MotoSpecs

2018 Ducati Monster 821 vs 2018 Kawasaki Z 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Ducati Monster 821 2018 Ducati Monster 821

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder
Power
80 kW / 109 hp @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
206 kg / 454 lbs
2018 Kawasaki Z 900 2018 Kawasaki Z 900

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
210 kg / 463.1 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2017 - 182018
Make ModelDucati Monster 821Kawasaki Z 900
Dimensions
Seat Height785 mm - 810 mm / 30.9 in - 31.9 in795 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in1450 mm / 57.1 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in
Height-1065 mm / 41.9 in
Length-2065 mm / 81.5 in
Width-825 mm / 32.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight180.5 kg / 398 lbs-
Fuel Capacity16.5 Litres / 4.36 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight206 kg / 454 lbs210 kg / 463.1 lbs
Performance
Max Power80 kW / 109 hp @ 9250 rpm125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque86 Nm / 9.1 kgf-m / 63 lb-ft @ 7750 rpm98 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700
Engine
Displacement821 cc / 50.1 cu-in948 cc / 57.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke88 x 67.5 mm73.4 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio12.8:111.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
ExhaustStainless steel muffler and aluminium and cap; lightweight 2-1 system with catalytic converter with 2 lambda probes-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection system, 53mm throttle bodies with full Ride by WireDFIØ with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
IgnitionMarelli electronic TCBI with electronic advance
Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSlipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with mechanical controlWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain, Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 46Sealed chain
Final Drive Ratio-2.933 (44/15)
Gear Ratios1st 37/15 2nd 30/17 3rd 28/20 4th 26/22 5th 24/23 6th 23/241st 2.692 (35/13) 2nd 2.059 (35/17) 3rd 1.650 (33/20) 4th 1.409 (31/22) 5th 1.222 (33/27) 6th 1.034 (30/29)
Primary DriveStraight cut gears, ratio 1.85:1-
Primary Drive Ratios-1.627 (83/51)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders headTrellis, high tensile steel
Suspension - FrontKayaba 43mm upside-down fork41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with adjustable monoshock. Aluminum double-sided swingarmHorizontal back-link, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
Rake24.3°24°
Trail93.2mm / 3.7in103 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo M4-32 callipers, 4-pistons, axial pump with ABS as standard equipment2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 2-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipmentSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR 17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III180/55ZR17
Wheels - Front10-spoke in light alloy, 3.50" x 17"-
Wheels - Rear10-spoke in light alloy, 5.50" x 17"-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Kawasaki Z 900

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 edges out the 2018 Ducati Monster 821 thanks to its more peak power, higher torque and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Ducati Monster 821 - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 125 hp vs 80 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 98 Nm vs 86 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger displacement: 948 cc vs 821 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2018 Ducati Monster 821 vs 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Ducati Monster 821 and 2018 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2018 Ducati Monster 821 uses Four stroke, Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which has more power, the 2018 Ducati Monster 821 or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 produces more peak power at 125 hp, compared to 80 kW for the 2018 Ducati Monster 821.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Ducati Monster 821 or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Ducati Monster 821 has the edge in fuel injection and dual front discs, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 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.

Related Comparisons

All Ducati Monster 821 years All Kawasaki Z 900 years
Build your own comparison →