MotoSpecs

2012 Ducati Monster 796 vs 2014 Kawasaki Z 800

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Ducati Monster 796 2012 Ducati Monster 796

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Power
64 kW / 87 hp @ 8250 rpm
Top Speed
200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph
Weight
187 kg / 412 lbs
2014 Kawasaki Z 800 2014 Kawasaki Z 800

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
83.0 kW / 113 hp @ 10200 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
504.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year20122014
Colours-Scout Green, Aztec Red
Make ModelDucati Monster 796Kawasaki Z 800
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-150 mm
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in834 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1450 mm / 57.1in1445 mm / 56.8 in
Ground Clearance-150 mm / 5.9 in
Height-1050 mm / 41.3 ib
Length-2100 mm / 82.6
Width-800 mm / 31.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight167 kg - 369 lbs / 169 kg -373 lbs ABS version-
Fuel Capacity15 L / 4.0 USgal / 3.3 Imp gal (13.5 L / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal ABS version)17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight187 kg / 412 lbs229 kg / 504.8 lbs ABS 231 kg / 509.2 lbs
Performance
Top Speed200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph-
Max Power64 kW / 87 hp @ 8250 rpm83.0 kW / 113 hp @ 10200 rpm
Max Torque78.5 Nm / 8.0 kgf-m 58 lb-ft @ 6250rpm83.0 Nm / 8.5 kg-fm @ 8000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.1 sec-
Engine
Fuel Control-DOHC
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement803 cc / 49.0 cu in806 cc / 49.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke88 x 66 mm71 x 50.9 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:111.9:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustLightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin lambda probes-
Fuel Consumption5.2 L/100 km / 19.1 km/l . 45 US mpg / 54 Imp mpg-
Fuel InductionSiemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle bodyFuel injection: 34 mm x 4 (Mikuni), with dual throttle valves
IgnitionMarelli electronicDigital
Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchAPTC wet multiplate with hydraulic controlWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain; front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 39Chain
Final Drive Ratio-3.000 (45/15)
Gear Ratios1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/261st 2.571 (36/14) 2nd 1.941 (33/17) 3rd 1.556 (28/18) 4th 1.333 (28/21) 5th 1.200 (24/20) 6th 1.095 (23/21)
Gearbox-2-speed
Primary DriveStraight cut gears; ratio 1.85:1Sealed chain
Primary Drive Ratios-1.714 (84/49)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellisTubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steel
Suspension - FrontShowa 43mm upside-down forks41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability,
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with piggy back aluminum swing armBottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir and stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability,
Rake24°31.0°
Steering Angle-31° / 31°
Trail87mm / 3.42 in-
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear148 mm / 5.8 in137 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationDigital unit displaying: Speedometer, rev counter, clock, scheduled maintenance warning, oil temperature, trip fuel, lap time, warning light for low oil pressure, fuel level, fuel reserve, neutral, turn signals, overrev, immobilizer. Ready for DDA system.Speedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temp light
Lighting system-30W halogen headlights / 5W taillight / 18W stoplight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 -ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear160/55 -ZR17180/55ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Ducati Monster 796

The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 edges out the 2014 Kawasaki Z 800 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, dual front discs and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Ducati Monster 796 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 187 kg vs 229 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 800 mm vs 834 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 148 mm vs 137 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2014 Kawasaki Z 800 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2012 Ducati Monster 796 vs 2014 Kawasaki Z 800 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 and 2014 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder, while the 2014 Kawasaki Z 800 is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 is lighter at 187 kg compared to 229 kg for the 2014 Kawasaki Z 800 - a difference of 42 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2014 Kawasaki Z 800 sits higher at 834 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2014 Kawasaki Z 800 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 15 litres for the 2012 Ducati Monster 796. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 250-300 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 800?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2014 Kawasaki Z 800 stands out for larger fuel tank and liquid cooling. 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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