Ducati 900 SD Darmah
83/100 Overall
70 On the road95 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Ducati 900 SD Darmah vs Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead
Ducati 900 SD Darmah scores 83/100 overall against Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead on 74/100. On the road: 70–58. As classics: 95–90. Overall result: Ducati 900 SD Darmah.
Photo: Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd · Owned by Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead
74/100 Overall
58 On the road90 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Ducati Darmah | Harley-Davidson FLH | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 8 | 5 | Ducati Darmah |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 4 | Ducati Darmah |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 7 | 4 | Ducati Darmah |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 5 | Ducati Darmah |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 6 | 8 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 9 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 9 | Ducati Darmah |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 8 | Ducati Darmah |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Ducati Darmah if…
you want charismatic bevel-drive Ducati performance with more comfort and practicality than the 900 Super Sport.
Choose the Harley-Davidson FLH if…
you want relaxed long-distance presence, unmistakable American V-twin character and traditional Harley styling.
Background
History
Ducati Darmah
The Ducati 900 SD Darmah was produced from 1977–1982 and used a 864cc air-cooled bevel-drive V-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.
Harley-Davidson FLH
The Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead was produced from 1966–1984 and used a Air-cooled 45-degree Shovelhead V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, 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?
Ducati Darmah
- Its production span in this library runs from 1977 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 864cc air-cooled bevel-drive V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, character, historic importance.
Harley-Davidson FLH
- Its production span in this library runs from 1966 to 1984.
- The recorded engine description is: Air-cooled 45-degree Shovelhead V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Ducati Darmah
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Ducati 900 SD Darmah. 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 FLH
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead. Its library score for character 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 Darmah
- 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.
Harley-Davidson FLH
- 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 Darmah
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson FLH
Final result
The verdict
Ducati 900 SD Darmah wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Ducati 900 SD Darmah wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Ducati 900 SD Darmah takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.