2026 Ducati Scrambler vs 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2026 Ducati Scrambler 2026 Ducati Scrambler

Classic

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, Desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Power
73 hp / 53.6 kW @ 8250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
182 kg / 401 lbs
2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS

Classic

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
412.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Smartphone Connectivity.
Year2026-
Colours-Metallic Moondust Gray/Ebony
Make ModelDucati Scrambler-
Warranty-12 Month Limited Warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-124 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.9 inches
Seat Height795 mm / 31.3 inches 810 mm / 31.9 inches, with high seat accessory 780 mm / 30.7 inches, with low seat accessory800 mm / 31.5 in.
Wheelbase1447 mm / 57 in1405 mm / 55.3 in.
Height-1115 mm / 43.9 in.
Length-2065 mm / 81.3 in.
Width-765 mm / 30.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity14.5 Litres / 3.8 US gal15.14 litres / 4.00 US gallons
Wet Weight182 kg / 401 lbs187.0 kg / 412.3 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM-12500
Max Power73 hp / 53.6 kW @ 8250 rpm-
Max Torque65.2 Nm / 48.1 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm65.7 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-83.0 x 60.0 mm
CO2-103.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (cc)-649.0 cc
Displacement (ci)-39.60 cubic inches
Engine Type-Twin, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.3 x 2.4 inches
Displacement803 cc / 49.0 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, Desmodromic 2 valves per cylinderDie-cast aluminium cylinder and lightweight coated pistons
Fuel System-Injection. DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke88 x 66 mm-
Compression Ratio11.0:110.8:1
Cooling SystemAir cooled-
EmissionsEuro 5+-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, semi dry sump
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminum tail pipes-
Fuel Consumption-4.44 litres/100 km (22.5 km/l or 52.98 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body, Ride-by-Wire system-
IgnitionMarelli electronic TCBI with electronic advance
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchHydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutchAssist and Slipper Clutch
Final DriveChain, front spocket 15, rear sprocket 46Chain   (final drive)
Gear Ratios1st-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary DriveStraight cut gears, ratio 1.85:1Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frameTrellis, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front41mm Kayaba USD forks41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension - RearKayaba rear shock, pre-load adjustableHorizontal Back-link with preload adjustment
Rake24°24.0°
Trail108 mm / 4.3 in100 mm / 3.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in124 mm / 4.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Electronics
Equipment / Features4.3″ TFT color display, ride by wire, full LED lighting system, LED turn indicators, USB socket under the seat, variable section flat handlebar, bar-end rearview mirrors, Ducati Performance LED turn indicatos, sporty front mudguard, side number plates, sporty tail, dedicated seat, dedicated livery, spoked wheels-
Optional EquipmentDucati Multimedia System, Ducati Quick Shift-
Safety EquipmentRiding Mode, Power Mode, ABS Cornering, Ducati Traction Control, Daytime Running Light-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Dual-dial instrumentation with multi-function LCD screen
Lighting system-Round LED headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 330 mm disc, 4-piston caliperDouble disc. Petal-type rotors with two-piston calipers. ABS.
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 1-piston caliperSingle disc. Petal disc. Single-piston. ABS.
ABSBosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment-
Rims-Spoke-style cast wheels. Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires
Tyres - Front110/80 R18 Pirelli MT 60 RS120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 R17 Pirelli MT 60 RS-
WheelsSpoked aluminium-
Wheels - Front3.00 x 18-
Wheels - Rear5.50 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2026 Ducati Scrambler

The 2026 Ducati Scrambler edges out the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS thanks to its standard ABS, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2026 Ducati Scrambler - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 124 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2026 Ducati Scrambler vs 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2026 Ducati Scrambler and 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS?
The 2026 Ducati Scrambler uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, Desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder, while the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Does the 2026 Ducati Scrambler or 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS have ABS?
The 2026 Ducati Scrambler is listed with ABS as standard. The 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2026 Ducati Scrambler or the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS?
Both are strong choices. The 2026 Ducati Scrambler has the edge in standard ABS and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS stands out for dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.