2019 Norton Commando 961 Street 'Henry Cole' Limited Edition
Registration no. FJ19 ZDS
Frame no. SAYCMA011KY000046
Engine no. 501-1989
•One of only 50 made
•One owner
•Only 2,465 miles from new

Norton's enduring fascination stems from a reputation forged on the world's racetracks during the first six decades of the 20th Century, when the silver-and-black bikes from the Bracebridge Street factory swept all before them. The company was revitalised in 2008 by Stuart Garner with the firm being bought by TVS in 2020. Development and production of a new Commando model had been begun by Kenny Dreer of Oregon in the late 1990s and this all-new design was further developed at Norton's factory at the Donington Park race circuit. Recognisably related to the last Commando of the 1970s, the new café racer-style Norton roadster boasts an over-square (88x79mm) air-cooled overhead-valve twin-cylinder engine incorporating a 270° crankshaft and counter-balancer. A maximum output of 82bhp (at the rear wheel) is claimed, giving a top speed of over 130mph. Deliveries of the new Norton Commando 961 SE commenced in 2010, and the model continues to be manufactured under the auspices of Norton's new Indian owners, the TVS Motor Company.

As its name suggests, the Street 'Henry Cole' limited edition model offered here reflects the vision of the eponymous TV presenter and his bike-building associate, Guy Willison. The pair came up with a custom version of the 961 - the 'Street' - which Norton then adopted as an official numbered limited-edition model. Based on the Commando 961 Sport MkII, the Street features a new tank, seat, tail unit and Renthal handlebars, plus a host of desirable high-end 'goodies' from the options catalogue, all of which contributes to the 'factory street-fighter' look. The story of its creation was featured in the seventh series of ITV 4's The Motorbike Show.

One of only 50 made, this particular 'Henry Cole' was purchased new by the vendor and has covered only 2,465 miles. The frame number ends in '46' as a nod to Moto GP legend Valentino Rossi, the vendor being a huge fan of. Kept dry stored, this 'Henry Cole' represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of these exclusive, hand-built future classics. The machine is offered with its handbook, service booklet, MoT to 2nd May 2023, and a current V5C document. Key present.
Offered with key
Footnotes:
All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.


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