New improved Commando for 2016...

Fast Eddie · Oct 16, 2015

According to the 'Motorcyle News' (a weekly publication here in the UK) they will be featuring the 2016 Commando with its many improvements next week. I do hope its not just wider stripes, new mirrors and indicators etc!

This raises two questions in my mind for you 961ers:

1. What do you think they WILL change?

2. What do you think they SHOULD change?

BritTwit · Oct 16, 2015

The Norton folks have already introduced several improvements in the bike.

Improvements that help keep production costs down like cast components that used to be CNC machined. I think Simon mentioned that the cylinders are now nikasil plated, originally they had CI liners. The plastic headlight shell that had a cracking issue, is now metal. Many of the problems encountered by owners of early commandos 2010-2012 have been resolved in subsequent models.

I’m very comfortable with my 961 today. The remaining issue that I would like to see the factory address is the airbox irrigation by the valve cover breather. Simon has indicated that they are working on this problem.

I’d be interested to see what MCN has to say about the current 961 too. They have done several comparison tests with the Triumph Bonneville and other similar machines in the early days of production – 2010/2011. The tests are on YouTube.

contours · Oct 16, 2015

Fast Eddie said:
According to the 'Motorcyle News' (a weekly publication here in the UK) they will be featuring the 2016 Commando with its many improvements next week. I do hope its not just wider stripes, new mirrors and indicators etc!

Hmmm ... I can't help but wonder if my fresh 2015 build will incorporate the improvements for 2016. 8)

TonyA · Oct 17, 2015

Hello EDDIE , Can you post a link to the article ? I cannot find anything on this.

Fast Eddie · Oct 17, 2015

TonyA said:
Hello EDDIE , Can you post a link to the article ? I cannot find anything on this.

The article isn't until next week Tony, I'm not very savvy at that, but I'm sure we'll get it posted somehow.

Britfan60 · Oct 17, 2015

BritTwit said:
The Norton folks have already introduced several improvements in the bike.

Improvements that help keep production costs down like cast components that used to be CNC machined. I think Simon mentioned that the cylinders are now nikasil plated, originally they had CI liners. The plastic headlight shell that had a cracking issue, is now metal. Many of the problems encountered by owners of early commandos 2010-2012 have been resolved in subsequent models.

I’m very comfortable with my 961 today. The remaining issue that I would like to see the factory address is the airbox irrigation by the valve cover breather. Simon has indicated that they are working on this problem.

I’d be interested to see what MCN has to say about the current 961 too. They have done several comparison tests with the Triumph Bonneville and other similar machines in the early days of production – 2010/2011. The tests are on YouTube.

They should recall and fix the problems with the venting and saturated air filters/air boxes. I'm still curious as to where the oil vents out after they crack my engine in half to seal it up.

contours · Oct 17, 2015

Fast Eddie said:
TonyA said:

Hello EDDIE , Can you post a link to the article ? I cannot find anything on this.

Click to expand...

The article isn't until next week

No wonder I couldn't find it!

Al's#5 · May 27, 2021

BritTwit said:
The Norton folks have already introduced several improvements in the bike.

Improvements that help keep production costs down like cast components that used to be CNC machined. I think Simon mentioned that the cylinders are now nikasil plated, originally they had CI liners. The plastic headlight shell that had a cracking issue, is now metal. Many of the problems encountered by owners of early commandos 2010-2012 have been resolved in subsequent models.

I’m very comfortable with my 961 today. The remaining issue that I would like to see the factory address is the airbox irrigation by the valve cover breather. Simon has indicated that they are working on this problem.

I’d be interested to see what MCN has to say about the current 961 too. They have done several comparison tests with the Triumph Bonneville and other similar machines in the early days of production – 2010/2011. The tests are on YouTube.

A few things noted now I have the tank off.....there's now a breather from the rockerbox to the OIF tank, situated between the ex rockers, can't see inside the tank but presume it vents above high oil mark. Mines a late 2019, has the engine breather via a knockout pot to the airbox and the trans vent to the canister I think.

TonyA · May 27, 2021

Al's#5 said:
Mines a late 2019, has the engine breather via a knockout pot to the airbox and the trans vent to the canister I think.

Is the knockout pot the air/oil separator ?

Al's#5 said:
there's now a breather from the rockerbox to the OIF tank,

This may be the same oil tank vent the older bikes have . The OIF tank vent hose runs to a fitting at back of the head , just below the rocker box cover. This is also the same , but what has changed is the trans vent to the evap canister. Mine vents to air at the bottom of the engine.

Al's#5 · May 28, 2021

TonyA said:
Is the knockout pot the air/oil separator ?

This may be the same oil tank vent the older bikes have . The OIF tank vent hose runs to a fitting at back of the head , just below the rocker box cover. This is also the same , but what has changed is the trans vent to the evap canister. Mine vents to air at the bottom of the engine.

Yes, sorry Tony, oil separator pot it is. Euro4 to blame for the evap can?

Britfan60 · Jun 4, 2021

I don't believe the hype other than the modified valve cover and a slightly upgraded tranny and clutch, I'm noticing a lot more failures in the MKII than the previous bikes.