MotoSpecs

2003 Ducati 999 S vs 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2003 Ducati 999 S 2003 Ducati 999 S

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven
Power
100 kW / 136 hp @ 9750 rpm
Top Speed
270 km/h / 168 mph
Weight
199 kg / 438 lbs
2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
175 hp / 128.4 kW @ 11700 rpm
Top Speed
290.6 km/h / 180.5 ph
Weight
170 kg / 374.9 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20032004
Make ModelDucati 999 SKawasaki ZX-10R Ninja
Dimensions
Seat Height780 mm / 30.7 in826 mm / 32.5 in
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1389 mm / 54.6 in
Ground Clearance-120mm / 4.9 in
Height1090 mm / 42.9 in1130 mm / 43.9 in.
Length2095 mm / 82.5 in2065 mm / 80.5 in.
Width730 mm / 28.7 in705 mm / 27.8 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight199 kg / 438 lbs170 kg / 374.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity15.5 Litres / 4.1 US gal / 3.4 Imp gal17 Litres / 4.4 US gal
Performance
Top Speed270 km/h / 168 mph290.6 km/h / 180.5 ph
Max Power100 kW / 136 hp @ 9750 rpm175 hp / 128.4 kW @ 11700 rpm
Max Torque106 Nm / 10.8 kgf-m / 78.1 ft-lb @ 8000rpm115 Nm / 1173 kg-m @ 9500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.0 sec10.6 sec
Engine
Displacement998 cc / 60.9 cu in998 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt drivenFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke100 x 63.5 mm76 x 55 mm
Compression Ratio11.4:112.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40Synthetic, 10W/40
ExhaustSingle steel muffler with catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption5.56 L/100 km / 18 km/l / 42.3 US mpg / 50.8 Imp mpg16.1 km/lit
Fuel InductionWeber Marelli electronic fuel injection, 54 mm throttle body Digital fuel injection with four 43mm throttle bodies
IgnitionMarelli electronicTCBI with digital advance
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark PlugChampion RG4HCNGK, CR9EIA-9
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V 10Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchDry multiplate with hydraulic control-
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio2.400:1 (15/36)-
Gear Ratios1st 2.466 / 2nd 1.765 / 3rd 1.400 / 4th 1.182 / 5th 1.043 / 6th 0.958:1-
Primary Drive RatiosStraight cut gears, 1.84:1-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis All-aluminum twin-tube backbone
Suspension - FrontÖhlins 43mm upside-down fully adjustable fork with TiN surface treatment43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs Compression damping - 16-way Rebound damping - 16-way Spring preload - Fully adjustable
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshockBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and top-out spring Compression damping - Stepless Rebound damping - Stepless Spring preload - Fully adjustable
Rake23.5° - 24.5°24°
Trail97 mm / 3.8 in102 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in119 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Rear128 mm / 5 in125 mm / 4.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 220 mm disc
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/50 ZR17190/50 ZR17
Wheels - FrontY-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 3.50 x 17-
Wheels - RearY-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja

The 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja edges out the 2003 Ducati 999 S thanks to its more peak power, higher torque and lighter kerb weight. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2003 Ducati 999 S - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 826 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 175 hp vs 100 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 106 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 170 kg vs 199 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2003 Ducati 999 S vs 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2003 Ducati 999 S and 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
The 2003 Ducati 999 S uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven, while the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2003 Ducati 999 S or the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
The 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja is lighter at 170 kg compared to 199 kg for the 2003 Ducati 999 S - a difference of 29 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2003 Ducati 999 S or the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
The 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja produces more peak power at 175 hp, compared to 100 kW for the 2003 Ducati 999 S.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2003 Ducati 999 S or the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
The 2003 Ducati 999 S has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja sits higher at 826 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2003 Ducati 999 S or the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 Ducati 999 S has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja stands out for more peak power and higher torque. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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