2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II

Specifications
- Category
- Classic
- Displacement
- 961.0 ccm (58.64 cubic inches)
- Engine
- Push rod, hydraulic roller lifter
- Power
- 80.0 HP (58.4 kW) @ 6500 RPM
- Torque
- 90.0 Nm (9.2 kgf-m or 66.4 ft.lbs) @ 5200 RPM
The 2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II
2018 marks a mature production year for the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II, sitting near the top of Norton's small-batch Commando range as the sharper-edged, clip-on-bar counterpart to the Roadster. This is a hand-built, low-volume machine that trades modern electronic rider aids for a raw, mechanical connection to the road. The pushrod parallel-twin thumps out torque low in the rev range, so it rewards riders who like to work a gearbox and feel the engine rather than watch a screen. Ergonomics lean aggressive, with a forward-canted riding position that suits shorter, spirited rides over long motorway slogs.
The 2018 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year — buyers comparing it to a 2017 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences.
Buyers here tend to be experienced riders and Norton loyalists, often stepping away from mass-produced British or Italian twins in search of something built in smaller numbers and finished by hand. Given Norton's limited production runs, collector interest remains moderate, with well-documented, low-mile examples holding appeal for those treating the 2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Mk II as a future classic rather than a daily rider.