Ducati vs Harley-Davidson

Ducati vs. Harley-Davidson… it’s like comparing a rich chocolate mousse and a juicy, rare ribeye. Sometimes you have a craving for one, sometimes the other. Sometimes you want one after the other—and the more bikes the merrier!

At Quaker City Motor Sport, we want to help Philadelphia, PA; Wilmington, DE; and Cherry Hill, NJ, riders compare Ducati vs. Harley-Davidson. See which one will help you live the dream—your dream—on the wide-open road.

Ducati and Harley-Davidson: Brand Stories

Time and time again, the best brands have been shown to be the brands with the best stories. Ducati and Harley-Davidson undoubtedly have the best of the best—their histories span back into the first half of the 20th century!

Harley-Davidson began back in 1903 when William Harley partnered with the Davidson brothers, Walter and Arthur Davidson, and built their first motorcycle in Milwaukee. It would go on to supply the Allies with motorcycles in WWI—and later, WWII. In fact, it was one of only two American motorcycle brands to survive the Great Depression.

Ducati is entwined in that same history. It rose from the ashes of Europe to get Italy back on the road after WWII. In the late 1940s and early 50s, the brand saw its beginnings with the Ducati Cucciolo, a micro-engine that could be mounted onto any bicycle. It was a phenomenon that swept the nation.

Italian vs American: Two Aesthetics Collide

So, we have two brands—one Italian, one American. Which is more your style—and which will you proudly show off as you speed down the streets?

The Italian Ducati is all about passion. With bikes that wouldn’t feel out of place at a beauty pageant, you can really make your mark on the road. Fiery Ducati Red, a staple of the brand, hearkens back to Ducati’s phoenix-like rise.

Harley-Davidson has an authentic American heritage that calls you to the highway and the open country road. Route 66, here we come!

Two Brands, Two Lineups—But What Bike?

Decades ago, there would have been a more pronounced difference in the types of motorcycles these brands put forward. A Harley-Davidson was a true touring master, made for long distances on dirt roads. Ducati? A little commuter bike.

Today, both brands have adapted for a global stage. With vast and varied lineups, they offer something for every rider under the sun:

  • Street
  • Cruiser
  • Touring
  • Adventure Touring
  • Electric
  • Sport

Ducati has more born-and-bred sport motorcycles. If you want to move fast and put your performance chops to the test, the Ducati SuperSport is a great choice!

And Harley-Davidson does have a legacy defined by those touring bikes. Browse for models like the Pan America, Road King, and Road Glide.

Which Is Better, Ducati or Harley-Davidson?

Ducati and Harley-Davidson are unique and special motorcycle brands. Use our bike comparisons housed on this page to explore how specific motorbikes from these brands measure up.

We invite you to browse our inventory of new and used Ducati motorcycles—as well as our used Harley-Davidson models. Find one you can ride in Philadelphia, PA; Wilmington, DE; and Cherry Hill, NJ.

Reach out to Quaker City Motor Sport when you’re ready to learn more!