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Norton Commando 961 Vs Triumph Thruxton Rs: Clash Of British Titans

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...

What To Know

  • The Norton Commando 961 is more agile and flickable than the Triumph Thruxton RS, while the Thruxton RS is more stable at high speeds.
  • The Norton Commando 961 and the Triumph Thruxton RS are both comfortable motorcycles, but the Commando 961 has a more upright riding position, while the Thruxton RS has a more aggressive, forward-leaning riding position.
  • The Norton Commando 961 and the Triumph Thruxton RS are both beautiful motorcycles, but the Commando 961 has a classic British style, while the Thruxton RS has a more modern, café racer style.

The Norton Commando 961 and the Triumph Thruxton RS are two of the most iconic motorcycles on the market. Both bikes are modern interpretations of classic British motorcycles, and they offer a unique blend of style, performance, and handling. But which bike is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Norton Commando 961 and the Triumph Thruxton RS head-to-head to help you make a decision.

Engine and Performance

The Norton Commando 961 is powered by a 961cc parallel-twin engine that produces 80 horsepower and 60 lb-ft of torque. The Triumph Thruxton RS is powered by a 1200cc parallel-twin engine that produces 97 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Triumph Thruxton RS has the advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the Norton Commando 961 is lighter than the Thruxton RS, so it has a better power-to-weight ratio. This means that the Commando 961 is actually faster than the Thruxton RS in a straight line.

Handling and Suspension

The Norton Commando 961 and the Triumph Thruxton RS both handle well, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Commando 961 is more agile and flickable than the Thruxton RS, thanks to its lighter weight and shorter wheelbase. The Thruxton RS, on the other hand, is more stable at high speeds, thanks to its longer wheelbase and stiffer suspension.

Brakes

The Norton Commando 961 and the Triumph Thruxton RS both have excellent brakes. The Commando 961 has Brembo brakes, while the Thruxton RS has Nissin brakes. Both bikes offer good stopping power and feel.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Norton Commando 961 and the Triumph Thruxton RS are both comfortable motorcycles, but they have different riding positions. The Commando 961 has a more upright riding position, while the Thruxton RS has a more aggressive, forward-leaning riding position.

Style

The Norton Commando 961 and the Triumph Thruxton RS are both beautiful motorcycles. The Commando 961 has a classic British style, while the Thruxton RS has a more modern, café racer style.

Price

The Norton Commando 961 starts at $14,995, while the Triumph Thruxton RS starts at $13,400.

The Bottom Line

So, which bike is right for you? If you’re looking for a classic British motorcycle with a unique blend of style, performance, and handling, then the Norton Commando 961 is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more modern, café racer-style motorcycle with more power and torque, then the Triumph Thruxton RS is a great choice.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which bike is faster?
A: The Norton Commando 961 is faster than the Triumph Thruxton RS in a straight line.

Q: Which bike handles better?
A: The Norton Commando 961 is more agile and flickable than the Triumph Thruxton RS, while the Thruxton RS is more stable at high speeds.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable?
A: The Norton Commando 961 and the Triumph Thruxton RS are both comfortable motorcycles, but the Commando 961 has a more upright riding position, while the Thruxton RS has a more aggressive, forward-leaning riding position.

Q: Which bike is more stylish?
A: The Norton Commando 961 and the Triumph Thruxton RS are both beautiful motorcycles, but the Commando 961 has a classic British style, while the Thruxton RS has a more modern, café racer style.

Q: Which bike is more expensive?
A: The Norton Commando 961 starts at $14,995, while the Triumph Thruxton RS starts at $13,400.

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Matthew

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
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