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 RD350LC
Norton Commando 850 scores 82/100 overall against Yamaha RD350LC on 88/100. On the road: 68–77. As classics: 95–98. Overall result: Yamaha RD350LC.
Yamaha RD350LC
88/100 Overall
77 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Norton Commando | Yamaha RD350LC | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 9 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 8 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 7 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| 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 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 10 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| 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 RD350LC if…
you want one of Britain's most loved 1980s performance bikes, with a thrilling powerband, sharp handling and enormous nostalgia.
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 RD350LC
The Yamaha RD350LC was produced from 1980–1983 and used a 347cc liquid-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, collector appeal, character. 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 RD350LC
- Its production span in this library runs from 1980 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 347cc liquid-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, collector appeal, character.
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 RD350LC
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD350LC. 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.
Yamaha RD350LC
- 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 RD350LC
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha RD350LC wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Yamaha RD350LC wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha RD350LC takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.