Norton 961 Commando

The Norton 961/SS Commando is a motorcycle that was produced by Norton Motorcycles, the Oregon based company that bought the rights to the Norton brand name. Owner Kenny Dreer progressed from restoring and upgrading Norton Commandos to producing whole machines. He modernised the design and in the early 2000s went into production of the VR880. This machine was built on the basis of the original Commando, with upgraded components and a significantly modified engine. Dreer produced 50 of these machines before deciding to build an all-new motorcycle. With funding from Oliver Curme, Dreer hired a small design and development team led by Paul Gaudio (Design and Development Director), Simon-Pierre Smith (Lead Engineer), and Patrick Leyshock (Testing, Sourcing.) The 961 Commando never reached production in America due to lack of funding, and the company closed its doors in April 2006. The Commando 961 SS combined traditional Norton cafe racer styling with new technology. This included carbon fibre wheels to reduce weight, a counterbalanced engine, and a chro-moly tubular steel frame.[1]

Norton 961/SS Commando
ManufacturerNorton Motorcycles, United States and now UK
Production2006–present
Engine961 cc Parallel twin with push-rod valve actuation
Power80 bhp (60 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque65 lb⋅ft (88 N⋅m) @ 5200 rpm
Transmission5 speed
SuspensionFront: 43 mm Öhlins RSU - Adjustable preload Rear: Öhlins reservoir-style twin shocks
BrakesDual disc front, single disc rear
Wheelbase1,435 mm (56.5 inches)
Seat height813 mm (32.0 inches)
Weight188 kg (415 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacity17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)

Future

After fifteen years of US ownership the Norton brand was secured by Stuart Garner, a UK businessman and owner of Norton Racing Ltd. Garner setup Norton production at the current 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2) Norton factory at Donington Park.[2] The relaunched Norton line includes three new versions of the 961 Commando; the 961 SF, 961 Sport and 961 Café Racer.[3]

See also

References
  1. "Norton Commando 961 SS 'Signature Series'". Retrieved 4 November 2008.
  2. "Norton Company History". 16 October 2008. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  3. "The Norton 961 Commando in America". Motorcycle Classics. February 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2011.
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