Naked Motorcycles
2012Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer
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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.
- 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 (58.8 kW) @ 6500 RPM
What’s new for the 2012 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer
vs the 2011| Spec | 2011 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. Full Brembo system, twin semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston Gold Line axial callipers | Double disc. Full Brembo system, twin semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston “Gold Line” axial callipers |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Full Brembo system, 2 piston Gold Line calliper | Single disc. Full Brembo system, 2 piston “Gold Line” calliper |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for spirited weekend rides and cafe racer style cornering rather than commuting or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- A charismatic, old-school parallel twin with premium Ohlins and Brembo hardware that rewards a rider who values feel and heritage over raw numbers.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for new riders, pillion-focused riders, or anyone wanting long-haul touring comfort 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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 961.0 ccm
- Power
- 80.0 HP (58.8 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
- Crank fired
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Lubrication system
- Dry sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Wet multi-plate hydraulic lifter
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
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. Full Brembo system, twin semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston “Gold Line” axial callipers
- Front brakes diameter
- 320 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Full Brembo system, 2 piston “Gold Line” calliper
- Rear brakes diameter
- 220 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-17
Other
- Color options
- Black/gold, Red/gold, yellow/black, silver/red/back
Specs last verified against published sources: .
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2010 | 2012 | 2013 | 2017 | 2023 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 961 cc | 961 cc | 961 cc | 961 cc | 961 cc | 961 cc |
| Dry weight | 188 kg | 188 kg | 188 kg | 188 kg | 188 kg | 188 kg |
| Seat height | 813 mm | 813 mm | 813 mm | 813 mm | 810 mm | 810 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 15 L | 15 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer?
The 2012 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer has a Capacity of 961.0 ccm (58.64 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer have?
The 2012 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer has a Power of 80.0 HP (58.8 kW) @ 6500 RPM.
How many gears does the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer have?
The 2012 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer?
The 2012 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer has a Torque of 90.0 Nm (9.2 kgf-m or 66.4 ft.lbs) @ 5200 RPM.
How much does the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer weigh?
The 2012 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer has a Dry weight of 188.0 kg (414.5 pounds).
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