Norton Commando 952

Make Model	Norton Commando 961/SS
Year	2005 - 06
Engine	Four stroe, Parallel twin, push-rod valve, 2 valves per cylinder, OHV
Capacity	961 cc / 58.6 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	88 X 79 mm
Compression Ratio	10.1:1
Cooling System	Air cooled
Exhaust	2-into-1-into-2
Induction	Carburettor. Twin 39mm Keihin FCR
Starting	Electric
Max Power	59.7 kW / 80 hp
Max Torque	94.8 Nm / 9.67 kgf/m / 70 lb-ft
Transmission	5-Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Chromium Molybdenum
Front Suspension	Ø43 mm Telescopic fork, Öhlins
Front Wheel Travel	140 mm / 5.5 in
Rear Suspension	Twin sided swingarm, twin shocks, pre-load adjustable
Rear Wheel Travel	102 mm / 4.0 in
Front Brakes	2 x Ø320 mm discs, 4-piston calipers, Brembo
Rear Brakes	Single Ø220 mm disc, 2-piston caliper, Brembo
Wheels	Aluminium
Front Wheel	3.50 x 17"
Rear Wheel	5.50 x 17"
Front Tyre	120/70-R17, Avon
Rear Tyre	180/55-R17, Avon
Wheelbase	1435 mm / 56.5 in
Seat height	800 mm / 31.5 in
Dry Weight	188 kg / 415 lbs
Fuel Capacity	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal

The Norton 961/SS Commando is a motorcycle that was produced by Norton Motorcycles, the Oregon based company that bought the rights to the Norton brand name. Owner Kenny Dreer progressed from restoring and upgrading Norton Commandos to producing whole machines. He modernised the design and in the early 2000s went into production of the VR880. This machine was built on the basis of the original Commando, with upgraded components and a significantly modified engine. Dreer produced 50 of these machines before deciding to build an all-new motorcycle. With funding from Oliver Curme, Dreer hired a small design and development team led by Paul Gaudio (Design and Development Director), Simon-Pierre Smith (Lead Engineer), and Patrick Leyshock (Testing, Sourcing.) The 961 Commando never reached production in America due to lack of funding, and the company closed its doors in April 2006. The Commando 961 SS combined traditional Norton cafe racer styling with new technology. This included carbon fibre wheels to reduce weight, a counterbalanced engine, and a chro-moly tubular steel frame.[1]
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The Commando represents a new beginning for Norton Motorcycles. Designed and built from the ground up, this bike continues the Norton legacy of defined style and performance.

This modern roadster reflects the soul of the original machine. Classic sculptural forms are combined with raw functionalism, laying beautiful shapes over a structural frame and muscular motor; resulting in a visual language that is both sensual and purposeful. With a very narrow waist and curves in just the right places, the 961 is a bike that feels as good as it looks.

Norton Commando 961/SS