Naked Motorcycles

2018Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II

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The 2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II is a British retro café racer with clip-on bars. Its air-cooled 961cc parallel twin makes 80 hp at 6,500 rpm and 90 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and chain. An 813 mm seat, 203.5 kg wet weight and 17-litre tank complete the classic look.

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

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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?

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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 2018 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 →

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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