The Italian guys of FMG (Fugar Metal Worker) Motorcycles truly made a special Norton Commando Cafe Racer, based on the 961 Commando that is. With the name “Metal Slug”.
This Norton Commando 961 has had the good fortune to be entrusted to the expert hands of Lorenzo Fugaroli alias Fugar Metal Worker.
A craftsman working aluminum in Italy who can give elegant forms to his bikes, while remaining the classic look.
His bikes are so well made that he has received compliments directly from Mark Wilsmore of Ace Cafe London during a Cafe Racer contest in Italy.
Nice short movie about FMW (unfortunately for many, it’s Italian Spoken…Capiche?)
The Norton 961/SS Commando is a motorcycle that was produced by Norton Motorcycles, the Oregon based company that bought the rights to the Norton brand name. Owner Kenny Dreer progressed from restoring and upgrading Norton Commandos to producing whole machines. He modernised the design and in the early 2000s went into production of the VR880. This machine was built on the basis of the original Commando, with upgraded components and a significantly modified engine. Dreer produced 50 of these machines before deciding to build an all-new motorcycle. With funding from Oliver Curme, Dreer hired a small design and development team led by Paul Gaudio (Design and Development Director), Simon-Pierre Smith (Lead Engineer), and Patrick Leyshock (Testing, Sourcing.) The 961 Commando never reached production in America due to lack of funding, and the company closed its doors in April 2006. The Commando 961 SS combined traditional Norton cafe racer styling with new technology. This included carbon fibre wheels to reduce weight, a counterbalanced engine, and a chro-moly tubular steel frame.
The specs of a Norton Commando 961
Engine: 961 cc Parallel twin with push-rod valve actuation
Power: 80 bhp (60 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 65 lb·ft (88 N·m) @ 5200 rpm
Transmission: 5 speed
Suspension Front: 43 mm Öhlins RSU – Adjustable preload Rear: Öhlins reservoir-style twin shocks
Brakes: Dual disc front, single disc rear
Wheelbase: 1,435 mm (56.5 inches)
Seat height: 813 mm (32.0 inches)
Weight: 188 kg (415 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacity: 17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)
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