Orlando Bloom Rides Norton Commando 961

British actor Orlando Bloom is a well-known avid motorcyclist, so there’s no surprise he was caught riding again, this time cruising around Santa Monica. The Hollywood star rode his Norton Commando 961 to a bike shop, x17online.com reports, but managed to stay hidden behind his helmet the whole time.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star and his Victoria Secret's wife Miranda Kerr are expecting their first child - said to be a boy - sometime next month.

The actor always seems to be fully geared and aware of the dangers of this hobby - he has already felt the taste of a motorbike crash in which he has broken his left leg - but it seems the husband and soon to be a father not yet prepared to give it up.

Orlando Bloom is best known for his roles in 2001 as the elf-prince Legolas in "The Lord of the Ring" and blacksmith Will Turner in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy of films. He also starred in Hollywood films like "Troy", "Elizabethtown and Kingdom of Heaven".

Following up on the success of the Commando 961SE, which sold out on pre-orders before the limited run of 200 units began production, Norton introduced two variations, the standard version Commander 961 Sport and the Commander 961 Cafe Racer.

Both models use the same engine and chassis as the 961SE. The air-cooled 961cc parallel twin engine with push-rod valve actuation has a claimed power output of 78.9hp at 6,500 rpm and 66.4 ft-lb. of torque at 5,200 rpm. Suspension is provided by adjustable Ohlins shocks while Brembo brakes provide stopping power.