Photo: Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Norton Commando 850
82/100 Overall
68 On the road95 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Norton Commando 850 vs Triumph Trident T150
Norton Commando 850 scores 82/100 overall against Triumph Trident T150 on 81/100. On the road: 68–67. As classics: 95–95. Overall result: Norton Commando 850.
Photo: Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Triumph Trident T150
81/100 Overall
67 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Norton Commando | Triumph Trident | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 8 | Triumph Trident |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 7 | Norton Commando |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 6 | Triumph Trident |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 7 | Norton Commando |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 6 | Norton Commando |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 9 | Norton Commando |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 10 | Triumph Trident |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Norton Commando if…
you want a fast, handsome British twin with excellent road manners and the distinctive Isolastic riding experience.
Choose the Triumph Trident if…
you want distinctive three-cylinder performance and one of the last great sporting designs of the British motorcycle industry.
Background
History
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.
Triumph Trident
The Triumph Trident T150 was produced from 1968–1975 and used a 740cc air-cooled OHV inline triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
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.
Triumph Trident
- Its production span in this library runs from 1968 to 1975.
- The recorded engine description is: 740cc air-cooled OHV inline triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, character, styling.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
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.
Triumph Trident
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Triumph Trident T150. Its library score for historic importance 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
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.
Triumph Trident
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- 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 Norton Commando
Rivals to the Triumph Trident
Final result
The verdict
Norton Commando 850 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Norton Commando 850 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.