Photo: Ronald Saunders from Warrington, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0
BSA Rocket Gold Star
84/100 Overall
68 On the road100 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
BSA Rocket Gold Star vs Norton Commando 850
BSA Rocket Gold Star scores 84/100 overall against Norton Commando 850 on 82/100. On the road: 68–68. As classics: 100–95. Overall result: BSA Rocket Gold Star.
Photo: Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Norton Commando 850
82/100 Overall
68 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | BSA Rocket Gold Star | Norton Commando | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 8 | 7 | BSA Rocket Gold Star |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 9 | 8 | BSA Rocket Gold Star |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 5 | BSA Rocket Gold Star |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 6 | 8 | Norton Commando |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 7 | Norton Commando |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 9 | BSA Rocket Gold Star |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 9 | BSA Rocket Gold Star |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the BSA Rocket Gold Star if…
you want one of BSA's most desirable sporting twins, combining Gold Star cycle parts with muscular A10 performance.
Choose the Norton Commando if…
you want a fast, handsome British twin with excellent road manners and the distinctive Isolastic riding experience.
Background
History
BSA Rocket Gold Star
The BSA Rocket Gold Star was produced from 1962–1963 and used a 646cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Norton Commando
The Norton Commando 850 was produced from 1973–1977 and used a 828cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, character, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
BSA Rocket Gold Star
- Its production span in this library runs from 1962 to 1963.
- The recorded engine description is: 646cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, collector appeal.
Norton Commando
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 828cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, character, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
BSA Rocket Gold Star
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the BSA Rocket Gold Star. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Norton Commando
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Norton Commando 850. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
BSA Rocket Gold Star
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Norton Commando
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the BSA Rocket Gold Star
Rivals to the Norton Commando
Final result
The verdict
On the road the motorcycles finish level. BSA Rocket Gold Star wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. BSA Rocket Gold Star takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.