What’s the best none Norton Norton ?

Clive said:
Now then what's in this can? Oh its worms.......

So is an 'old' Norton engine built with new parts more reliable than a Stu rebuilt 961? I admit that spares for a new/old build would probably be easier and mostly cheaper to get hold of..... 🤔
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Let’s us not overlook the fact that I am on my second (bought new) 961, so I’m not some kind of 961 basher !

A Stu sorted 961 has to be the pinnacle of the 961 hierarchy I would suggest.

Perusing FB shows that even the new Brum bikes are most definitely not devoid of issues. Head gaskets, rocker cover gaskets and idle issues being the most reported I’d stay. Whether or not they have re engineered the internal things that cause long term issues like the clutch, rockers, cam, etc, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see given the total lack of info provided. Even Stu can only work with what’s there, and we all know (especially you) that there are inherent design issues within the 961.

The original Commandos had some hiccups in the day, like the Combat (a ‘race’ tuned variant that performed rather like a missile… it went like shit then blew up) and they most definitely suffered QC issues from the factory when new. But new ones aren’t available to compare against, any comparison can only be with a rebuilt one, and overall they are a very solid base and if rebuilt properly with quality parts and some sensible upgrades, they really are reliable and can do serious mileage.

There is no “probably” about the spares topic Clive, you can build a new ‘old’ engine from spares if you want (I’ve done it… Twice) and if you’re in the U.K. you can get most of the ‘normal’ parts you’re likely to need in a rebuild within a couple of days !

BUT… I had no intention of starting an ‘old vs new’ debate (different horses for different courses)… I was simply trying to respond to SS’ question.
 
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Old ‘v’ New is just part of where the discussion went FE - all good I reckon.👍

Think Clive might have been quizzing the original comment “If built correctly, these engines are far more reliable than 961’s” - current model faults being evidence of this.

A better reliability comparison might be a well sorted vintage with a well sorted 961. Difficult I guess as we don’t have the same history for the 961.

Will there be sign in the future (following the SP warranty period) that significant internal faults still exist (clutch, rockers, cam)? Doubtful to my mind but who knows - time will tell. Think Stu noted changes in these components on the SP though (not sure about clutchI)?

It would also be interesting to know just how prevalent these more serious internal faults were with the Donnie bikes - rockers, cam?

Interesting that Gary from the NT was going to strip his 2015 CR down at 100k km to have a look at condition - he’s decided not to bother as it’s motoring on without difficulty. Up towards 110k km now I think.

So as we know they can be (made to be) reliable. More or less reliable than a sorted vintage? Piece of string type question maybe - but interesting nonetheless.
 
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Some real cred if ya turn up riding this beauty methinks!

Often find myself looking at 2nd hand Ducati Scramblers, wondering just how much fun they might be - might scratch that itch one day!

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My guess - a whole lotta fun for nota lotta lolly!

What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 
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Stephen_Spencer said:
Old ‘v’ New is just part of where the discussion went FE - all good I reckon.👍

Think Clive might have been quizzing the original comment “If built correctly, these engines are far more reliable than 961’s” - current model faults being evidence of this.
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Yes indeed- there are high mileage 961s which proves that the engine is capable of being reliable especially if some of the inherent weaknesses are sorted like clutch, rockers, cam some of which have already been addressed by TVS. 'New' old Commando engines have been through this process of improvement and are well served for parts as FE says.

My only issue is the sheer bulk and weight of the unit - I wonder how this compares to a traditional engine?
 
Clive said:
Yes indeed- there are high mileage 961s which proves that the engine is capable of being reliable especially if some of the inherent weaknesses are sorted like clutch, rockers, cam some of which have already been addressed by TVS. 'New' old Commando engines have been through this process of improvement and are well served for parts as FE says.

My only issue is the sheer bulk and weight of the unit - I wonder how this compares to a traditional engine?
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Not sure Clive, but substantially heavier than the 750/850 of course. Supersized (in McDonalds speak), she looks like a heavy old donk. Dry sump, so maybe sitting a little lower in the frame comparatively speaking? Modern frame and suspension holds that weight pretty well though.

Strongly suspect any niggles will be resolved within the SP warranty period with many years of trouble free biking to be had thereafter🤞. Would love to shove an SP engine in mine (not viable of course). Not sure I’ll ever have full confidence in my MK1 - can live with that but it does take a bit of the shine off.

Spares availability for the vintage models is a real bonus of course. I’m guessing the mental image of the pool of oil under the bike has not been completely eradicated though! Unless you’re riding one of these beauties!

What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 


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