Ducati 851
87/100 Overall
73 On the road100 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Ducati 851 vs Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide
Ducati 851 scores 87/100 overall against Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide on 80/100. On the road: 73–75. As classics: 100–85. Overall result: Ducati 851.
Photo: Maggi1109 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide
80/100 Overall
75 On the road85 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Ducati 851 | Harley-Davidson FXR | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 9 | 6 | Ducati 851 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 9 | 8 | Ducati 851 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 9 | 6 | Ducati 851 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 7 | 8 | Harley-Davidson FXR |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 6 | 9 | Harley-Davidson FXR |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 4 | 8 | Harley-Davidson FXR |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 8 | Ducati 851 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 8 | Ducati 851 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 9 | Ducati 851 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 9 | Ducati 851 |
Choose the Ducati 851 if…
you want a landmark Ducati superbike whose fuel-injected Desmoquattro engine helped define the modern Italian V-twin.
Choose the Harley-Davidson FXR if…
you want one of Harley-Davidson's best-handling traditional big twins, combining useful road ability with strong custom appeal.
Background
History
Ducati 851
The Ducati 851 was produced from 1987–1992 and used a 851cc liquid-cooled four-valve desmodromic 90-degree V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, collector appeal and historic importance. It is included as an important reference point for comparisons with its closest period rivals.
Harley-Davidson FXR
The Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide was produced from 1982–1994 and used a Air-cooled 45-degree V-twin in a rubber-mounted FXR chassis. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, collector appeal and ownership appeal. It is included as an important reference point for comparisons with its closest period rivals.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Ducati 851
- Its production span in this library runs from 1987 to 1992.
- The recorded engine description is: 851cc liquid-cooled four-valve desmodromic 90-degree V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, collector appeal and historic importance.
Harley-Davidson FXR
- Its production span in this library runs from 1982 to 1994.
- The recorded engine description is: Air-cooled 45-degree V-twin in a rubber-mounted FXR chassis.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, collector appeal and ownership appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Ducati 851
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Ducati 851. Its library score for character 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.
Harley-Davidson FXR
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide. Its library score for character is 9/10. 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 851
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary-drive or final-drive condition, charging output, engine mounts and signs of persistent 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.
Harley-Davidson FXR
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary-drive or final-drive condition, charging output, engine mounts and signs of persistent 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 851
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson FXR
Final result
The verdict
Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Ducati 851 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Ducati 851 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.