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 Yamaha RD250LC
Norton Commando 850 scores 82/100 overall against Yamaha RD250LC on 84/100. On the road: 68–73. As classics: 95–95. Overall result: Yamaha RD250LC.
Photo: www.mgaylard.co.uk and thanks for looking · CC BY 2.0
Yamaha RD250LC
84/100 Overall
73 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Norton Commando | Yamaha RD250LC | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha RD250LC |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD250LC |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha RD250LC |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 7 | Yamaha RD250LC |
| 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 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 10 | Yamaha RD250LC |
| 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 Yamaha RD250LC if…
you want the learner-legal member of Yamaha's legendary LC family, with sharp handling and a thrilling two-stroke powerband.
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.
Yamaha RD250LC
The Yamaha RD250LC was produced from 1980–1983 and used a 247cc liquid-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for collector appeal, 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.
Yamaha RD250LC
- Its production span in this library runs from 1980 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 247cc liquid-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are collector appeal, 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.
Yamaha RD250LC
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD250LC. Its library score for collector appeal 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.
Yamaha RD250LC
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- 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 Yamaha RD250LC
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha RD250LC wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Yamaha RD250LC takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.