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Norton Commando 961 Sport MK II (2018) in the test

British Open

Golf tournaments or show jumping championships? Forget it! The UK’s truly thrilling outdoor experience is on a naked bike. It comes from Norton and is called Commando 961 Sport MK II. An encounter with an exotic lady.

It is difficult to say when exactly the retro wave spilled over to Germany. Tests with the corresponding wording could already be read at MOTORRAD around ten years ago. But old-style machines with modern technology rolled down the streets much earlier, such as the Kawasaki W 650 or the Yamaha XJR 1300 impressively demonstrated over the past millennium. In fact, this species was never completely gone. However, this segment only experienced a real hype in 2014 when BMW let loose the R nineT on the people. Norton created with the two years earlier than Bayern NOTOrton Commando 961 Sport MK II his version of a classic-modern naked.

Norton Commando 961 Sport MK II (2018) in the test

British Open

Available as a Euro3 model since 2012

The almost forgotten British brand rolled the Norton Commando 961 Sport MK II as a Euro 3 version to the few dealers in this country in 2012. One of them is Oliver Thiel from Heilbronn (www.thiel-motorsport.de), who provided the current (Euro 4) test machine. The black paintwork in the John Player Special design with gold-colored lettering and decorative stripes of the same color is strongly reminiscent of the 1970s. The classic, round lines of the tank and rear are a perfect match; also the wonderful wire-spoke wheels, the round headlights, instruments and mirrors fit perfectly into the picture. Optical and technical borrowings can also be found in the engine that was inspired by the Norton Commando 850 MK 2 from 1974: air / oil-cooled in-line two-cylinder, two valves per cylinder, camshaft underneath, bumpers.

Arturo Rivas

It couldn’t be more retro charm: The Norton styling hits the topic with pinpoint accuracy.

The main difference to that time is the crank pin offset of 270 degrees, which mimics the sound of a 90-degree V2. In addition, today’s drive should be much more cultivated than the gruff co-drivers from back then. Another difference concerns the transmission. At the time, four gears had to be sufficient, now five gear wheel pairs interlock. Instead of 828 cc back then, the current twin also boasts its 961. As a rule, there is an ABS on board, but other electronic driving aids are nil. The running gear of the Norton Commando 961 Sport MK II, on the other hand, offers mostly modern features: elegantly appealing but very tightly tuned upside-down fork from Ohlins, fully adjustable stereo struts from the same brand and Brembo stoppers mark the modern age . Classic and modern in perfect harmony? The starter pulls the pistons vigorously through their raceways. After a few seconds, the twin sends its characteristic stamp to the pilot. That can be clearly felt – but hardly audible, because the two-in-two exhaust only emits an unobtrusive rumble – British genteel restraint.

A touch too authentic?

The twin of the Norton Commando 961 Sport MK II also shows the finest manners when applying the gas. The transition from pushing to load operation is pleasantly smooth. In addition, the two-cylinder grabs ambitiously from around 3,000 rpm and develops its power beautifully evenly. Below this mark, however, the drive reacts somewhat reluctantly, and on the way to maximum output of measured 78 hp at 7,700 rpm, the previously pleasant rumble is transformed into increasingly pronounced vibrations. The gearbox, too, with its pithy gear changes and long shift travel is more of the rugged variety. The bottom line is that the Twin embodies the past very authentically – perhaps a touch too authentic for real modernists and speed junkies.

Arturo Rivas

A must-have on nostalgic bikes: classic round instruments.

The top driving behavior of the Norton Commando 961 Sport MK II escapes such food scavengers. The British woman draws a very clean and reliable line, keeps exactly on the prescribed course and only needs a slight impulse to turn. Curve fun at its best! The Norton only tears through tight alternating curves, despite the handling-friendly geometry, which is not quite as jagged. It doesn’t matter, because even then it has a high entertainment value. The comfortable driver’s posture with the high, wide handlebars also contributes to this. The seat, which is mounted comparatively far back, seems a bit inactive – the long tank takes its toll.

We do not know how the Ur-Commando was not inclined. It is very likely that wooden tires in the size of a grinding wheel prevented touchdown. The successor is different. Moved with great enthusiasm, their mufflers occasionally scrape across the asphalt. However, the rear of the Norton can be raised a little by adjusting the length of the struts. Only the price rises even higher. The British call for a full 22,300 euros for their retro-naked. How many buyers the elegant Norton Commando 961 Sport MK II will find remains to be seen – British Open, so to speak.

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