Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II - 2018 Specifications and Reviews

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General information

CategoryClassic
ModelNorton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II
Year2018

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Exhaust systemStainless steel
Emission detailsEuro 3 compliant with multiple 3 way catalytic converter
Driveline525 “O” ring chain
ClutchWet multi-plate
Transmission type,final driveChain
Gearbox5-speed
Cooling systemAir
Lubrication systemDry sump
IgnitionDigital
Fuel systemInjection
Valves per cylinder2
Bore x Stroke88.0 x 79.0 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches)
Compression10.1:1
Torque90.00 Nm (9.2 kgf-m or 66.4 ft.lbs) @ 5200 RPM
Power80.00 HP (58.4 kW) @ 6500 RPM
Engine detailsPush rod, hydraulic roller lifter
Engine typeTwin, four-stroke
Capacity:961.00 ccm (58.64 cubic inches)
 
 

Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels

WheelsStainless steel spoked polished rim
Rear brakes diameter220 mm (8.7 inches)
Rear brakesSingle disc. Brembo, 2 piston calliper
Front brakes diameter320 mm (12.6 inches)
Front brakesDouble disc. Brembo, twin semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston “Gold Line” axial callipers
Rear tyre180/55-17
Front tyre120/70-17
Rear wheel travel110 mm (4.3 inches)
Rear SuspensionOhlins reservoir-style twin shocks - Adjustable ride height, reload, compression and rebound
Front wheel travel115 mm (4.5 inches)
Front Suspension43mm Ohlins USD - Adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping.
Trail90 mm (3.5 inches)
Rake (fork angle)24.5°
Frame typeSteel tubular with integral oil tank

Physical measures and capacities

Oil capacity3.30 litres (0.22 quarts)
Reserve fuel capacity4.00 litres (1.06 gallons)
Fuel capacity17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)
Wheelbase1,420 mm (55.9 inches)
Seat height813 mm (32.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Power/weight ratio0.4255 HP/kg
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc203.5 kg (448.6 pounds)
Dry weight188.0 kg (414.5 pounds)

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Electrical300 watt hi-output charging system.
InstrumentsAnalogue speedo and tachometer. Multi-function display including mileage, trip, battery voltage and time.
StarterElectric
Color optionsBlack, Grey, White, Red, Green, Light blue

Performance Profile & Rider Fit

80 hp
Peak Power
4.2s
0-60 mph

Best For

Track55%
City55%
Cornering80%
Daily Riding50%
Touring40%
Passenger30%

Rider Profile

Best ForBest suited to experienced riders who appreciate a characterful, torquey parallel twin with old-school clutch and throttle feel rather than modern electronic aids.
PurposeBuilt for spirited backroad riding and café racer style, blending classic British twin heritage with premium Ohlins and Brembo componentry for genuine cornering ability.
Rider FitThe low, forward-leaning cafe racer stance and 810mm seat height demand reasonable flexibility and wrist strength, making longer rides more physically demanding than on an upright standard.
CharacterA soulful, mechanical-feeling machine that rewards deliberate, engaged riding with tactile feedback rather than outright modern refinement or electronic sophistication.
Not Ideal ForNot for riders seeking long-distance touring comfort, pillion-friendly ergonomics, or off-road capability.

Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.

Rider Fit Visualizer

2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II Rider Ergonomics Assessment

Calculated in your browser only - your height/inseam are never sent to our servers.

Feet:

At 813mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II, with a relaxed knee angle of around 125 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Data quality: measured. Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated (a typical street-bike rule of thumb - stiffer or softer suspension will vary). This is an approximation from category-typical geometry and generic body proportions, not a measurement of this specific bike or you - sit on it before you buy.

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