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Ducati 750 Super Sport
84/100 Overall
68 On the road100 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Ducati 750 Super Sport vs Norton Commando 850
Ducati 750 Super Sport scores 84/100 overall against Norton Commando 850 on 82/100. On the road: 68–68. As classics: 100–95. Overall result: Ducati 750 Super Sport.
Photo: Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Norton Commando 850
82/100 Overall
68 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Ducati 750SS | Norton Commando | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 9 | 7 | Ducati 750SS |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 10 | 8 | Ducati 750SS |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 8 | 6 | Ducati 750SS |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 5 | Ducati 750SS |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 4 | 8 | Norton Commando |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 4 | 7 | Norton Commando |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 9 | Ducati 750SS |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 9 | Ducati 750SS |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Ducati 750SS if…
you want one of Ducati's most important and valuable motorcycles, with beautiful engineering and direct racing ancestry.
Choose the Norton Commando if…
you want a fast, handsome British twin with excellent road manners and the distinctive Isolastic riding experience.
Background
History
Ducati 750SS
The Ducati 750 Super Sport was produced from 1974 and used a 748cc air-cooled desmodromic L-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.
Norton Commando
The Norton Commando 850 was produced from 1973–1977 and used a 828cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, character, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Ducati 750SS
- This model is listed here for 1974.
- The recorded engine description is: 748cc air-cooled desmodromic L-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, handling.
Norton Commando
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 828cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, character, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Ducati 750SS
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Ducati 750 Super Sport. 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.
Norton Commando
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Norton Commando 850. 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
Ducati 750SS
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- 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.
Norton Commando
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- 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 Ducati 750SS
Rivals to the Norton Commando
Final result
The verdict
On the road the motorcycles finish level. Ducati 750 Super Sport wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Ducati 750 Super Sport takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.