Ducati Monster 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Ducati Monster 2021

Ducati Monster 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

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Overview - Ducati Monster 2021 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

The Ducati Monster 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and stylish designs.

In terms of engine and drive train, both bikes have similar engine power with 111 HP. The Ducati Monster has a V2 engine, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS has an in-line 4-cylinder engine. The torque is slightly higher in the Kawasaki Z900 RS at 98.6 Nm compared to 93 Nm in the Ducati Monster. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front and swing arm suspension in the rear. The rear suspension on both bikes is equipped with a monoshock, but the Kawasaki Z900 RS offers additional adjustments for preload and rebound. The material used for the rear suspension is aluminum in both bikes.

The chassis of the Ducati Monster is made of aluminum and has a load-bearing engine design, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS has a steel frame with a tubular design.

Ducati Monster 2021

Ducati Monster 2021

Both bikes have double disk brakes in the front with a diameter of 320 mm for the Ducati Monster and 300 mm for the Kawasaki Z900 RS. The front brakes on both bikes are equipped with four pistons.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Ducati Monster offers a comprehensive package including riding modes, cornering ABS, launch control, ride by wire, quickshifter, traction control, and anti-wheelie. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS only offers ABS and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have the same front and rear tire widths and diameters. The wheelbase is slightly longer in the Ducati Monster at 1474 mm compared to 1470 mm in the Kawasaki Z900 RS. The seat height is also slightly lower in the Ducati Monster at 820 mm compared to 835 mm in the Kawasaki Z900 RS. The kerb weight with ABS is higher in the Kawasaki Z900 RS at 215 kg compared to 188 kg in the Ducati Monster. The fuel tank capacity is also larger in the Kawasaki Z900 RS at 17 liters compared to 14 liters in the Ducati Monster.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

In terms of strengths, the Ducati Monster 2021 offers a powerful V2 engine with lots of power from low revs. It also has a comprehensive electronics package and comes with a quickshifter as standard. The bike has neutral handling and provides a great combination of riding fun and practicality.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 has an authentic and beautiful retro look. It offers a very comfortable seating position and is easy and comfortable to ride.

In terms of weaknesses, the Ducati Monster could benefit from a little more finesse in the chassis considering its price range. The Kawasaki Z900 RS lacks a quickshifter and driving modes, although it does have adjustable traction control.

Overall, both the Ducati Monster 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 are impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities in terms of design, performance, and features.

Technical Specifications Ducati Monster 2021 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Ducati Monster 2021
Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore94 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke67.5 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power111 HPEngine power111 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque93 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.3 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore53 mmThrottle Bore36 mm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, AntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDesmodromicValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement937 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel130 mmTravel120 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel140 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake66 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail93 mmTrail98 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter245 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRiding modes, Cornering ABS, Launch-Control, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,474 mmWheelbase1,470 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height835 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)188 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)215 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity17 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Ducati Monster 2021

Ducati Monster 2021

You can always argue about the looks and the lack of a trellis frame, but the current Monster is anything but ugly. Basically, it would be a great everyday naked bike with pleasant ergonomics and a braking system that won't surprise even the inexperienced. The even softer suspension can also be seen as an acceptable compromise, but for a Ducati it is rather surprising that at least the front fork has not been set a little firmer. Unfortunately, the charismatic engine bucks heavily at low revs and therefore only reveals its marvellous V2 character on the country road. All in all, however, this reflects the overall image of the Monster very well: a typical Ducati that is also good for everyday riding in terms of suspension and brakes.

Typical Ducati engine with charisma

comfortable riding position

good, easy-to-use braking system

agile handling

high-quality components

comprehensive electronics package

cornering ABS

traction control depending on lean angle

Engine jerks a lot at low revs

front fork too softly set up

no longer unmistakably a Monster due to the missing trellis frame

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

The Kawasaki Z900 RS is the perfect blend of classic design and modern technology. The silky-smooth four-cylinder engine offers linear power delivery and impressive elasticity in all rev ranges. The suspension combines comfort and stability, ideal for long distances and sporty rides. Despite the lack of wind protection, the Z900 RS impresses with a comfortable riding position and agile handling characteristics. Visually, it is reminiscent of the legendary Z1, while modern features such as traction control and high-quality workmanship round off the overall package. For anyone looking for a retro look with modern performance, the Z900 RS is a reliable and versatile companion - both for everyday use and when touring.

Beautiful design

powerful engine

stable riding performance

powerful brakes

comfortable seating position

analogue displays

adjustable levers

silky-smooth four-cylinder engine

linear power delivery

excellent running culture

comfortable suspension with sporty progression

high-quality workmanship

agile handling

versatility over long distances and in everyday use

high engine elasticity

no optional quickshifter available

shock a little rough on short strokes

Price Comparison Average Market Price Ducati Monster vs Kawasaki Z900 RS

There are a few key differences between a Ducati Monster 2021 and a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 is about 2% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 there are less Ducati Monster 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 4 compared to 14. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 RS with 125 days compared to 128 days for the Ducati Monster. Since model year 2021 1000PS.de editors have written 13 reviews for the Ducati Monster and 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS since model year 2018. The first review for the Ducati Monster was published on 02/12/2020 and now has more than 90,700 views. This compares to more than 63,700 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 RS published on 06/09/2017.

Price Ducati Monster

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

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