles on it to make sure nowt falls off!

Got a 1900 mile trip planned in May, so this is a warm up / shake down / excuse !!


Pictures of your Norton 961
Pictures of your Norton 961
 
Yessir, sure am !

I’ve just modified and re-wired the rear end to A) improve the pathetically poor (frankly unsafe) stock rear lighting and B) fit a set of Leather Pro QD panniers, also to neaten things up and fit a seat that actually comfortable to sit on. So I fancy a few miles on it to make sure nowt falls off!

Got a 1900 mile trip planned in May, so this is a warm up / shake down / excuse !!


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Aren't you going to need a rain sock for the air filter ? What if you run into rain ?
 
Yessir, sure am !

I’ve just modified and re-wired the rear end to A) improve the pathetically poor (frankly unsafe) stock rear lighting and B) fit a set of Leather Pro QD panniers, also to neaten things up and fit a seat that actually comfortable to sit on. So I fancy a few miles on it to make sure nowt falls off!

Got a 1900 mile trip planned in May, so this is a warm up / shake down / excuse !!


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Sounds like a great ride .
 
Yessir, sure am !

I’ve just modified and re-wired the rear end to A) improve the pathetically poor (frankly unsafe) stock rear lighting and B) fit a set of Leather Pro QD panniers, also to neaten things up and fit a seat that actually comfortable to sit on. So I fancy a few miles on it to make sure nowt falls off!

Got a 1900 mile trip planned in May, so this is a warm up / shake down / excuse !!


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That should be a comfortable ride to take the trip on .
 
It handles
Does it handle well enough for you ?
It handles much, much better than I’d expected. I think the Ohlins shocks I fitted help, partly because they’re just good, and partly becasue the extra length perked up the geometry. It was just way too low IMHO.

I‘m swapping the tyres soon as I want a little more grip and a little quicker turn in and from what I’ve read Avon Cobra or Pirelli Night Dragons do just that. OEM Harley tyres seem to be designed to last 40,000 miles, that’s a bit alien for me. I’m happy to trade some of that for better handling.

Carbon rims are available too and everyone I’ve ever spoken to who has tried them say they transform the handling. I can’t quite get my head around the idea of carbon rims on a Harley yet tho!

Of course, it’s never gonna be a 1200 Monster S !! But it can be hustled along surprisingly quickly and, as I may have said before, it’s just so much FUN. How any red blooded petrol head could not fall for that 110ci twin cam motor is beyond me !

Bottom line is I don’t wanna go as mega fast as a 200bhp+ nutter bike will allow (or encourage) me to go anymore. I know my reflexes ain't what they were, and I fear my enthusiasm could easily surpass my ability! I find the Harley matches what I want very well.

I don’t see this one going anywhere soon...
 
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This was on Norton’s Instagram page today , note the oil cooler looks at a different angle now to avoid knocking the front mud guard , well looks slightly diff to me anyway
 
Looks like its at a good angle to miss the front fender. Looks like they found a young guy to model for them .
 
Looks like its at a good angle to miss the front fender. Looks like they found a young guy to model for them .
Those header pipes look like bikes actually run a bit to , & for those that don’t know this is the “ 961 Classic “ one of the last 40 to be made
 
Did wonder if TVS would use their new logo on the tank for the final run of classics, but appears not.
 
https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/qBkoXGniQtu5ZUo2gTSCEA.i7YNz0ikZvTjbfcMXyBLTU

Moved back to the beautiful PNW and picked up a ‘14 Commando Sport. Some good discussions on this site and I have already placed orders for some One07 oddsnends and some iridium plugs. So far so good - bike looks stunning at a standstill and zipping around in the sunny but brisk spring weather reminds me why I love riding!
 
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