Norton 961 Commando News
Norton Motorcycles is one step closer to supplying its 961 Commando to North American and Canadian markets following the successful completion of durability and emission testing, the UK-based company reported this week.
The testing was conducted at a certified testing laboratory, the 961 Commando motorcycles running more than 15,000 kilometers to ensure compliance with EPA and CARB exhaust, noise and evaporative emissions. Norton reports the laboratory testing also completes a significant durability and safety trial and the new 961 Norton Commando passed and exceeded all standards by a wide margin.
Also included in the testing was the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration’s (NHSTA) safety and compliance documentation, plus the certification testing review and processing required by the U.S. EPA and the California Air Resources Board.
The next steps are paper-based compliance and subsequent approvals from various safety departments.
Stuart Garner (CEO of Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd) says: “I would like to thank the dedicated Norton team for accomplishing such a monumental feat. For the bike to come through the rigorous 15,000Km testing shows its’ great durability and build quality. It’s a credit to both our design and production teams, along with our key suppliers who have also worked alongside us on to ensure we have the very best quality components.
“The process of opening the key USA market began two years ago with the recruitment of Dan Van Epps, an industry veteran and ex CEO of Ducati North America. Dan has helped steer us through the process which has taken continual resource and investment to achieve the approvals, which of course alongside Europe give us another of the most significant markets in the world. I would also like to thank Peter Howes, Norton Canada who has worked tirelessly to make this possible.
“Both Norton America and Norton Canada have been busy building our dealer network and we now have a solid foundation to invest in and build upon.
It has taken the Norton team a little under four years to successfully rebuild this iconic British motorcycle brand. However, whilst there is much left to do, our immediate focus will be to continue to work hard to get our early UK orders delivered ahead of growing production volume for the export market.”
For a preview of the Commando 961 SE, including video, click here.
