MEET THE OWNER: Steve & His Norton Commando 961

At Judd Racing, we love hearing from our customers, especially when they’re still loving their bikes months down the line! Back in August 2024, Steve took delivery of his stunning Norton Commando 961 in Silver Manx, and seven months later, he’s still just as excited about it.

We recently caught up with Steve to ask him 10 questions about his experience with the bike so far. From first impressions to how it handles on the road, he shares his honest thoughts on what it’s like to own this modern classic.

Want to know what he thinks? Check out the Q&A below! ????

1. Introduction: What’s your name and where are you from?

Steve Lipscombe, Notts.

2. Why a Norton Commando 961? What drew you to this specific bike?

The first time I came across one was at a bike event in May 2024. I heard it come in and looked up to see what it was. Went and spoke to the rider. I decided there and then that I had to get a ride on one sometime. It was the look and sound of it at first. The appreciation of the build quality came later. Opportunity came during the summer offer in July 2024, as I was looking for my next bike anyway. I looked at some reviews, then arranged a test ride at Judd Racing, my nearest dealer. The test ride basically sold me the bike. It’s the entire sensory experience for me, the look, sound, feel, even the smell of it. It’s like riding a brand new 90’s bike with the Ohlins and Brembo goodies.

3. Your Riding Story: How long have you been riding, and what got you into motorcycles?           

I’ve been riding since 1974, starting out on a 50cc Gilera sports moped. I wasn’t interested in bikes at all as a youth, then a friend came to college on one. As we were waiting for the lecturer to arrive, the other lads were all asking him for a little go on his 50cc Gilera around the building .I watched them for a while, then I asked him, too. As soon as I let in the clutch to set off, I knew I had to have one. I bought a 50cc Gilera sports moped of my own. I’ve hardly been without a bike since, usually several all at once, including trikes and a sidecar outfit.

4. First Impressions: What was your first ride like on the Norton Commando 961?           

My first Norton ride didn’t begin too well. Tootling away in town, it felt cramped and crude after the Triumph Thunderbird and the Gold Wing I was riding at the time. But, as soon as I got out of town, it all made sense. It was sensory overload and I loved it, didn’t want to take it back! Back in the shop, I was unsure if I could live with one, though. Then I thought, “What a perfect antidote to the technical excesses of the Gold Wing” and decided to go for it. Absolutely no regrets!

5. Customisation & Mods: Have you made any modifications or customisations to your bike?    

The first “mods” were really just adjustments of controls for me. Then, I added some sticky-back carbon-look plastic to the back of the number plate, to better match the carbon chain guard and front mudguard. Then, to improve the look of the ignition key, which looks like a railway station locker key, I added a Norton- branded key head, which I bought from a friend in the owners group on Facebook (see photo). He had spent weeks perfecting them on his 3D printer, then offered me a pair in exchange for a review. They are top quality and a good, cost effective little farkle. At the moment, I’m in the process of installing LED indicators, as I just didn’t like the look of the originals, they look cheap. I’m just witing for the resistors to arrive.

6. Favourite Ride/Trip: Where’s the best place you’ve taken your Norton so far?               

Favourite ride is easy. I haven’t done too many miles on it yet, for various non-bike related reasons. Last September, I chose a back-roads route from mine to a friend’s house in Lichfield. Then, a group of us rode to the Norton Day at the National Motorcycle Museum. It was a brilliant ride there, and then great to park up with about another twenty 961 owners and discuss our likes/dislikes/mods/rides, etc. This was where I met the guy who makes the key heads, among some other folks. The museum itself was also amazing, some old British marques there that I hadn’t even heard of before, plus several talks in the conference hall about Norton’s history and its future. A thoroughly great day out!

7. Bucket List Ride: If you could take your bike anywhere in the world, where would it be?         

If I could take my bike anywhere, it would be to 1983, to show the original Norton factory what they should be doing! Geographically, I imagine one day I’ll get it up to Scotland to enjoy the amazing roads up there. Anywhere north of Edinburgh and Glasgow is fantastic. It would be nice to take it to the Isle of Man and ride across the Mountain on the Norton.

8. Advice for Other Riders: What’s one tip you’d give to someone considering a Norton Commando 961?

My advice to anyone considering a Norton 961 would be to get a test ride, the longer the better, and ride it on a variety of roads. As much as I love mine, and others love theirs too, I know for sure that they wouldn’t suit everyone. So, take the time to experience one before parting with your hard-earned.

9. Why Judd Racing? What made you choose Judd Racing for your purchase?    

I bought mine from Judd Racing because they are my local dealer. Only 30-40 minutes away from me, so it’s easy when the bike needs servicing or warranty work (not that it has needed any warranty work). Since buying mine, I’ve discovered that they are a friendly and helpful bunch and also let me out on a KTM courtesy bike when I took my Norton there for its first service.

10. Favourite Photo: Can you share your favourite picture of you with your bike?