Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Sport vs Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200 (reduced effect) (2012)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Sportstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200 (reduced effect). Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecDucati Multistrada 1200 S SportHarley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200 (reduced effect)
Model year20121991
Price
Engine1198 cc1198 cc
Horsepower150 hp49 hp
Torque119 Nm
Weight189 kg
Seat height34 mm
Fuel capacity5.3 L2.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed4-speed
Front brakesDouble disc. ABSSingle disc
Rear brakesSingle disc. ABSSingle disc
Tires120/70-17 / 190/55-17 100/90-19 / 130/90-16

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Sport vs Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200 (reduced effect) — which should you buy?

Picking between the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Sport and the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200 (reduced effect) usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Sport brings 150 hp in a 189 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200 (reduced effect) counters with 49 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: