Motorcycle specifications Norton961 Commando Café Racer 2011 A modern-day privateer

the 3rd instalment in the new Commando line-up, the 961 Cafe Racer smacks of the arsouille. This model lives up to its name magnificently, with its '70s motorcycle face always ready for a good stuffing. Like its predecessor (750 and 850 Commando), it gives its all through a big air-cooled twin-cylinder. The same mechanics as on the SE and Sport versions - a mill completely out of step with the notion of modern sport. Just think: 2 valves per cylinder, 80 drums, a symbolic output per liter, cooling fins... But who cares? And that's just as well. This machine is pure passion, a sports bike for the streets of London in the belle époque, a revival that grabs you by the gut. In short, an essential motorcycle that thinks character before performance.

but that doesn't mean it lets itself go. To keep the price down, it doesn't come with the SE's carbon cladding. On the equipment side, however, there's plenty to salivate over: a superb Öhlins inverted fork with full Brembo brakes and radial calipers, a pair of handlebars and wrist straps (a café-racer can't beand a selection of striking colors - black & gold, red & gold, yellow & black, and silver, red & black. Quite close to exclusivity, the Norton 961 Commando Cafe Racer will retail at 16,790 euros, the price of..."Eh oh! I can get a 180 hp R1 for that price!"
AH.....! Wait, that's not how it works. You can't compare, and you don't want to. The Norton belongs to that breed of motorcycles that live differently, beyond time and space. If you're passionate about Norton and vintage, the Cafe Racer is for you; if it's all about looks, the Triumph Thruxton will give you the same attitude... for half the price

M.B - Manufacturer's photos