Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs. Ducati Monster SP 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Ducati Monster SP 2023

Ducati Monster SP 2023

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs Ducati Monster SP 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 2023 and the Ducati Monster SP 2023 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced features. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 is equipped with an in-line, 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948cc. It delivers 125 horsepower and 98.6 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 features a V-twin engine with a displacement of 937cc. It produces slightly less power with 111 horsepower and 93 Nm of torque. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

When it comes to suspension, both models feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions at the rear. The Kawasaki Z900 2023 offers preload and rebound adjustment for both front and rear suspension, while the Ducati Monster SP 2023 provides compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. The rear suspension of the Ducati Monster SP 2023 is made of aluminum, which may contribute to its overall weight reduction.

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Ducati Monster SP 2023 features an aluminum frame with a load-bearing engine design. The choice of materials and frame design may affect the overall weight and handling characteristics of the bikes.

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Both models are equipped with double disc brakes at the front, but the Ducati Monster SP 2023 has larger diameter discs (320mm) compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2023 (300mm). Both bikes have four-piston calipers, but the Ducati Monster SP 2023 utilizes radial and monoblock technology for enhanced braking performance.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS, riding modes, and ride-by-wire technology. However, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 goes a step further by providing additional features such as cornering ABS, launch control, quickshifter, traction control, and anti-wheelie. These features enhance the overall safety and performance of the Ducati Monster SP 2023.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 has a wheelbase of 1450mm and a seat height of 795mm. It weighs 212kg (with ABS). On the other hand, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1472mm and a higher seat height of 810mm. It is lighter than the Kawasaki Z900 2023, weighing 186kg (with ABS).

Both bikes come equipped with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and TFT displays, providing modern and stylish features.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 is praised for its light and natural handling, stable performance, smooth engine with good low-end torque, and comfortable seating position. It is also considered to be reasonably priced.

Ducati Monster SP 2023

Ducati Monster SP 2023

On the other hand, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 is commended for its lively and high-torque engine, responsive Öhlins suspension, powerful Brembo Stylema brakes, beautiful exhaust sound, sporty ergonomics, and a good quickshifter.

However, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 has some weaknesses, including a relatively cumbersome menu operation, the absence of slope-dependent assistance systems, and its higher weight compared to the Ducati Monster SP 2023.

Similarly, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 has a few weaknesses, including jerking in the low rev range, a very high price, and a sluggish clutch.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 2023 and the Ducati Monster SP 2023 offer impressive performance and advanced features. The Kawasaki Z900 2023 provides a more affordable option with its smooth engine and comfortable seating position, while the Ducati Monster SP 2023 offers a more sporty and high-performance experience with its powerful engine, advanced suspension, and braking systems. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2023 compared to Ducati Monster SP 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023
Ducati Monster SP 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore73.4 mmBore94 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke67.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power111 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque93 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio13.3
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore36 mmThrottle Bore53 mm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDesmodromic
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement937 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel140 mmTravel150 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake65 degreeRake67 degree
TrailTrail105 mmTrail87 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter245 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

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

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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,472 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height810 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)212 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)186 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

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

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

Ducati Monster SP 2023

Ducati Monster SP 2023

The SP version is clearly the more expensive, but also clearly the better Ducati Monster. Everything fits together perfectly, because it is typically Ducati sporty. The fully adjustable Öhlins suspension (including the fork in Swedish gold!) fulfils its purpose perfectly, the Brembo Stylema braking system grips vehemently but not unpleasantly and the seating position, with its slightly more forward lean, is sporty but still comfortable. Even the engine fits very well into the concept of the very sporty mid-range naked bike - it wants to be revved and delivers the most power at the top end. If you are looking for a flaw in the Monster SP, it is most likely the jerking of the V2 at low revs, but true fans of the 90° V2 engine will not be offended by this at all. The price is not a problem either, as the Italians pay a pretty high price for the performance of the SP version.

lively, high-torque engine

finely responsive Öhlins suspension

very well controllable, powerful Brembo Stylema brakes

beautiful sound from the Termignoni exhaust

sporty ergonomics

good quickshifter

Jerking in the low rev range

very high price

sluggish clutch

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs Ducati Monster SP

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2023 and a Ducati Monster SP 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Ducati Monster SP 2023 is about 38% higher. Compared to Ducati Monster SP 2023 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 187 compared to 18. It takes less time to sell a Ducati Monster SP with 110 days compared to 122 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 8 reviews for the Ducati Monster SP since model year 2023. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 views. This compares to more than 44,700 views for the first review on Ducati Monster SP published on 15/09/2022.

Price Kawasaki Z900

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Current average market prices

Price Ducati Monster SP

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Current average market prices

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