We may not be best qualified for this - asking a bunch of old guys to describe what they’re feeling? And we’re struggling? Go figure!
I’ve tried waxing lyrical about the visceral/authentic nature of the Norton ride for me in other posts (and to mates), with very limited success cos it’s difficult . One thing’s for sure, it ain’t just about vibrations - for me anyway!
For me it starts as I’m getting my riding gear on. I tap that beautiful tail unit on the spot where my old man’s initials are located (an old British biker of the truly original variety - 94 when he popped his bike boots) and start er up. The ride’s started and I haven’t thrown a leg over yet - that’s the ownership and heritage connection I guess.
The fact that the Norton is still made in the UK, by British bike builders,
matters here for some (a lot) - difficult to measure and describe, and maybe to understand if you don’t have that connection.
The riding stuff is obvious, with the original nature of the engine configuration letting the rider know they‘re riding a big British twin - no mistaking it! No tech to intrude, that feedback is unique to the air cooled parallel twin configuration (effectively 70 years old) and is addictive - for some.
Of course Triumph has an (almost) equal heritage connection, but has had to globalise to achieve stellar success. Tubine smooth, tech laden, water cooled wonders engineered down to a price point and then dressed up as a heritage machine (IMO). This may not give some, who remember the twins of old, the same riding and (more importantly for me) ownership experience. The fact that they are now ubiquitous and mass manufactured overseas may mean a two year love affair for most, before it’s moved on.
Re-living that authentic biker experience from years gone by is a contradiction as we age of course, when we old farts crave comfort with our cred’! What cred our younger selves would alot to an inflatable cushion and high bar conversion we can only guess!
I use mine as a CR was intended to be used, so comfort comes a clear second. If yer gonna mile munch, the Triumph turbine twin may be a much better option.
Vloggers don’t get any of the ‘ownership’ aspects - it’s not just pound per performance - and why should they. Match the 961 up with a modern retro like the Speed Twin and your VLOG is compromised before you put the key in the ignition. But I’m glad they do it anyway, or we’d have less to debate.
I’m just gonna continue to relish what we have, hope (with optimistic expectation) that the iconic Norton marque can come anywhere near Triumphs well earned success, whilst trying hard not to compare the 961 to ‘better’ bikes.
My opinion only.