Ducati 900 SS Darmah vs Harley-Davidson XL Sportster (1981)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Ducati 900 SS Darmahstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Ducati 900 SS Darmah | Harley-Davidson XL Sportster |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1981 | 1959 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 864 cc | 883 cc |
| Horsepower | 65 hp | 42 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 4-speed |
| Front brakes | Dual disc | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.50-18 / 4.25/85-18 | 3.50-18 / 3.50-18 |
Ducati 900 SS Darmah vs Harley-Davidson XL Sportster — which should you buy?
Picking between the Ducati 900 SS Darmah and the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Ducati 900 SS Darmah brings 65 hp, while the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster counters with 42 hp.
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: