Ducati 851 S3 Strada vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH Ironhead (1992)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Ducati 851 S3 Stradastacks up against the Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH Ironhead. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecDucati 851 S3 StradaHarley-Davidson Sportster XLCH Ironhead
Model year19921958
Price$1,269
Engine851 cc883 cc
Horsepower93 hp55 hp
Weight222 kg
Fuel capacity5.3 L4.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed4-speed
Front brakesDual discExpanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesSingle discExpanding brake (drum brake)
Tires120/60-17 / 180/55-17 3.25-19 / 3.25-19

Ducati 851 S3 Strada vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH Ironhead — which should you buy?

Picking between the Ducati 851 S3 Strada and the Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH Ironhead usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Ducati 851 S3 Strada brings 93 hp, while the Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH Ironhead counters with 55 hp at 222 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: