Ducati 851 Strada vs Harley-Davidson XL Sportster (1991)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Ducati 851 Stradastacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Ducati 851 Strada | Harley-Davidson XL Sportster |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1991 | 1959 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 851 cc | 883 cc |
| Horsepower | 93 hp | 42 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 5.3 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 4-speed |
| Front brakes | Dual disc | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 120/60-17 / 180/55-17 | 3.50-18 / 3.50-18 |
Ducati 851 Strada vs Harley-Davidson XL Sportster — which should you buy?
Picking between the Ducati 851 Strada and the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Ducati 851 Strada brings 93 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: