Photo: Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ducati 900 Super Sport
85/100 Overall
70 On the road100 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Ducati 900 Super Sport vs Yamaha RD350LC
Ducati 900 Super Sport scores 85/100 overall against Yamaha RD350LC on 88/100. On the road: 70–77. As classics: 100–98. Overall result: Yamaha RD350LC.
Yamaha RD350LC
88/100 Overall
77 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Ducati 900SS | Yamaha RD350LC | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 10 | 9 | Ducati 900SS |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 9 | 8 | Ducati 900SS |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 5 | 7 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 4 | 6 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 9 | Ducati 900SS |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Ducati 900SS if…
you prioritise focused sporting handling, Italian design and an exceptionally involving bevel-Ducati experience.
Choose the Yamaha RD350LC if…
you want one of Britain's most loved 1980s performance bikes, with a thrilling powerband, sharp handling and enormous nostalgia.
Background
History
Ducati 900SS
The Ducati 900 Super Sport was produced from 1975–1982 and used a 864cc air-cooled bevel-drive 90-degree V-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.
Yamaha RD350LC
The Yamaha RD350LC was produced from 1980–1983 and used a 347cc liquid-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, collector appeal, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Ducati 900SS
- Its production span in this library runs from 1975 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 864cc air-cooled bevel-drive 90-degree V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, handling.
Yamaha RD350LC
- Its production span in this library runs from 1980 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 347cc liquid-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, collector appeal, character.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Ducati 900SS
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Ducati 900 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.
Yamaha RD350LC
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD350LC. Its library score for historic importance 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 900SS
- 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, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- 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.
Yamaha RD350LC
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- 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 900SS
Rivals to the Yamaha RD350LC
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha RD350LC wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Ducati 900 Super Sport wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha RD350LC takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.