Naked Motorcycles
2025Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer
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The 2025 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer is a retro-styled middleweight that appeals to riders seeking classic British character with modern reliability. Its air-cooled 961cc parallel twin delivers accessible performance through a characterful pushrod engine, while its cafe racer styling celebrates Norton's storied heritage. Best known for blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary engineering, it suits enthusiasts who value riding experience over raw power.
- Capacity
- 961.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 188.0 kg
- Seat height
- 810 mm
- Power
- 80.0 HP (58.8 kW) @ 6500 RPM
What’s new for the 2025 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer
vs the 2024| Spec | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 76.8 HP (58.4 kW) @ 6500 RPM | 80.0 HP (58.8 kW) @ 6500 RPM |
| 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 |
| Wheelbase | 1420 mm (55.9 inches) | 1400 mm (55.1 inches) |
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
- 81.0 Nm (8.3 kgf-m) @ 6300 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, electronic fuel injection
- 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
- 1400 mm
- Seat height
- 810 mm
- Dry weight
- 188.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 230.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 15.00 litres
- Oil capacity
- 3.30 litres
- Reserve fuel capacity
- 4.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Frame is hand TIG and MIG welded at Norton HQ
- 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
- 99 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
- Matrix Black, Manx Platinium
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 | 2025 | 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 | 810 mm | 810 mm | 810 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 15 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer?
The 2025 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer has a Torque of 81.0 Nm (8.3 kgf-m or 59.7 ft.lbs) @ 6300 RPM.
How much does the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer weigh?
The 2025 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer has a Dry weight of 188.0 kg (414.5 pounds).
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