Performance Review: Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary - [2024]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Commando 961 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2024. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+.This particular Norton Commando 961 has a 961cc Air - Oil cooled, Two stroke, Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

An alternative engine, Retro-Classic style motorbike includes the

The 2024 Commando 961 shares its engine and Retro-Classic style configuration with the likes of the No rows returned. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Commando 961's Retro-Classic style with a similar size of engine then how about the No rows returned.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 230 kgs (507 lbs) this makes the Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 or the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745, give or take 50kg.

The 2024 Norton Commando 961 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]

In terms of power the 961cc 4 valve 2 cylinder engine produces 76.8 bhp (57 kW) @ 7250 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 59.7 lb-ft (80.9 Nm) @ 6300 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Norton Commando 961 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2013 Honda CB 1100 cc has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2024 Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary.

The 2024 Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary has a Power to weight ratio of 333.9 bhp per ton and 259.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2024 Commando 961 competing with the 2013 Honda CB 1100 cc [358.2 bhp\ton] and the 2016 Honda CB 1100 Special Edition [358.2 bhp\ton].

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Norton Commando 961 generating around 259.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT [284.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 1988 Honda VT 1100 C Shadow [283.8 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 11.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 11.3 secs, this makes the Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary similar in acceleration to the 2023 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid (11.1 secs) and the 2023 Norton Commando 961 CR SP (11.1 secs). This Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2024 Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary and the 2013 Yamaha XVS 950 V-Star Tourer

When talking about the performance of the 2024 Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2013 Yamaha XVS 950 V-Star Tourer (0 secs) and the 1985 Kawasaki Gpz 400 F-II (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2024 version of the Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary has a maximum speed of 120mph.

Top Speed of the 2024 Commando 961 equals the 2013 Suzuki GSX 650 F DOHC

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2024 Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary then how about a 2013 Suzuki GSX 650 F DOHC (131 mph) and the 2012 Yamaha MT-01 SOHC (131 mph).

Related Links:

2024 Norton Commando 961 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison