Quick summary
- The Norton Commando 961 and Triumph Thruxton R are two of the most iconic British motorcycles on the market today.
- The Norton has a slightly shorter wheelbase and a more aggressive steering geometry, which makes it a bit more nimble in corners.
- The Norton has a more classic look and feel, while the Triumph has a more modern look and feel.
The Norton Commando 961 and Triumph Thruxton R are two of the most iconic British motorcycles on the market today. Both bikes have a rich history and a loyal following, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these two bikes and compare them head-to-head in terms of performance, style, and value.
Engine
The Norton Commando 961 is powered by a 961cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 80 horsepower and 60 lb-ft of torque. The Triumph Thruxton R is powered by a 1200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 96 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Triumph Thruxton R has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the Norton Commando 961 is a lighter bike, so the power-to-weight ratio is actually very similar. In real-world riding, the two bikes feel very similar in terms of acceleration and top speed.
Handling
The Norton Commando 961 and Triumph Thruxton R are both very capable handling bikes. The Norton has a slightly shorter wheelbase and a more aggressive steering geometry, which makes it a bit more nimble in corners. The Triumph has a longer wheelbase and a more relaxed steering geometry, which makes it more stable at high speeds.
Ultimately, the handling of the two bikes is a matter of personal preference. Some riders will prefer the more nimble handling of the Norton, while others will prefer the more stable handling of the Triumph.
Brakes
The Norton Commando 961 and Triumph Thruxton R both have excellent brakes. The Norton has Brembo calipers and rotors, while the Triumph has Nissin calipers and rotors. Both bikes have good initial bite and plenty of stopping power.
Suspension
The Norton Commando 961 has a fully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear. The Triumph Thruxton R has a fully adjustable Showa suspension front and rear. Both bikes have excellent suspension that provides a comfortable ride and good handling.
Style
The Norton Commando 961 and Triumph Thruxton R are both very stylish bikes. The Norton has a more classic look, with a round headlight, a teardrop fuel tank, and a single seat. The Triumph has a more modern look, with a rectangular headlight, a sculpted fuel tank, and a two-up seat.
Ultimately, the style of the two bikes is a matter of personal preference. Some riders will prefer the classic look of the Norton, while others will prefer the more modern look of the Triumph.
Value
The Norton Commando 961 starts at $14,995, while the Triumph Thruxton R starts at $14,495. Both bikes are priced competitively, but the Triumph has a slight edge in terms of value. It comes with a longer warranty (2 years vs. 1 year) and a more comprehensive standard equipment package.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The Norton Commando 961 and Triumph Thruxton R are both excellent motorcycles. The Norton has a more classic look and feel, while the Triumph has a more modern look and feel. Ultimately, the best bike for you is the one that you prefer.
If you’re looking for a classic British motorcycle with excellent performance and handling, the Norton Commando 961 is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more modern British motorcycle with excellent performance and handling, the Triumph Thruxton R is a great choice.
What You Need to Know
1. Which bike is faster, the Norton Commando 961 or the Triumph Thruxton R?
The Triumph Thruxton R is faster than the Norton Commando 961. It has a more powerful engine and a higher top speed.
2. Which bike handles better, the Norton Commando 961 or the Triumph Thruxton R?
The Norton Commando 961 and Triumph Thruxton R both handle very well. The Norton has a slightly shorter wheelbase and a more aggressive steering geometry, which makes it a bit more nimble in corners. The Triumph has a longer wheelbase and a more relaxed steering geometry, which makes it more stable at high speeds.
3. Which bike is more comfortable, the Norton Commando 961 or the Triumph Thruxton R?
The Norton Commando 961 and Triumph Thruxton R are both comfortable bikes. The Norton has a slightly firmer suspension, but it is still comfortable for long rides. The Triumph has a slightly softer suspension, which makes it even more comfortable for long rides.
4. Which bike is more reliable, the Norton Commando 961 or the Triumph Thruxton R?
The Triumph Thruxton R is more reliable than the Norton Commando 961. It has a longer warranty and a better track record for reliability.
5. Which bike is a better value, the Norton Commando 961 or the Triumph Thruxton R?
The Triumph Thruxton R is a better value than the Norton Commando 961. It has a longer warranty, a more comprehensive standard equipment package, and a lower price.
