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 SR500
Norton Commando 850 scores 82/100 overall against Yamaha SR500 on 78/100. On the road: 68–73. As classics: 95–83. Overall result: Norton Commando 850.
Yamaha SR500
78/100 Overall
73 On the road83 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Norton Commando | Yamaha SR500 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 6 | Norton Commando |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha SR500 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 8 | Yamaha SR500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha SR500 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 6 | Norton Commando |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 8 | Norton Commando |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 8 | Norton Commando |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 8 | Norton Commando |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 9 | Norton Commando |
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 SR500 if…
you want simple engineering, traditional single-cylinder character and an agile motorcycle that is easy to understand.
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 SR500
The Yamaha SR500 was produced from 1978–1989 and used a 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for ownership 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 SR500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are ownership 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 SR500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha SR500. Its library score for ownership appeal is 9/10. 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 SR500
- 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 Norton Commando
Rivals to the Yamaha SR500
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha SR500 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Norton Commando 850 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Norton Commando 850 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.