2021 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 Kawasaki Z 650 2021 Kawasaki Z 650

Naked bike

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
50.2 kW / 67.3 hp
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
412.3 pounds
2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
421.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmartphone ConnectivityRiding Mode,. Power Mode. Traction Control.
Year2021-
ColoursPearl Blizzard White/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark BlackNebula Blue
Make ModelKawasaki Z 650-
Warranty12 Month Limited Warranty24 months
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-31.3 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-795 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm-
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in780 mm / 30.7 in.
Wheelbase1410 mm / 55.5 in1449 mm / 57.0 in.
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1064 mm / 41.9 in1150 mm / 45.3 in.
Length2065 mm / 81.3 in2100 mm / 82.7 in.
Width764.5 mm / 30.1 in855 mm / 33.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-176 kg / 388.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 4.0 US gal13.50 litres / 3.57 US gallons
Wet Weight187 kg / 412.3 lbs191.0 kg / 421.1 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM12500-
Max Power50.2 kW / 67.3 hp-
Max Torque65.7 Nm / 48.5 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm65.2 Nm (6.6 kgf-m or 48.1 ft.lbs) @ 7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.4148 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 2.6 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.0 x 66.0 mm
Displacement (cc)-803.0 cc
Displacement (ci)-49.00 cubic inches
CO2103.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Desmodromic valve control
Displacement649 cc / 39.65 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderL-Twin
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesInjection. Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body, ride-by-wire.
Bore x Stroke83 x 60 mm-
Compression Ratio10.8:111.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Emissions-Euro 5
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, semi and #8209;dry sump-
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminium tail pipes
Fuel Consumption4.44 litres/100 km (22.5 km/l or 52.98 mpg)5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l or 45.23 mpg)
Fuel InductionDFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies-
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advance-
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-2
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualHydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
Final DriveSealed chainChain   (final drive)
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 (39/16) 2nd 1.714 (36/21) 3rd 1.333 (32/24) 4th 1.111 (30/27) 5th 0.966 (28/29) 6th 0.852 (23/27)-
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steelTubular steel Trellis
Suspension - Front41 mm hydraulic telescopic forkUpside-down Kayaba fork, 41mm
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with adjustable preload swingarmKayaba rear shock, pre-load adjustable.
Rake24° 24.0°
Seat-Dual seat
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in108 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in150 mm / 5.9 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTFT Instrumentation4.3´ TFT colour display
Lighting system-LED lighting
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm petal-style discs, 2 piston calipersDouble disc. Radial 4-piston caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS.
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm petal-style discSingle disc. 1-piston floating caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS.
ABSOptional-
RimsDunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tiresPirelli MT 60 RS tires, Soked aluminium wheels.
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17110/80-18
Tyres - Rear160/60 ZR7-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift

The 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift edges out the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 thanks to its fuel injection, dual front discs, 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

2021 Kawasaki Z 650 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift - 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 rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 125 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 and 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift?
The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Does the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 or 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift have ABS?
The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift stands out for fuel injection and 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.