Photo: Holographic Hammer
Meet the M. Hyde version of the new Norton Commando 961, another stylish, racey and strongly individual creation of Sylvain Berneron, or the Holographic Hammer as he is better known in the bike design word. Now, even the fans of modern bikes agree that the new Norton Commando have an intriguing, almost magical allure, and this bike takes things even farther in the realm of awesomeness.
The old English manufacturer has been brought to life and the new machines are being exported around the world as we speak. The modern Norton machines retain much of the character their ancestors had, even though not all riders seem to agree with the rather conservative approach Donington Hall has for the new generation of motorcycles.
Still, thanks to guys like Berneron, even bikes with an extremely strong retro-look can show off contemporary muscle and make riders drool. This build brings in the modern racing spirit with the massive MotoGP-like Öhlins forks and the monoshock choice for the rear suspension. While the stock Commando 961 is definitely a good-looking bike, the Holographic one smokes it. The similar Öhlins piggyback unit frees the rear of the bike and the negative space under the tail makes everything look much slender.
At the same time, Holographic Hammer’s choice for the exhaust is adding even more nerve to this Commando. The retro megaphone design was kept intact, but the silencer is low-swung, as opposed to slanting upwards. Obviously a racing Arrow can had to receive custom headers, and the new ones are better integrated with the rest of the bike, amplifying the “need 4 speed” factor.
Whereas other former Norton ideas were designed for track use only, on this one Berneron loaded turn signals, a plate holder, full lighting and instruments. And the drilled side panels replacing the bulbous airbox covers are as sweet as it gets, making the round rear cowl look even more stylish. Hope we get to see this bike rolling down the street, like the Metal Slug does.
Still, thanks to guys like Berneron, even bikes with an extremely strong retro-look can show off contemporary muscle and make riders drool. This build brings in the modern racing spirit with the massive MotoGP-like Öhlins forks and the monoshock choice for the rear suspension. While the stock Commando 961 is definitely a good-looking bike, the Holographic one smokes it. The similar Öhlins piggyback unit frees the rear of the bike and the negative space under the tail makes everything look much slender.
At the same time, Holographic Hammer’s choice for the exhaust is adding even more nerve to this Commando. The retro megaphone design was kept intact, but the silencer is low-swung, as opposed to slanting upwards. Obviously a racing Arrow can had to receive custom headers, and the new ones are better integrated with the rest of the bike, amplifying the “need 4 speed” factor.
Whereas other former Norton ideas were designed for track use only, on this one Berneron loaded turn signals, a plate holder, full lighting and instruments. And the drilled side panels replacing the bulbous airbox covers are as sweet as it gets, making the round rear cowl look even more stylish. Hope we get to see this bike rolling down the street, like the Metal Slug does.
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