Performance Review: Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII - [2018]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Commando 961 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2018. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2019 Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute and the 2018 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder.This particular Norton Commando 961 has a 961cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

An alternative engine, Cafe Racer style motorbike includes the

The 2018 Commando 961 shares its engine and Cafe Racer style configuration with the likes of the No rows returned. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Commando 961's Cafe Racer style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2023 Yamaha XSR 900 Cafe Racer | 2023cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, give or take 50kg.

The 2018 Norton Commando 961 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally - [2025]

In terms of power the 961cc 4 valve 2 cylinder engine produces 80 bhp (59 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 65.0 lb-ft (88.1 Nm) @ 5200 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 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 2020 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII.

The 2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII has a Power to weight ratio of 384.6 bhp per ton and 312.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2018 Commando 961 competing with the 2020 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [408.7 bhp\ton] and the 2017 Yamaha FZ-07 Twin Cylinder [408.7 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 312.5 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 2003 Suzuki GSX-R 750 K3 [337.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 2024 Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GX- GX+ [337.0 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 9.6 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.8 secs, this makes the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII similar in acceleration to the 2023 Honda CMX 1100 Rebel (9.6 secs) and the 2023 Honda CMX 1100 Rebel DCT (9.6 secs). This Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII 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 2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII and the 1983 Kawasaki KDX 250 Single Cylinder

When talking about the performance of the 2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII 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 1983 Kawasaki KDX 250 Single Cylinder (0 secs) and the 2019 Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan Voyager (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2018 version of the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII has a maximum speed of 120mph.

Top Speed of the 2018 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 2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII then how about a 2013 Suzuki GSX 650 F DOHC (131 mph) and the 2012 Yamaha MT-01 SOHC (131 mph).

Related Links:

2018 Norton Commando 961 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison