Commando 961 SS

2009 Norton Commando 961 SS Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Norton for the naked motorcycle segment, the 2009 Norton Commando 961 SS features a 961 cc (58.6 cu in) air-cooled twin, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 80 HP (58.4 kW) at 6,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 88.1 Nm (65 lb-ft) at 5,200 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 83.2 HP per liter and a 1,300 rpm working window between peak torque (5,200 rpm) and peak power (6,500 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the Commando 961 SS measures 188.2 kg (415 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.43 HP/kg (2.35 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 813 mm (32 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,435 mm (56.5 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 17.03-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.

Within MotoLibrary's Norton archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 2008 to 2009, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.