2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS vs 2026 Ducati Scrambler

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS

Classic

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
412.3 pounds
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
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmartphone Connectivity.-
Year-2026
ColoursMetallic Moondust Gray/Ebony-
Make Model-Ducati Scrambler
Warranty12 Month Limited Warranty-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)124 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)4.9 inches-
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in.795 mm / 31.3 inches 810 mm / 31.9 inches, with high seat accessory 780 mm / 30.7 inches, with low seat accessory
Wheelbase1405 mm / 55.3 in.1447 mm / 57 in
Height1115 mm / 43.9 in.-
Length2065 mm / 81.3 in.-
Width765 mm / 30.1 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity15.14 litres / 4.00 US gallons14.5 Litres / 3.8 US gal
Wet Weight187.0 kg / 412.3 lbs182 kg / 401 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM12500-
Max Power-73 hp / 53.6 kW @ 8250 rpm
Max Torque65.7 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions65.2 Nm / 48.1 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)83.0 x 60.0 mm-
CO2103.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement (cc)649.0 cc-
Displacement (ci)39.60 cubic inches-
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.3 x 2.4 inches-
Displacement-803 cc /
Engine DetailDie-cast aluminium cylinder and lightweight coated pistonsFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, Desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies-
Bore x Stroke-88 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio10.8:111.0:1
Cooling System-Air cooled
Emissions-Euro 5+
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, semi dry sump-
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminum tail pipes
Fuel Consumption4.44 litres/100 km (22.5 km/l or 52.98 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body, Ride-by-Wire system
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceMarelli electronic
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchAssist and Slipper ClutchHydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
Final DriveChain   (final drive)Chain, front spocket 15, rear sprocket 46
Gear Ratios-1st
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chainStraight cut gears, ratio 1.85:1
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steelTubular steel trellis frame
Suspension - Front41 mm telescopic fork41mm Kayaba USD forks
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with preload adjustmentKayaba rear shock, pre-load adjustable
Rake24.0°24°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in.108 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front124 mm / 4.9 in.150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in.150 mm / 5.9 in
Electronics
Equipment / Features-4.3″ 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 Equipment-Ducati Multimedia System, Ducati Quick Shift
Safety Equipment-Riding Mode, Power Mode, ABS Cornering, Ducati Traction Control, Daytime Running Light
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationDual-dial instrumentation with multi-function LCD screen-
Lighting systemRound LED headlight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Petal-type rotors with two-piston calipers. ABS.Single 330 mm disc, 4-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Petal disc. Single-piston. ABS.Single 245 mm disc, 1-piston caliper
ABS-Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment
RimsSpoke-style cast wheels. Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17110/80 R18 Pirelli MT 60 RS
Tyres - Rear-180/55 R17 Pirelli MT 60 RS
Wheels-Spoked aluminium
Wheels - Front-3.00 x 18
Wheels - Rear-5.50 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

2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS - Advantages

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

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 vs 2026 Ducati Scrambler - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS and 2026 Ducati Scrambler?
The 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2026 Ducati Scrambler is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, Desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder.
Does the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS or 2026 Ducati Scrambler 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 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS or the 2026 Ducati Scrambler?
Both are strong choices. The 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS has the edge in dual front discs, while the 2026 Ducati Scrambler stands out for standard ABS and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.