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 XT600Z Ténéré
Norton Commando 850 scores 82/100 overall against Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré on 85/100. On the road: 68–77. As classics: 95–93. Overall result: Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré.
Photo: Addvisor · CC BY-SA 4.0
Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré
85/100 Overall
77 On the road93 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Norton Commando | Yamaha Ténéré | 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 | 6 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 9 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 9 | Norton Commando |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 10 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| 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 Ténéré if…
you want authentic desert-rally style, long-range simplicity and the rugged pulse of a big Yamaha single.
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 Ténéré
The Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré was produced from 1983–1990 and used a 595cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, character and collector appeal. It is included as an important reference point for comparisons with its closest period rivals.
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 Ténéré
- Its production span in this library runs from 1983 to 1990.
- The recorded engine description is: 595cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, character and collector appeal.
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 Ténéré
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré. 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 Ténéré
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check starting technique, top-end noise, decompressor operation, vibration-related fasteners and oil circulation.
- 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 Ténéré
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Norton Commando 850 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.