961 defentley, I've just taken delivery of my Triumph T120 and with my Continental GT650 I'm having so so so much fun, days of looking like a power ranger are over 😂
What a small world ! Watching this video, as interested in the Nortons, when a comment of when a Norton was first seen, being kicked out of woodwork & reporting to the metal work teacher, I thought, that use to happen to me, then, it turns out it was the same school !!!
@@CodgerBiker No, the woodwork teacher was Grant Allen, can't remember the metal work teachers name, but he did judo classes after school time, that I used to go to. I think after I left in 1980, the wood work teacher became headmaster ? It was so strange listening to you & me relating, then you mentioned the same school. Are you older or younger than me ?
Different school. I was at Spendluffe for a year, then Grammar, then Tennyson. I got moved around!!! Left in 79. My mate lived by the bus turnaround and we kept the mopeds at his place. Spendluffe was the best of the 3. 👍
16.5K Is outrageous - oil and air cooling similar design to the Royal Enfield 650 - I know i would keep looking - in fact I did and now own a 2020 RE Interceptor with 2000 miles and many extras for $4000 US - I’ve been on bikes 60 years so many I’ve lost count and with everything that’s available nowadays the price of the Norton is crazy Good honest review Thanks
It ain't cheap. They are handmade in UK. Labour costs here are many times higher per bike I suspect. But, as you say, plenty of choice. Thanks for watching. 👍
@@CodgerBiker yup as you say hand made - for that price it would have to go in a case or on my wall as a piece of art LOL originally from Barry Island S Wales and grew up with Brit bikes all around in fact 2 Norton featherbeds were my cousins bikes Mine were trumpets and BSA Thanks for the response J
I could live with the vibes, it’s the reliability that puts me off the most. There’s too many issues cropping up on these bikes, just look at the forums yourself. Oil leaks from the cylinder head at 60 miles, latest example I’ve seen from 3 weeks ago. Yes there is warranty but there’s all the hassle and inconvenience that goes with it. Anyway, I hope you have a good ownership experience.
I am a Codger biker too, just retired in Mallorca, where I have lived and worked for 25 years, treated myself to a new Trident 660, best bike I have owned in 50 years riding, todays temp 18c😅
We are, all of us, on the spectrum of the codger 😂 Mallorca sounds like a great idea. I loved all those roads on the island. When I visited the castle I was asked if I wanted to go riding with a female cop, she was into Hondas. Unfortunately I’d flown in that morning, no bike. But I reckon it’s the perfect setting for you and your Trident - ride safe, ride well. 👍👍 (V Jealous😉)
I had the same choice, wanted a bike that's fun to ride, different, well built, no time for longer trips at the moment, cost wasn't an issue. Considered everything from a Guzzi V1000 to a Z900RS. Ended up with a 961SP from the dealer you went to. The fact it doesn't have a quick shifter, TFT dash, rider modes etc was a plus for me. They are being built for a short time until the new range arrives, which are being launched this Nov. I think of it as a hand built bike, with top end suspension and brakes. Your right about the pegs though, once mine is out of warranty I'll fix that.
I think I may have admired it at J&S! If so that was the reason for my test ride. I’m still mulling things over. I could forgive most things, not sure about that steering lock. Beautiful bike. I’ve always wanted one but cannot be bothered with old bike brakes/leaks etc. of the 70s bikes. I do think it’ll be the end of the line also. Future bikes likely watercooled Euro 6 jobs. Maybe losing the character. Say hello if you are at J& S anytime. I’ll definitely spot the bike 👍👍
@@CodgerBiker Will do, its got to go back for its 500 mile service soon. Oakmere a cool place, I liked the white E type.. The steering look is due to the thicker USD forks I reckon. You get used to it. My old Ducatis are worse. I was surprised how many the AD had already sold, Mine was number 34, that was in late May. Given that Norton lose 5K on each 961 sold, they are cheap for what you get.. I go through why I bought mine on my channel. Also servicing is cheap, as they have pushrods with hydraulic lifters, so never need to set valve clearances.
@@CodgerBiker I would add the real cost of something is the difference between what you buy it for and what you you sell it for. I suspect these TVS 961's will keep there value in the future. Even the SG era bikes, with all there known issues still retain their value very well.
Fantastic to see a proper review (not the usual nit picking nonsense by some yoof) of a bike I want ridden on roads I know like the back of my hand. I'm sure you disturbed the many relatives of mine underground at Daresbury Church, but they didn't complain. I can feel a another visit to Simon at Oakmere coning on .....
I've watched the vlogs on the other 2 bikes. What I do know is that it's obvious which one of the 3 made you laugh out loud the most. Only you know codger what type of riding you are going to do in the future and I'm sure you will make the right choice..ps what is it with mad chisel throwing woodwork teachers, I had one as well..and coincidently a wonderful metalwork teacher who also taught me a lot of life lessons.
Problem is I love all those bikes. I need to assess future rides. For now my NT1100 is also excellent , especiall in rain. Woodwork teachers! Agree. I wonder if they were old soldiers with PTSD or something. Certainly weren't suitable to be with kids trying their best. It'd be compensation all round these days! 😂 (When I was a lad... etc.)
Well since you asked; I would never buy an "off road" bike because I don't ride off road. Apart from that they are all pig ugly, the Desert X being possibly the exception. Some might be great to ride but I couldn't put up with the looks walking through my garage. A bit like choosing a girlfriend, you wouldn't choose a minger if you had the chance of an attractive one 🙂. So for me it would have to be the Norton. It is also very nicely made, well the ones build here by TVS in Birmingham.
Cheers for that. Being married I can't have a girlfriend 😉 I like the look of offroad bikes, having grown up and learned to ride on a farm. However I have just ordered my next bike. So I'll see how it goes soon... 👍
As you already know mate, not really my cuppa. But, I do love the soundtrack from that engine! Lovely. You could just buy a Triumph Scrambler you know 😉😂
The Miserden flyer raved about the Norton he borrowed off Henry Cole , a Donnington made one ! Then was scathing about much improved TVS built bike. Love mine, bought from Krazy Horse. Do think there could have been issues with the press bike.
I think TMF has not ridden old school bikes much. Probably star struck with the Cole bike. I notice Henry Cole has never bothered with the Garner bike since either.
'' Missenden Flyer, you don't know what you're talkin about'' .... Ha Ha . Love It ! and absolutely right !
Ha ha! I guess he just didn’t get it. I loved it 😻
961 defentley, I've just taken delivery of my Triumph T120 and with my Continental GT650 I'm having so so so much fun, days of looking like a power ranger are over 😂
Certainly very tempting. More fun for shorter distances. Makes a run out an event. 👍
What a small world !
Watching this video, as interested in the Nortons, when a comment of when a Norton was first seen, being kicked out of woodwork & reporting to the metal work teacher, I thought, that use to happen to me, then, it turns out it was the same school !!!
Mr McD' by any chance? 😉
@@CodgerBiker No, the woodwork teacher was Grant Allen, can't remember the metal work teachers name, but he did judo classes after school time, that I used to go to.
I think after I left in 1980, the wood work teacher became headmaster ?
It was so strange listening to you & me relating, then you mentioned the same school.
Are you older or younger than me ?
Different school. I was at Spendluffe for a year, then Grammar, then Tennyson. I got moved around!!! Left in 79. My mate lived by the bus turnaround and we kept the mopeds at his place. Spendluffe was the best of the 3. 👍
Rode it, loved it. And purchased a triumph thruxton 1200r 👌🏻
Me too. Rode it. Loved it. Purchased an Interceptor 650 👍
16.5K Is outrageous - oil and air cooling similar design to the Royal Enfield 650 - I know i would keep looking - in fact I did and now own a 2020 RE Interceptor with 2000 miles and many extras for $4000 US - I’ve been on bikes 60 years so many I’ve lost count and with everything that’s available nowadays the price of the Norton is crazy
Good honest review
Thanks
It ain't cheap. They are handmade in UK. Labour costs here are many times higher per bike I suspect. But, as you say, plenty of choice. Thanks for watching. 👍
@@CodgerBiker yup as you say hand made - for that price it would have to go in a case or on my wall as a piece of art LOL
originally from Barry Island S Wales and grew up with Brit bikes all around in fact 2 Norton featherbeds were my cousins bikes Mine were trumpets and BSA
Thanks for the response J
@johnfountain8588
Out in the rain on mine this morning. Not a paper hat for me.
Have saved up for it.
Only earn 25k.
I could live with the vibes, it’s the reliability that puts me off the most. There’s too many issues cropping up on these bikes, just look at the forums yourself. Oil leaks from the cylinder head at 60 miles, latest example I’ve seen from 3 weeks ago. Yes there is warranty but there’s all the hassle and inconvenience that goes with it. Anyway, I hope you have a good ownership experience.
I agree. You need absolute confidence in dealership support before committing. 👍
I am a Codger biker too, just retired in Mallorca, where I have lived and worked for 25 years, treated myself to a new Trident 660, best bike I have owned in 50 years riding, todays temp 18c😅
We are, all of us, on the spectrum of the codger 😂 Mallorca sounds like a great idea. I loved all those roads on the island. When I visited the castle I was asked if I wanted to go riding with a female cop, she was into Hondas. Unfortunately I’d flown in that morning, no bike. But I reckon it’s the perfect setting for you and your Trident - ride safe, ride well. 👍👍 (V Jealous😉)
@CodgerBiker Thankyou, fantastic here as I can ride all year round, the roads and scenery are wonderful. Just subsribed...
I can't compete with that. 😉😂👍👍
I don't think it matter how it handles... if you want one... you want one!
I agree. Just the price and my wife are against it. 😉
@@CodgerBiker she’ll get over it
😂 You tell her!
@@CodgerBiker err… NO!
😂
I had the same choice, wanted a bike that's fun to ride, different, well built, no time for longer trips at the moment, cost wasn't an issue. Considered everything from a Guzzi V1000 to a Z900RS. Ended up with a 961SP from the dealer you went to. The fact it doesn't have a quick shifter, TFT dash, rider modes etc was a plus for me. They are being built for a short time until the new range arrives, which are being launched this Nov. I think of it as a hand built bike, with top end suspension and brakes. Your right about the pegs though, once mine is out of warranty I'll fix that.
I think I may have admired it at J&S! If so that was the reason for my test ride. I’m still mulling things over. I could forgive most things, not sure about that steering lock. Beautiful bike. I’ve always wanted one but cannot be bothered with old bike brakes/leaks etc. of the 70s bikes. I do think it’ll be the end of the line also. Future bikes likely watercooled Euro 6 jobs. Maybe losing the character. Say hello if you are at J& S anytime. I’ll definitely spot the bike 👍👍
@@CodgerBiker Will do, its got to go back for its 500 mile service soon. Oakmere a cool place, I liked the white E type.. The steering look is due to the thicker USD forks I reckon. You get used to it. My old Ducatis are worse. I was surprised how many the AD had already sold, Mine was number 34, that was in late May. Given that Norton lose 5K on each 961 sold, they are cheap for what you get.. I go through why I bought mine on my channel. Also servicing is cheap, as they have pushrods with hydraulic lifters, so never need to set valve clearances.
Yes I was at the recent bike night at J&S, surprised how busy it was. Guess you must live near me, I'm in Warrington.
@@CodgerBiker I would add the real cost of something is the difference between what you buy it for and what you you sell it for. I suspect these TVS 961's will keep there value in the future. Even the SG era bikes, with all there known issues still retain their value very well.
Will check out/sub 👍
Fantastic to see a proper review (not the usual nit picking nonsense by some yoof) of a bike I want ridden on roads I know like the back of my hand. I'm sure you disturbed the many relatives of mine underground at Daresbury Church, but they didn't complain. I can feel a another visit to Simon at Oakmere coning on .....
Glad you enjoyed it. It was my priviledge to ride it. 👍👍
Norton for me. I would always be glancing back at it or going into the garage just to look at it. The other two have no soul…
Problem is I'd have to keep it forever!😉
I've watched the vlogs on the other 2 bikes. What I do know is that it's obvious which one of the 3 made you laugh out loud the most. Only you know codger what type of riding you are going to do in the future and I'm sure you will make the right choice..ps what is it with mad chisel throwing woodwork teachers, I had one as well..and coincidently a wonderful metalwork teacher who also taught me a lot of life lessons.
Problem is I love all those bikes. I need to assess future rides. For now my NT1100 is also excellent , especiall in rain.
Woodwork teachers! Agree. I wonder if they were old soldiers with PTSD or something. Certainly weren't suitable to be with kids trying their best. It'd be compensation all round these days! 😂 (When I was a lad... etc.)
Have you sold the KTM 690 as well? 😮 is the NT1100 going? its all change..
Nt staying... for now. Life is all about change! 😉👍
@@CodgerBikerthe KTM has gone though?
Sadly, due to my medical conditions just now, yes. I cannot offroad. 😢
@@CodgerBiker ohhh sorry to hear that. I hope it’s not serious
Well since you asked; I would never buy an "off road" bike because I don't ride off road. Apart from that they are all pig ugly, the Desert X being possibly the exception. Some might be great to ride but I couldn't put up with the looks walking through my garage. A bit like choosing a girlfriend, you wouldn't choose a minger if you had the chance of an attractive one 🙂. So for me it would have to be the Norton. It is also very nicely made, well the ones build here by TVS in Birmingham.
Cheers for that. Being married I can't have a girlfriend 😉 I like the look of offroad bikes, having grown up and learned to ride on a farm. However I have just ordered my next bike. So I'll see how it goes soon... 👍
As you already know mate, not really my cuppa. But, I do love the soundtrack from that engine! Lovely.
You could just buy a Triumph Scrambler you know 😉😂
I think, of that type/style of bike, it'd only be a Norton for me. Genuinely reminded me of your 401 in terms of ergos. Lots of fun. 👍👍
Have had many Triumphs.
Now have the a Norton , feels a lot more special. Never normally keep bikes for too long. Will not sell this .
The Miserden flyer raved about the Norton he borrowed off Henry Cole , a Donnington made one !
Then was scathing about much improved TVS built bike.
Love mine, bought from Krazy Horse.
Do think there could have been issues with the press bike.
I agree. If I had one, I’d keep it 👍
I think TMF has not ridden old school bikes much. Probably star struck with the Cole bike. I notice Henry Cole has never bothered with the Garner bike since either.