The 2018 Norton Commando 961 cafe racer launched in India, priced at Rs. 23 lakhs.
The 2018 Norton Commando 961 cafe racer has been launched in India at a price of Rs. 23 lakhs (ex-showroom, Pune). The iconic British brand enters India via the CBU route for now and plans to commence local operations by 2018-end. Currently, there is only one unit of the Commando 961 available in the country and it is finished in silver paint. However, more units will be imported if orders are placed.
The delivery time for subsequent units will be between two-three months and the motorcycle can be booked for a sum of Rs. 11.5 lakhs. The Commando 961 cafe racer takes design inspiration from the classic cafe racers which were popular in the UK. Above the classic round headlight sits a small fly screen and the deliciously styled tail section completes the look of the bike. Interestingly, the mudguard and the fly screen have been made using carbon fibre.
The cafe racer draws power from a 961cc parallel-twin motor (slightly detuned for India) that develops 71.9 HP at 7500 RPM and 67 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM. The powertrain comes paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The vehicle uses Ohlins 43 mm inverted forks up front and Ohlins twin shocks with remote reservoirs at the rear. Braking duties are handled by twin 320 mm discs with a 4-piston caliper from Brembo and a 220 mm single disc with a 2-piston caliper at the front and rear respectively. The bike rides on a 120-section tyre at the front and a 180-section tyre at the rear.
The Norton Commando 961 cafe racer does not have a direct rival in India and its closest competitor, in intent, is the Triumph Thruxton R that is priced at Rs. 11.92 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
2018 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer Price
– Norton Commando 961 cafe racer launched, priced at Rs. 23 lakhs
– The bike is imported as a CBU, hence the steep price
– Is powered by a 71.9 HP 961cc parallel-twin engine
