After being discussed, debated and drooled over since making its debut back in 2009, the reborn Norton motorcycle marque is finally coming to Australia, thanks to Fraser Motorcycles.

Frasers will be the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Norton Motorcycles, with first deliveries of the Commando 961 Café Racer, 961 SF and 961 Sport model variants expected in early 2014. (Cafe Racer is the 'Manx Silver' bike pictured. Sport is the black bike).

While it carries the ‘Commando’ name, the new Norton is a totally new machine, sharing no common componentry with its famous forebear. The common powerplant for the three variants is a 961cc parallel twin, with air cooling (air/oil on the 961 SF), with 88 x 79mm bore x stroke. Output of 80PS @ 7700RPM and torque of 80Nm @ 6000RPM is common to all variants, as is a constant mesh 5-speed transmission and Ohlins suspension front and rear.

Measurements on the 961 Café racer include a 17-litre fuel tank, 1423mm wheelbase, 813mm seat height and 205kg dry weight.

The reborn Norton factory is located at the historic Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit, Castle Donington in Derby.

Customer enquiries regarding Norton Motorcycles can be directed to Frasers via email: Norton@frasermc.com.au or call (02) 8741 3000.

http://www.justauto.com.au/justbikes/home/view-photos/c1d77f10-7241-4c3f-84ab-2c37206b9c9f?photonumber=

looks shmick! but they haven`t overcome that exhaust blueing....fug that used to piss me off with mine

Either way and regardless of what once was ,,, as with the Indian ,,, what a shmick lookin' motorcycle , I reckon , just personally ?

I have no idea about how they ride or how much they cost but I will give them this... they are one good looking bike.

Bike looks sweet.

Reading the reviews from England, don't handle and gutless.

Buy a 2014 model and get a years memberships to the Knew Norton Owners Brigade.

Here's an obvious competitor:

 

 

As I see it, the main problem for Norton is that most people who remember riding Nortons in their heyday will be too old & creaky to buy / ride a café racer other than maybe taking it for a nostalgic spin!
Most of the younger crowd who are the target market for the Norton café racer may not have a clue what a Norton is and may go for the "established" premium non-Jap brands like Ducati & Moto Guzzi.

"...don't handle and gutless...." . Bold comment on a Harley site . . .