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 get goodies like USD Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes and the differences between variants was primarily cosmetic.
The Cafe Racer was granted its name due to clip on handlebars and a carbon fiber flyscreen.
This example is VIN: SAYCMC016EY005114. The seller acquired it in March 2021 from the original owner in San Clemente, California through an Iconic Motorbikes auction.
During his ownership, the seller covered 1 mile and Iconic put two miles on it as part of a rest ride. The odometer shows 1,225 miles.
The seller is a long-time client and friend of Iconic Motorbikes who unfortunately passed away. His estate is selling this and a 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2R with 3 Miles through Iconic.
Maintenance:
In the prior listing, the original owner noted this maintenance:
January 2019 at Indian Motorcycle Orange County, 1,139 miles: brake fluid flush (front and rear), clutch fluid flush, oil change (Motul 20w50 100% synthetic), new starter case seal, tank inspection, new tachometer (warranty, mounting bolts were broken), new transmission filler breather cap (warranty, recall).
January 2016 at GP Motorcycles, 662 miles: 600 mile break-in service, new battery, new starter motor gasket, new oil sump gasket, map update, swingarm spool installation, aftermarket accessory installation.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, replace the battery, and flush the hydraulic fluids. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
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: 95%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 25/14
Tire Date Code Rear: 11/14
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: New 12.45V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.65V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 Miles
Notes:
-2 seat bolts are missing
Recommendations:
-Front and Rear Tires
Modifications:
Norton slip-on exhausts.
Aftermarket tail tidy and rear turn signals.
Rizoma bar end mirrors.
Battery tender.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on the original Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier tires with date codes of 1114 and 2514.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
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 2026. Have any Commando 961 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
