Norton Commando 961 set for launch

drthompson65 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 01:39 PM

Video: Norton Commando 961 set for launch - | Motorbike reviews | Latest Bike Videos | MCN

DesperateSP2 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 01:53 PM

I am asking myself: is there the market for such a thing?
For less money you can get an Hinckley Triumph which is probably much more reliable and surely backed by something resembling a dealership network.
Also they stress the bike has Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes... so what? Too many builders just got big name components, bolted them together and affixed a ridiculous price tag on the result thinking they have just built the new "Ducati killer" or whatever.
Could this be (if it is ever built in any number) the new Hesketh?

sqd8r · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 02:04 PM

Ducati Monster's are how much money???

No thx.

nomo · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 03:33 PM

Nice idea to resurrect a historically significant mark , but wouldn't want to be one of the first owners . If they were to offer their 588 ROTARY ss , I'd take a chance though , warranty and bankruptcy be damned !

Old Fart · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 04:44 PM

It all depends on how deep the companies pockets are. That'll determine the marketing efforts which will spell success or failure. It's kinda neat for a retro parallel twin though. A 270 degree crank huh? Ought to reduce the vibes a bit. Wonder what it sounds like.

edit: Let's hope 'someone' won't post Vwhore crankshaft diagrams on this thread

VTRandall · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Fart

It all depends on how deep the companies pockets are. That'll determine the marketing efforts which will spell success or failure. It's kinda neat for a retro parallel twin though. A 270 degree crank huh? Ought to reduce the vibes a bit. Wonder what it sounds like.

edit: Let's hope 'someone' won't post Vwhore crankshaft diagrams on this thread

they had a couple of the prototype Norton bikes at Laguna a couple of years back.....they started one up and they sounded frakin' great.

I'd love to have one of these bikes but they need to get the price down to a more consumer friendly level (use other components beside Ohlins?)

banda · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Fart

A 270 degree crank huh? Ought to reduce the vibes a bit. Wonder what it sounds like.

Go listen to any Triumph Scrambler, America, Thunderbird, or Speedmaster. They all have 270 degree cranks. IMHO they sound pretty darn good, especially with a nice aftermarket silencer. Like an air cooled Duc.

**mrgrn** · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 09:11 PM

looks OK too me

spezjag · #9 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesperateSP2

I am asking myself: is there the market for such a thing?

I think there is a market for a good standard motorcycle - sadly, the Triumph twins (except the Scrambler) seem to be styled and targeted against a cruiser market. If Norton would focus on what made the original Commando such a sought after bike, instead of trying to make a twin cylinder superbike, they might be onto something.

There has to be a reason Triumph and Honda sold so many bikes back in the late '60s - but the manufacturers seem to have forgotten that.

If only Yamaha would bring back the XS 650 . . .

viper1 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:49 PM

I think it's bitching!

banda · #11 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viper1

I think it's bitching!

I agree - that's a hot looking bike.

johnyisthedevil · #12 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 12:37 AM

You know, get rid of those pipes, put some low clip ons on there, and I'd ride it.