Bike of the Day: 2014 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer

Few modern motorcycles capture the spirit of classic British performance quite like the 2014 Norton Commando 961 Café Racer.  Finished in a timeless silver livery accented by black and red pinstriping, the bike delivers understated visual drama.

Carbon-fiber components, including the front fender and flyscreen, introduce a contemporary edge while reducing unsprung weight. The solo seat reinforces its purist café racer ethos, prioritising rider engagement over passenger comfort.

Underneath, the chassis is built for both composure and feedback. Wire-spoke wheels with 17-inch alloy rims are wrapped in Michelin Road 6 tires, offering modern grip levels that complement the bike’s vintage-inspired geometry.

Braking performance is notably robust, with triple Brembo calipers clamping cross-drilled rotors—an unusually high-spec setup that ensures confident stopping power. Suspension duties are handled by premium Öhlins hardware, including a 43mm front fork and twin rear shocks with piggyback reservoirs, both fully adjustable for precise tuning.

At the heart of the machine lies a 961cc air-cooled OHV parallel-twin engine, delivering 80 horsepower and 66 lb-ft of torque. While these figures may appear modest by contemporary superbike standards, the delivery is character-rich, with strong midrange torque and a mechanical authenticity that defines the riding experience. 

Power is transmitted through a five-speed gearbox and chain drive, paired with a hydraulically actuated clutch for smooth engagement. The low-rise handlebars and classic twin-dial instrumentation further immerse the rider in a focused, back-to-basics cockpit.

2014 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer – Image Gallery

Source: Bring a Trailer