Please Note: the front carbon fiber wheel on this bike is cracked in two places.
When Norton production returned to the UK (specifically at Donington Park), the company was focused on a model called the Commando 961 – an evolution of the work Kenny Dreer had pioneered years later with the VR880/952/961. It was offered in 4 variants – the SF, Sport, Cafe Racer, and a limited production Special Edition.
All 961s got goodies like USD Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes.
In addition to the exclusivity, the Special Edition got additional carbon fiber pieces, such as the front fender, rear hugger, license plate bracket, the chain guard…and the BST carbon fiber wheels!
Just 200 examples were built, and they were split up into different markets. The US got 50 of them.
This example is VIN: SAYCMS016EY005107. The seller is the original owner, he purchased it new from South Bay Norton in Lomita, California.
The odometer shows 5,200 miles.
“I am moving to Hawaii and can’t take it with me.” The seller recently sold a custom 1975 Honda CB360T with us for the same reason.
Maintenance:
Before listing with us, the seller notes “oil changes. Installed the crank case vent kit from Norton when released.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, diagnose an electrical issue with the taillight/rear brake switch, replace a relay for the headlight, and fitted a new battery. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail
Final Drive Condition: Recommended Cleaning
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 70%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 95%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 0624
Tire Date Code Rear: 0624
Tire % Remaining Front: 95%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 36
Tire Press. Rear: 38
Battery Standing Voltage: 13.12 – New
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: Starts and Runs
Test Ride Completed: No
Test Ride Distance: Incomplete
Notes:
-Front carbon fiber wheel is cracked in two spots
-Needs Front Brake, Rear Brake, and Clutch Fluid Flush
Repair Recommendations:
-Hydro 3
-Front Wheel Replacement
Modifications:
Full exhaust including x-pipe from South Bay Norton.
Rizoma mirrors, reservoirs, and turn signals.
Custom stitched seat on stock seat pan.
Norton black headlight and black foot pegs.
Norton carbon windscreen with custom paint leaving Norton logo exposed in carbon.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Power 6 tires with date codes of 0624 and 0624.
The sale includes two keys, service records, the original owner’s booklet, and several original parts including the exhaust.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Tail section on right side the gold decal pinstripe was rubbed off in one spot. Gas tank near oil dipstick has a paint chip. Gas tank has paint blemishes from fluid when the reservoirs were changed out. Paint chip in frame on left side near left foot peg.”
Cracks in the front wheel.
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Norton is offered on a clean California title with registration current through November 2025.
Have any Commando 961 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
