That’s all Folks 2

Absolutely no doubt exterior fit and finish on the Norton is way better than most. Its sheer beauty and quality of components sold me (except for snapping parts like chain guard and tank bracket) Betting more fun to ride too except for the Speed Twin haven't tried that.
But...like they say....chrome don't get ya home.
 
Well I'll go along with nopdog. I can't speak for the 961, still making my mind up about buying one of those, but the finish on my Bonneville Scrambler, chromium plating in particular, was deteriorating within just a couple of months from new - and yes fake chrome wearing. I've managed to keep it in check with constant care and attention, including replacement of some fake chrome bits, but it still niggles me. I have a 42 year old Honda that, given a mornings work, I can bring to showroom appearance (no spokes or chrome rims though, which make life easier) - and it's never had special attention as cleaning bikes is a chore I hate.
It's not just that though, it's how the manufacturer deals with the problem within warranty and Triumph's attitude was disgusting.

Furthermore I've noticed that Triumph often seem to use the cheapest components they can lay their hands on to maximise profits. I now have to consider do I want to keep the bike? I've been putting off spending hundreds improving the crappy suspension, snatchy throttle etc. etc. I already had to pay extra for a locking fuel cap, toolkit, and centre stand amongst other things.

I must admit though, the new Speed Twin does look good - but it's no sportsbike so why no centre stand? (and I believe there is no way of fitting one).


That's a shame on the finish. I don't know why my 05 Daytona looks so good. There isn't much chrome on it but what's there is real.
No centre stand on the Speed Twin to save weight. It's a light bike, lighter than some modern Sport bikes. True, it isn't a Sport bike, but it rolls on 60-80 faster than an Aprilia RSV4 Factory. Same zero to sixty as well, 3 seconds.
I guess a paddock stand and bobbins is the answer.

Glen
 
I don't really buy that about manufacturer's reasoning being to save weight. It wouldn't be much extra and low down so negligible effect on handling, and as you say - it's already a light bike.
I also think the time effect on acceleration times would be so minute as to be unmeasurable - and irrelevant anyway on a road bike. If you were involved in competitive racing you might think differently of course - but then you could always remove the stand!
Bike magazine gives the 0-60 time as 3.44 sec. and the excellent roll on times are really more to do with the engine characteristics than anything else. Quite modest horsepower for the capacity but huge torque coupled with short gearing.
 
Not fitting a centre stand does two great things for the manufacturer.

First, it saves money. A few £ off of every product adds up to a nice saving over a year.

Second, it allows them to sell centre stands. A few tens of £s per sale adds up to a nice revenue stream over a year.

Quite literally, a win-win !
 
True, and what buyer doesn't look at those dry weight numbers?
The lower the better.
It's a win , win, win.

Glen
 
I must admit though, the new Speed Twin does look good

My brother was eyeing both a Speedmaster and the Bobber when he visited the local Triumph dealer to trade the 961. By the way, it turns out the reason they considered the trade in the first place is because they WILL work on them. In the end he and I agreed on the Bobber with the 16" front wheel, dual front disc brakes and beefed up front forks. That's what I'll be riding on my visit 2 weeks from today.
 
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Oh well, it’s time for me too.

Too many bikes covering the same genre and too little space means that, with regret, I have let the 961 go.

Look out for Thiel pipes and other goodies in the for sale section shortly...
 
My brother was eyeing both a Speedmaster and the Bobber when he visited the local Triumph dealer to trade the 961. By the way, it turns out the reason they considered the trade in the first place is because they WILL work on them. In the end he and I agreed on the Bobber with the 16" front wheel, dual front disc brakes and beefed up front forks. That's what I'll be riding on my visit 2 weeks from today.
I went to look at a Bobber, ended up falling in love with the Thruxton, which then revived my craving for a Norton CR..... funny how things pan out.
 
Oh well, it’s time for me too.

Too many bikes covering the same genre and too little space means that, with regret, I have let the 961 go.

Look out for Thiel pipes and other goodies in the for sale section shortly...

Makin' run for a Road King?
 
I took the 961 out today, 109 miles in total, exploring many of the remote less well travelled backroads around my local coast. Our A roads aren't too bad but full of cars, our B roads are riddled with potholes and subsidence, our remote backroads are absolutely dire, not much better than dirt tracks, and being harvest time are full of the sort of machines nightmares are made of. These coastal roads are peppered with small 'holiday villages' littered with old folk on mobility scooters and nature hikers. I lost count of the number of times the bumps in the road threw me out of the seat. I lost count of the number of times I temporarily lost traction as the wheels crossed yet another patch of spilled wheat grains or sand blown across the road. I lost count of the number of times I slammed on the brakes as a suicidal hiker stepped out of a hedgerow into my path. The 961 cafe racer is NOT a tour bike, it's NOT an adventure bike, it is certainly NOT a bike for all seasons, she just loves to blatt along the B roads at a satisfying pace and if there is a good cafe at the end of it then all the better. With this in mind I headed out of the wilderness and off to my regular biker cafe for a bacon roll and a coffee asking myself if I really needed the headache of keeping the 961 on the road, what did I want her for? Could I get by without her? As I walked away to order my coffee I smiled as the 961 had already got three admirers wandering around her. I returned to the bike and endured the endless list of questions, then a 4th gent (a car driving ex-biker) joined us, then another 'I used to own a Norton' and then a young man in his late 20's stopped with his kids and took some photo's giving me the thumbs up as he turned away.

I took my Injun to the same cafe only a week before, she barely got a second glance. Same story with the Harley a few weeks before that. You make friends with all sorts of people when you ride a Norton :)
 
I agree that the bike gets looked at more than any other when I am at events or meets, the quality of the components is high, the sound and riding experience are addictive and it feels special to own such a rare bike. We all want Norton to succeed and preserve this historic brand - many owners also have classic Nortons or other Brit iron.

However.....

If any of us had paid out £15000 - £22000 (Commando CR, Sport, Street, Cali) or £24500 - £30000 (Dominator, Domiracer) £28000 (VRR) etc.. to any other manufacturer for a modern motorcycle and experienced the issues recorded on this forum, we would be demanding a full refund with no questions asked!
The commando is now is its 9th year of production and yet it is still experiencing basic issues that could be resolved at the build (testing?) stage
Many of these bikes have low mileage and if owners are honest it is down to suspect reliability or concern whether you will get home from a ride out - many have commented.... as well as my Norton, I have X, Y, Z as a bike i can just get on and ride without being concerned if I will get home.
Riding a motorcycle should be about fun and enjoyment not aggravation.
 
I agree that the bike gets looked at more than any other when I am at events or meets, the quality of the components is high, the sound and riding experience are addictive and it feels special to own such a rare bike. We all want Norton to succeed and preserve this historic brand - many owners also have classic Nortons or other Brit iron.

However.....

If any of us had paid out £15000 - £22000 (Commando CR, Sport, Street, Cali) or £24500 - £30000 (Dominator, Domiracer) £28000 (VRR) etc.. to any other manufacturer for a modern motorcycle and experienced the issues recorded on this forum, we would be demanding a full refund with no questions asked!
The commando is now is its 9th year of production and yet it is still experiencing basic issues that could be resolved at the build (testing?) stage
Many of these bikes have low mileage and if owners are honest it is down to suspect reliability or concern whether you will get home from a ride out - many have commented.... as well as my Norton, I have X, Y, Z as a bike i can just get on and ride without being concerned if I will get home.
Riding a motorcycle should be about fun and enjoyment not aggravation.


Well said.
 
In my opinion the new line of atlas bikes lost the character of Norton. The Atlas bikes are a total new make over. I understand they are moving with modern times and although I like the Nomad, and I wanted one. I think I’m gonna pass. I already have the two Norton’s I wanted. My Naked and Commando.

My next bike needs to be a two up and it’s either gonna be a Speed Twin or a Indian FTR1200.
 
I’ve had a few PMs asking me about my decision with the 961, so thought I’d clarify openly as there is no hidden agenda or conspiracy behind it !

First, I should clarify that although some of the negative stories of late made the decision easier, this was not the reason behind it.

I will soon be getting a 1330cc Egli Vincent on the road that’s been over 2 years in gestation, this will be more powerful, more torquey, and around 120-130lbs lighter than the 961 whilst still delivering even more of that characterful / visceral ride that I seem to crave. It has therefore been on my mind for a while that when this is on the road, and I’m looking for that nice sunny Sunday ride, the 961 just won’t get chosen.

Coupled to that, the 961 just isn’t quite fast enough, or modern enough, to satisfy those kind of riding requirements either, it kind of falls between both needs.

So, long story short, I chopped it in for a Duc Monster 1200s (in ‘Concrete Grey’ NOT Red).

If I had more space (and more cash) I’d keep the 961 even if it only did a few miles a year. But I have to be realistic.

At least I’ll still be able to wear my Norton regalia when playing with my ‘74 920cc Commando!
 
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