The new parallel twins, what's the attraction?

Alan Masters

Has the big parallel twin been reborn and what’s the attraction of new parallel twins such as Norton’s new 961? To understand this better I think we have to go back in time to the peak of the big twin’s popularity in the 50’s and 60’s. The advantage of the parallel twin back then was mainly performance, more power, rev faster, go faster. Also, the more compact engine design particularly with the introduction of unit engine construction (which combined the gear box with the engine crank case), allowed for improved frame designs and the exhaust ports to be pointed forward into the airflow for improved cooling (a problem with some V twins at the time). The British twins of the day such as BSA, Norton and AJS became the “cats meow” and started a new trend in motorcycle performance and demand, later to be copied by the Japanese. However; Triumph became the star, high on the demand list, with their 500cc Speed Twin and later 650cc Bonneville models. This trend carried through until the 70’s. The British parallel twin was the preferred platform of the day to be modified to café style specs by wanna be “Café” racers of the day, including yours truly! (See my Speed Twin photo in my gallery). Speaking first hand, there was nothing (with the exception perhaps of a Goldy and the Manx) like the exhaust note of a British twin at “full song”, “doing a ton” down the highway! Today’s modern machines, in particular the multi cylinder, are way to smooth to get the adrenaline pumping. This I believe is and will be the attraction of the new retro style machines like Norton’s new big twin. Triumph has already proven this point with the successful re-launch of their line up of retro machines. This proves the demand for this Café street fighter style of modernized parallel twins. These new big twin motorcycles are powerful with high torque, reliable and are a blast to ride! Today’s modern twins allow you to experience the sensation of riding the big twins of yesteryear while at the same time enjoy the handling, reliability and power that new high technology motorcycle engineering has to offer. If this is your “cup of tea” then look no further than Norton’s new 961 cc Commando!

Cheers!
Alan Masters