Performance Review: Norton Commando 961 SF - [2015]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Commando 961 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Commando 961 SF is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2015. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2016 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2015 Honda AF24 Giorno.This particular Norton Commando 961 has a 961cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

An alternative engine, Retro-Classic style motorbike includes the

The 2015 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 203 kgs (447 lbs) this makes the Norton Commando 961 SF in the same weight category as the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE, give or take 50kg.

The 2015 Norton Commando 961 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder - [2025]

In terms of power the 961cc 4 valve 2 cylinder engine produces 80 bhp (59 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 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 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple [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 1996 Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2015 Norton Commando 961 SF.

The 2015 Norton Commando 961 SF has a Power to weight ratio of 394.0 bhp per ton and 320.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2015 Commando 961 competing with the 1996 Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit [418.8 bhp\ton] and the 1998 Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit [418.8 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 320.1 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 2024 Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin Adventure Sports [344.1 lb-ft per ton] and the 2004 Kawasaki ZRX 1200 DOHC [344.1 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 9.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.6 secs, this makes the Norton Commando 961 SF similar in acceleration to the 2011 Suzuki SV 650 N (9.4 secs) and the 2009 Suzuki SV 650 N (9.4 secs). This Norton Commando 961 SF 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 2015 Norton Commando 961 SF and the 2014 Honda VFR 800 X Crossrunner

When talking about the performance of the 2015 Norton Commando 961 SF 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 2014 Honda VFR 800 X Crossrunner (0 secs) and the 2016 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2015 version of the Norton Commando 961 SF has a maximum speed of 120mph.

Top Speed of the 2015 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 2015 Norton Commando 961 SF then how about a 2013 Suzuki GSX 650 F DOHC (131 mph) and the 2012 Suzuki GSX 650 F DOHC (131 mph).

Related Links:

2015 Norton Commando 961 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison