Photo: Mike Schinkel · CC BY 2.0
Harley-Davidson XR-750
79/100 Overall
57 On the road100 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Harley-Davidson XR-750 vs Norton Commando 850
Harley-Davidson XR-750 scores 79/100 overall against Norton Commando 850 on 82/100. On the road: 57–68. As classics: 100–95. Overall result: Norton Commando 850.
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 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 | Norton Commando | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 9 | 7 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 10 | 8 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 3 | 6 | Norton Commando |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 7 | 5 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 3 | 8 | Norton Commando |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 2 | 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 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 9 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Harley-Davidson XR-750 if…
you want America's dominant dirt-track racing motorcycle, with immense competition history and raw V-twin character.
Choose the Norton Commando if…
you want a fast, handsome British twin with excellent road manners and the distinctive Isolastic riding experience.
Background
History
Harley-Davidson XR-750
The Harley-Davidson XR-750 was produced from 1970–1985 and used a approximately 750cc air-cooled racing V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, handling. 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?
Harley-Davidson XR-750
- Its production span in this library runs from 1970 to 1985.
- The recorded engine description is: approximately 750cc air-cooled racing V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, handling.
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
Harley-Davidson XR-750
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson XR-750. 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
Harley-Davidson XR-750
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- 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 Harley-Davidson XR-750
Rivals to the Norton Commando
Final result
The verdict
Norton Commando 850 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Harley-Davidson XR-750 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Norton Commando 850 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.