Naked Motorcycles

2016Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II

40 fields on record

The 2016 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II is a retro-styled middleweight that appeals to riders seeking classic British character with modern reliability. Known for its timeless cafe racer aesthetics, steel tube frame, and accessible 961cc parallel-twin engine, it delivers authentic vintage performance without compromising contemporary comfort and emissions compliance.

Capacity: 961.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 188.0 kg
Seat height: 813 mm
Power: 80.0 HP (58.4 kW) @ 6500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

Other years 2016 2017 2018 2019

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering80%

City riding55%

Daily riding50%

Touring40%

Two-up30%

Track55%

Best for: Built for spirited backroad riding and café racer style, blending classic British twin heritage with premium Ohlins and Brembo componentry for genuine cornering ability.
Built for: A soulful, mechanical-feeling machine that rewards deliberate, engaged riding with tactile feedback rather than outright modern refinement or electronic sophistication.
Not ideal for: Not for riders seeking long-distance touring comfort, pillion-friendly ergonomics, or off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 813mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2016 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II, with a relaxed knee angle of around 125 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 961.0 ccm
Power: 80.0 HP (58.4 kW) @ 6500 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 3 CO2 g/km
Torque: 90.0 Nm (9.2 kgf-m) @ 5200 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.4255 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 79.0 mm
Compression: 10.1:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication system: Dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-plate

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1420 mm
Seat height: 813 mm
Dry weight: 188.0 kg
Wet weight: 203.5 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Oil capacity: 3.30 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel tubular with integral oil tank
Front suspension: 43mm Ohlins USD - Adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping.
Rear suspension: Ohlins reservoir-style twin shocks - Adjustable ride height, reload, compression and rebound
Front wheel travel: 115 mm
Rear wheel travel: 110 mm
Rake (fork angle): 24.5°
Trail: 90 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. Brembo, twin semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston “Gold Line” axial callipers
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Brembo, 2 piston calliper
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-17
Rear tyre: 180/55-17