22 June. Monday 2026
Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer - 2012 Specifications and Reviews
The 2012 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer is a modern take on the classic British parallel-twin, delivering authentic retro styling with reliable fuel-injected performance. Its air-cooled 961cc engine produces 80 horsepower and appeals to riders seeking vintage character without sacrificing modern dependability. Best known for reviving the iconic Commando name with craftsmanship that respects heritage.
General information | |
| Category | Classic |
| Year | 2012 |
| Model | Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | Café 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. EFI |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Compression | 10.1:1 |
| 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 | |
| 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. |
| Trail | 90 mm (3.5 inches) |
| 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 | 203.5 kg (448.6 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 188.0 kg (414.5 pounds) |
| | |
Other specs | |
| Comments | Italian brand. |
| Factory warranty | 3 years |
| Reserve fuel capacity | 4.50 litres (1.19 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,470 mm (57.9 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 162 mm (6.4 inches) |
| Overall width | 865 mm (34.1 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,170 mm (85.4 inches) |
| Wheels | Excel spoke rims with aluminium channel |
| Rear tyre | 180/55-R17 |
| Front tyre | 120/70-R17 |
| Rear wheel travel | 150 mm (5.9 inches) |
| Rear Suspension | Oval steel tube swin arm. Single lateral shock absorber with fully adjustable pibby tank |
| Front wheel travel | 150 mm (5.9 inches) |
| Front Suspension | Marzocchi upside-down fork |
| Fuel control | Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Bore x Stroke | 107.0 x 66.0 mm (4.2 x 2.6 inches) |
| Torque | 102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 6700 Revolutions">RPM |
| Capacity: | 1187.00 ccm (72.43 cubic inches) |
| Model | Moto Morini 9 1-2 |
| Color options | Black/gold, Red/gold, yellow/black, silver/red/back |
| Electrical | 300 watt hi-output charging system. |
| Instruments | Norton electronic analogue speedo and tachometer |
| Starter | Electric |
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