As you may already know, the storied Norton motorcycle brand is back. After a failed re-start attempt that ultimately resulted in criminal charges and the conviction of its ex-CEO, TVS has been slowly but surely picking up the pieces.

At least for now, it appears they are keeping their promise to return Norton to its former glory. According to its website, the new TVS-backed Norton will soon release its version of the iconic Commando model.

Two Commando versions

This time around, Norton will release the Commando in two versions; the Commando 961 Sport (SP) and the Commando 961 Cafe Racer (CR). Both bikes will retain their traditional design cues. The new Commandos have distinctively shaped fuel tanks, forward-canted engine, and Norton’s classic “hourglass” silhouette. To keep the bike distinctively British, all Commandos will be built in Norton’s new state-of-the-art factory in Solihull, England.

The new Norton Commando 961 Sport (SP) Photo: Norton

The new Commandos each follow the same basic pattern. However, the SP will feature a more upright riding position with higher handlebars. If you want to take someone with you on your ride, you can order an optional pillion seat. The CR version will utilize lower-mounted clip-on bars and an integrated seat cowl. Aside from paint choices, that’s about it for the differences between the two machines.

The new Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer (CR). Photo: Norton

Commando specs

While the models are set up differently for different riding experiences, both new Commandos get an Öhlins gold anodized fork, aerospace grade billet aluminum top yoke and a carbon fiber front mudguard.

The beautiful and fully adjustable Ohlins fork on the new Commando 961, Photo: Norton

The bike’s frame is a hand TIG and MIG welded affair. Attached to the frame is a 15-liter fuel tank. With its suspension in place, the new Commandos will have a wheelbase of 1400 mm with the yoke set up to have 99 mm of trail.

Hand-built chassis and engine.

In addition, Norton says each machine will feature a “hand-built” chassis and exhaust system and come with hand-polished engine covers. Speaking about the exhaust, the British manufacturer says that the “inimitable Norton roar comes from an exhaust system designed and crafted at the Norton factory to amplify every decibel.”

The iconic Norton hourglass silhouette. Photo: Norton

That’s an interesting statement. Given that noise regulations in Europe and worldwide are becoming more and more stringent, we have got to believe Norton means the sound of the bike’s exhaust note, not the volume of it.

Powering the new bikes is an air-oil cooled pushrod parallel twin with dry sump lubrication. Norton claims it will produce about 79 HP at 7,250 RPM and 81 Nm (about 60 lb-ft) of torque at 6,300 RPM. While that’s not a ton of horsepower, it is significantly more than the approximately 52 HP that the 70s-era 850 Norton Commandos made.

Iconic looks in a modern lump. Photo: Norton

Five-speed transmission

Interestingly, both new Commandos come with a five-speed constant mesh, wet multi-plate gearbox. Why Norton decided to stay with a five-speed unit isn’t clear. Is it because of tradition, the expense of new manufacturing or production design, or a combination of all of the above? Regardless, the new Commandos will not come with a six-speed gearbox. That said, it is likely that Norton has done its best to optimize the bike’s engine output to its gearing.

Suspension

To get to the new Commando’s suspension specifics, each new machine will come with a 43 mm Öhlins upside-down fork adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping. At the rear, you will find fully adjustable Ohlins twin shocks with remote reservoirs.

Braking

Braking comes courtesy of a complete Brembo system using 4 piston, Mono Block radial-mount calipers grasping twin 320 mm carbon steel discs. The rear also features a full Brembo setup with a Brembo 240 mm disc that is slowed by a two-piston caliper. Both front and rear braking systems utilize Brembo brake master cylinders and feature ABS.

Wheelset

Norton has chosen to equip both bikes with spoked wheels to retain the new Commando’s classic look. At the front, you will find a 36-spoke, 3.5″ x 17″ polished aluminum rim. The rear wheel features a 40-spoke, 5.5″ x 17″ polished aluminum rim. In a nice touch and a nod to the original Commando era, Norton is using polished aluminum units. In addition, each wheel will be shod with Dunlop’s Sportmax GPR 300 tires. The front tire will use a 120/70 – 17 unit, while the rear will have a 180/55-17 sized tire.

Instrumentation

In another nod to the bike’s heritage, the new Commandos have an analog speedometer and tachometer. Still, there’s a small LCD display at the bottom of the speedometer for other functions. Also keeping with the bike’s heyday, the new Commandos feature a single steel round headlight.

The analog speedometer and tachometer harken back to the original Commandos. Photo: Norton

Color options

The Commando Sport and Commando Cafe Racer are available in “Matrix Black” or “Manx Platinum” colorways.

Pricing and availability (UPDATED)

(Updated 10/20/2022) According to Visor Down, the new Norton Commando 961s will be priced at £16,499 (about $18,525) for the SP version and £16,999 (about $19,085) for the CR version.  They go on to say that deliveries “are expected from January (2023) onwards.”  Currently, its website asks you to register your interest, and “…one of our team members will contact you shortly.”