The 1973 Norton Commando 850 from United Kingdom was powered by a 828cc OHV twin producing 56hp at 5900rpm. Weighing 195.0kg (430 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1992 BMW R100R, hailing from Germany, by contrast offered 980cc of OHV flat-twin power, delivering 60hp at 6500rpm. Tipping the scales at 190.0kg (419 lbs) with a top speed of 175km/h (109 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1970s bikes from the Japanese superbike revolution are increasingly sought after. Clean, original examples have seen significant value appreciation.
Specifications Comparison
| 1973 Norton Commando 850 | 1992 BMW R100R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 828 cc | 980 cc |
| Power | 56 hp | 60 hp |
| Torque | 62.0 Nm | 56.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 195.0 kg | 190.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 210.0 kg | 206.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1440 mm | 1467 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 22.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1973 Norton Commando 850 is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1992 BMW R100R targets versatile street riding and daily commuting. On paper, the 1992 BMW R100R's 60hp trumps the 1973 Norton Commando 850's 56hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1973 Norton Commando 850 if you value all-round versatility and everyday riding; pick the 1992 BMW R100R for versatile street riding and daily commuting.
About the 1973 Norton Commando 850
The 1973 1973 Norton Commando 850 is a 828cc twin-cylinder standard motorcycle that became one of Norton's most memorable motorcycles of the 1970s.
Full 1973 Norton Commando 850 Profile →About the 1992 BMW R100R
Introduced in 1992, the 1992 BMW R100R features a 980cc OHV flat-twin engine producing 60hp, establishing itself as a notable naked bike.
Full 1992 BMW R100R Profile →