Which 961?

Stephen_Spencer said:
I may be wrong Tony, often am, but my guess is that they would be very similar to ride - especially if the GEM (thanks BT:rolleyes:) was wearing shorts and may have been fettled.

Blighty is amongst the very few to be seriously touring on a Donnie 961. It always struck me that due to their hand built nature, poor QC (and varying build states), there has always been a degree of ‘pot luck’ with the Donnie bikes whether you got a good’un or one likely to give you grief throughout its life. The impact on ownership of the latter being directly proportional to the owners ability with a spanner.

Less risk with a Solihull machine; with warranty, dealer and spares access I think. Noting that any effort needed to fettle the Donnie bike to reliability may cost (significant) money. In the end though, you’re getting the same machine - a riding/ownership experience well worth the price of admission whichever way ya go!

Maybe a riding comparison between a sorted 961 (old or new) and a sorted 850 (back to back) would be useful also.
Click to expand...
I’ve been lucky enough to ride both, and you are correct, not really a lot of difference. For me it was only the brakes which seemed to have more feel.
 
BLIGHTYBRIT/SF said:
Don’t be to concerned bout buying a Donnington 961 ,here’s mine on its travels ,8500 miles in 10 weeks across America & Canada,last serviced 3 yrs ago by Stuart at 25,000 miles , done 33,000 now , no one’s touched it since , Dominators hold there money better , a well soughted older 961 can have a better spec also than the new ones .

Pics were on Historic Route 66 fully loaded & with my son on the back for 2,500 miles .View attachment 116979View attachment 116980View attachment 116981
Click to expand...
Great trip, toured Arizona/Nevada in a car, bike looks on it’s element! 👍
 
Fast Eddie said:
Well, actually, £12500 buys you a brand spanking new electric start MK3 850 Commando right now.

Just don’t ask about the warranty…

www.carandclassic.com

1977 Norton Commando 850 Silver Manual, 4 speed in Rother...

1977 Norton Commando 850 Silver Manual, 4 speed in Rotherham, United Kingdom - For Sale | Car & Classic, £12,500 Commando 850 won this fr...
www.carandclassic.com www.carandclassic.com
Click to expand...
Between you, me and the forum the 850 in interstate trim just doesn’t raise my pulse, thats part of the 961 appeal, I like the looks - a lot! I know it’s easy enough to change to roadster or whatever but I just think it’s time to try something new. I’ve a VStrom for European tours and other classics for runs so think a 961 will be an exciting addition (one way or another! 😂👍)
Cheers
 
Simmoto said:
Between you, me and the forum the 850 in interstate trim just doesn’t raise my pulse, thats part of the 961 appeal, I like the looks - a lot! I know it’s easy enough to change to roadster or whatever but I just think it’s time to try something new. I’ve a VStrom for European tours and other classics for runs so think a 961 will be an exciting addition (one way or another! 😂👍)
Cheers
Click to expand...
This should have been your opening post mate!

If you’ve got a decent modern bike for practicality… and a few classics for fun… AND you like the 961… AND you like the idea of brand new… then it’s a bit of a no brainer really innit !?

You real decision is… what colour !!
 
Fast Eddie said:
This should have been your opening post mate!

If you’ve got a decent modern bike for practicality… and a few classics for fun… AND you like the 961… AND you like the idea of brand new… then it’s a bit of a no brainer really innit !?

You real decision is… what colour !!
Click to expand...
Lol, I think the discussion on here has helped the penny to drop so thanks for all the input. Test ride first….gotta be black with polished wheels though👍😀
 
Simmoto said:
Lol, I think the discussion on here has helped the penny to drop so thanks for all the input. Test ride first….gotta be black with polished wheels though👍😀
Click to expand...
Good choice. If you do decide to go for a used one, definitely contact Stu first, as personally I wouldn’t buy one that he hasn’t worked on (or if not a very cheap bike) and as others said, he may already be aware of bikes for sale.
 
BritTwit said:
Oh, so you agree with the saying: when you go black, you don't go back.:p
Click to expand...
Goes without ‘saying’ BT…………..!😁

IMG_0909.jpeg
 
As far as the cool black look goes, I remember a video that Garner made very early on in which he was riding a prototype 961 that was a CR with all black body work, wheels, headers/silencers, and engine covers. It looked badass. I can't find the video anywhere, but it was way cool. It had a different designation code like SM or SB. Damn, which I could find that video.
 

Similar threads

B
Reactions of other riders to your 961?
Replies
6
Views
262
City Garage
City Garage
peebee
V4 + 961
2
Replies
22
Views
557
Voodooo
V
DODGY DEN
No re map for TVS 961
Replies
14
Views
413
Stu Bodycote
Stu Bodycote
peebee
For sale forum (961)
2
Replies
22
Views
796
Voodooo
V
lcrken
Wanting to fit a sidecar to my 961.
Replies
7
Views
411
jan nelder
J
Back
Top