To riders around the world, certain makes and models have a particular significance due to their place in the history of motorcycling.
For Brits, examples such as the Vincent Black Shadow, BSA Gold Star, Triumph Bonneville and Royal Enfield Bullet hold a special place in the hearts of many.
Also high up on that list would surely be the Norton Commando, a new version of which has just been released.
The serious failings of the previous incarnation of the company have been well documented.
But, in 2020, the troubled firm was bought by Indian giant TVS Motor Company for £16million with a view to completely turning things around.
To that end, it invested £100million in Norton Motorcycles, resulting in the creation of a brand-new state-of-the-art facility in Solihull, West Midlands.
This Commando 961 is the first production machine to come out of the factory and the engineers say a whopping 36% of it is completely different to the previous model.
And what a beauty it looks.
There are two models – the SP, with conventional upright bars, and the CR, with cafe racer-style “clip-ons” and a different headlight – and they are both gorgeous.
The styling is very much based on the the Commandos of old and this bike looks muscular and aggressive, while at the same time, supremely classy.
The forward-tilted engine adds to the dynamism, and the finish and quality, from the sculpted tank and leather embossed seat to the carbon mudguard is excellent.
The cockpit features two retro-style round analogue white-on-black clocks for speed and revs.
Personally, I would have liked to have seen a gear indicator and fuel gauge – but there is low-fuel warning light.
Hit the start button and the sound from the 961cc air/oil-cooled parallel twin is glorious.
Heading off, I was immediately reminded of the old British bikes I started out riding on.
The single-plate wet clutch set-up takes a little while to get used to but changes are solid, with short first and second gears and plenty of torque on hand in third and fourth on the way to the top fifth.
The engine produces 77bhp at 7,250rpm and 61lb ft at 6,300rpm, and the surge and sound when you open it up in the mid-range is a joy.
Norton have employed some of the industry’s best designers and engineers – and it shows.
The hand-crafted frame combines with 43mm USD Ohlins forks and twin Ohlins rear shocks – all adjustable – to provide smooth, no-nonsense reassuring handling.
And the full Brembo brakes, with twin 320mm discs up front, give super powerful stopping.
Blasting through the English countryside on the launch was a truly thrilling experience and this bike draws admiring looks and comments wherever you go.
One or two of the other bike journalists found the ride position on the CR a little tiring after a period of time, but I actually preferred the tuck position on the cafe racer-style set-up as I felt more “in contact” with the bike.
Unlike some modern bikes which somehow seem to do most of it for you, the Commando is a bike you have to really ride.
Taking it out becomes a true experience; one in which you are alert and fully engaged with the bike, where you grow to feel at one with it and are part of taking that great name and heritage to the next level.
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