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Ducati 750 Super Sport
84/100 Overall
68 On the road100 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Ducati 750 Super Sport vs Harley-Davidson XR-750
Ducati 750 Super Sport scores 84/100 overall against Harley-Davidson XR-750 on 79/100. On the road: 68–57. As classics: 100–100. Overall result: Ducati 750 Super Sport.
Photo: Mike Schinkel · CC BY 2.0
Harley-Davidson XR-750
79/100 Overall
57 On the road100 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Ducati 750SS | Harley-Davidson XR-750 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 8 | 3 | Ducati 750SS |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 7 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 4 | 3 | Ducati 750SS |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 4 | 2 | Ducati 750SS |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Ducati 750SS if…
you want one of Ducati's most important and valuable motorcycles, with beautiful engineering and direct racing ancestry.
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.
Background
History
Ducati 750SS
The Ducati 750 Super Sport was produced from 1974 and used a 748cc air-cooled desmodromic L-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.
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.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Ducati 750SS
- This model is listed here for 1974.
- The recorded engine description is: 748cc air-cooled desmodromic L-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, handling.
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.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Ducati 750SS
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Ducati 750 Super Sport. 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.
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.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Ducati 750SS
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- 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.
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.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Ducati 750SS
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson XR-750
Final result
The verdict
Ducati 750 Super Sport wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Ducati 750 Super Sport takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.