Naked Motorcycles

2017Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer

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The 2017 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer is a retro sport bike from the revived British brand Norton. 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 its classic cafe-racer 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 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2023 2024 2025 2026

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering80%

City riding55%

Daily riding50%

Touring40%

Two-up25%

Track55%

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?

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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 2017 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer, 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 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
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. 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, White, Red, Green

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	2013	2017	2023	2026
Capacity	961 cc	961 cc	961 cc	961 cc	961 cc
Dry weight	188 kg	188 kg	188 kg	188 kg	188 kg
Seat height	813 mm	813 mm	813 mm	810 mm	810 mm
Fuel capacity	17 L	17 L	17 L	15 L	15 L