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Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans
88/100 Overall
78 On the road98 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans vs Harley-Davidson XR-750
Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans scores 88/100 overall against Harley-Davidson XR-750 on 79/100. On the road: 78–57. As classics: 98–100. Overall result: Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans.
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 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans | Harley-Davidson XR-750 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 8 | 9 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 9 | 10 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 9 | 3 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 7 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 3 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 2 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 10 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Moto Guzzi Le Mans if…
you want stable sporting handling, forceful V-twin character and distinctive Italian endurance-racer style.
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
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
The Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans was produced from 1976–1978 and used a 844cc air-cooled longitudinal 90-degree V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, collector appeal, character. 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?
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1978.
- The recorded engine description is: 844cc air-cooled longitudinal 90-degree V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, collector appeal, character.
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
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans. 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
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
- 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 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 Moto Guzzi Le Mans
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson XR-750
Final result
The verdict
Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Harley-Davidson XR-750 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.