Photo: Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ducati 900 Super Sport
85/100 Overall
70 On the road100 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Ducati 900 Super Sport vs Honda CBX1000
Ducati 900 Super Sport scores 85/100 overall against Honda CBX1000 on 89/100. On the road: 70–78. As classics: 100–100. Overall result: Honda CBX1000.
Photo: Andrés Teixidó · Public domain
Honda CBX1000
89/100 Overall
78 On the road100 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Ducati 900SS | Honda CBX | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 8 | 10 | Honda CBX |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 10 | 7 | Ducati 900SS |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 9 | 8 | Ducati 900SS |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 8 | Honda CBX |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 5 | 6 | Honda CBX |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 4 | 8 | Honda CBX |
| 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 900SS if…
you prioritise focused sporting handling, Italian design and an exceptionally involving bevel-Ducati experience.
Choose the Honda CBX if…
you want engineering spectacle, turbine-smooth performance and one of the most memorable engines ever fitted to a production motorcycle.
Background
History
Ducati 900SS
The Ducati 900 Super Sport was produced from 1975–1982 and used a 864cc air-cooled bevel-drive 90-degree 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.
Honda CBX
The Honda CBX1000 was produced from 1978–1982 and used a 1047cc air-cooled DOHC inline six. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, performance, 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 900SS
- Its production span in this library runs from 1975 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 864cc air-cooled bevel-drive 90-degree V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, handling.
Honda CBX
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 1047cc air-cooled DOHC inline six.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, performance, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Ducati 900SS
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Ducati 900 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.
Honda CBX
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CBX1000. 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 900SS
- 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.
Honda CBX
- 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.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Ducati 900SS
Rivals to the Honda CBX
Final result
The verdict
Honda CBX1000 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Honda CBX1000 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.