Ducati Monster 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2020

Ducati Monster 2021

Ducati Monster 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

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Overview - Ducati Monster 2021 vs Kawasaki Z900 2020

The Ducati Monster 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 2020 are both popular naked bikes with impressive specifications and features.

Starting with the Ducati Monster 2021, it is equipped with a V2 engine that delivers 111 HP of power and 93 Nm of torque. This engine provides a lot of power from low revs, ensuring an exhilarating riding experience. The fuel system is injection-based, and the bike has 2 cylinders and liquid cooling. With a displacement of 937 ccm, the Monster offers a good balance of power and efficiency.

In terms of suspension, the Ducati Monster 2021 features an Upside-Down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The rear suspension offers preload adjustment and is made of aluminum, providing a good balance between comfort and stability. The frame of the Monster is made of aluminum and serves as a load-bearing engine, contributing to the bike's overall rigidity and handling.

The braking system on the Ducati Monster 2021 consists of double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 320 mm and four pistons. The brakes utilize radial, monoblock technology, ensuring excellent stopping power and control. The bike also comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as riding modes, cornering ABS, launch control, ride by wire, quickshifter, traction control, and anti-wheelie. These features enhance the safety and performance of the bike.

Ducati Monster 2021

Ducati Monster 2021

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Ducati Monster 2021 has a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 180 mm and the same diameter. The wheelbase is 1474 mm, providing stability and agility. The seat height is 820 mm, and the bike has a kerb weight of 188 kg with ABS. The Monster is equipped with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display, adding to its modern and stylish appearance.

Moving on to the Kawasaki Z900 2020, it is powered by an in-line four-cylinder engine that delivers 125.4 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. This engine provides strong performance and acceleration. Like the Ducati Monster, the Z900 has a fuel injection system, liquid cooling, and a displacement of 948 ccm.

The suspension setup on the Kawasaki Z900 2020 consists of an Upside-Down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The rear suspension offers preload and rebound adjustment, allowing riders to fine-tune the bike's handling characteristics. The frame of the Z900 is made of steel and has a double cradle design, providing a good balance of rigidity and flexibility.

The braking system on the Kawasaki Z900 2020 includes double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 300 mm and four pistons. The brakes utilize petal technology, offering reliable and responsive braking performance. The bike also features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control, enhancing safety and control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 has the same front and rear tire width and diameter as the Ducati Monster 2021. The wheelbase is slightly shorter at 1450 mm, providing nimble handling. The seat height is 795 mm, and the bike has a kerb weight of 210 kg with ABS. The Z900 is equipped with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display, similar to the Ducati Monster.

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

In terms of strengths, the Ducati Monster 2021 stands out for its powerful V2 engine, offering lots of power from low revs. It also has a comprehensive electronics package, including a quickshifter as standard, enhancing the overall riding experience. The Monster has neutral handling and provides a great combination of riding fun and practicality.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 boasts a powerful four-cylinder engine, great handling, and good equipment. It also has aggressive looks and offers excellent value for money.

As for weaknesses, the Ducati Monster 2021 could benefit from a little more finesse in the chassis department considering its price range. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 has a somewhat tiring menu navigation system and lacks the option for a quickshifter.

In conclusion, both the Ducati Monster 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 2020 are impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities, whether it be power, handling, features, or value for money.

Technical Specifications Ducati Monster 2021 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2020

Ducati Monster 2021
Kawasaki Z900 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore94 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke67.5 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power111 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque93 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.3 Compression Ratio11.8
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
Shock mountShock mountdirectShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel140 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake66 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail93 mmTrail105 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, MonoblockTechnologyPetal

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, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, 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 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)188 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

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 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

The Kawasaki Z900 may not be up to scratch when it comes to modern, lean angle-dependent electronic features, but it's relatively cheap and you shouldn't underestimate the fan base of the good old inline four - the Z900 is one of the cheapest ways to own such a great engine with just under a litre of displacement in a sporty naked bike! The higher weight is noticeable, but not massively annoying, because the handling and stability are quite alright. In terms of "outdated" electronics, the most annoying thing is the missing shift assistant, which is not even available as an option. Overall, however, the Z900 is a great naked bike with a great price-performance ratio.

Light and natural handling with high stability

silky engine with full pull from low revs

high chassis transparency, great feedback

seating position with feel-good factor

absolutely fair price.

Relatively cumbersome operation of the menu

no slope-dependent assistance systems

high weight

Price Comparison Average Market Price Ducati Monster vs Kawasaki Z900

There are a few key differences between a Ducati Monster 2021 and a Kawasaki Z900 2020. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 with 124 days compared to 126 days for the Ducati Monster. Since model year 2021 1000PS.de editors have written 13 reviews for the Ducati Monster and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. 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 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price Ducati Monster

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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