Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer - 2011 Specifications and Reviews
The 2011 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer appeals to riders seeking classic British styling with modern reliability. Its air-cooled parallel twin engine delivers 80 horsepower and 90 Nm of torque, providing characterful mid-range performance. Best known for authentically reviving the legendary Commando nameplate with retro aesthetics and genuine mechanical heritage.
General information | |
| Category | Classic |
| Year | 2011 |
| Model | Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer |
| | |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | Cafe Racer Sports Exhaust. |
| Emission details | Euro 3 compliant with electronic fuel injection and multiple 3 way catalytic converter |
| Driveline | 525 O ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate hydraulic lifter |
| Transmission type,final drive | Chain |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Lubrication system | Dry sump |
| Ignition | Crank fired |
| Fuel system | Injection |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Bore x stroke | 88.0 x 79.0 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches) |
| Torque | 90.00 Nm (9.2 kgf-m or 66.4 ft.lbs) @ 5200 |
| Power | 80.00 |
| Engine details | Parallel twin with push-rod valve actuation, dry sump, 3 bearing crank and balancer shaft. |
| Engine type | Twin, four-stroke |
| Capacity: | 961.00 ccm (58.64 cubic inches) |
| | |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Wheels | Front wheel: 36 spoke 3.50 x 17" Black Rim. Rear wheel: 40 spoke 5.0 x 17" Black Rim |
| Rear brakes diameter | 220 mm (8.7 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Full Brembo system, 2 piston Gold Line calliper |
| Front brakes diameter | 320 mm (12.6 inches) |
| Front brakes | Double disc. Full Brembo system, twin semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston Gold Line axial callipers |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 180/55-17 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 120/70-17 |
| Rear suspension travel | 110 mm (4.3 inches) |
| Rear suspension | Ohlins reservoir-style twin shocks - Adjustable ride height, reload, compression and rebound |
| Front suspension travel | 115 mm (4.5 inches) |
| Front suspension | 43mm Ohlins USD - Adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping. |
| Rake (fork angle) | 24.5° |
| Frame type | Steel tubular with integral oil tank |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Oil capacity | 3.30 litres (0.22 quarts) |
| Fuel capacity | 17.03 litres (4.50 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,420 mm (55.9 inches) |
| Seat height | 813 mm (32.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Power/weight ratio | 0.4255 HP/kg |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 204.0 kg (449.7 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 188.0 kg (414.5 pounds) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Color options | Black/gold, Red/gold, yellow/black, silver/red/back |
| Instruments | Norton electronic analogue speedo and tachometer |
| Starter | Electric |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
76.8 hp
Peak Power
4.6s
0-60 mph
Best For
Track55%
City55%
Cornering80%
Daily Riding50%
Touring40%
Passenger25%
Rider Profile
| Best For | Best suited to an experienced rider who appreciates classic mechanical character over outright modern performance. |
| Purpose | Built for spirited weekend rides and cafe racer style cornering rather than commuting or long-distance touring. |
| Rider Fit | The low, forward-leaning cafe racer riding position and firm suspension demand a reasonably fit rider comfortable with wrist and wrist load on longer stints. |
| Character | A charismatic, old-school parallel twin with premium Ohlins and Brembo hardware that rewards a rider who values feel and heritage over raw numbers. |
| Not Ideal For | Not a good fit for new riders, pillion-focused riders, or anyone wanting long-haul touring comfort or off-road capability. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
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