2013 Kawasaki Z 800 vs 2014 Ducati Monster 796

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2013 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

2014 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

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	2013	2014
Colours	Scout Green, Aztec Red	-
Make Model	Kawasaki Z 800	Ducati Monster 796
Warranty	12 Months	-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)	5.9 inches	-
Ground Clearance (mm)	150 mm	-
Seat Height	834 mm / 32.8 in	800 mm / 31.5 in
Wheelbase	1445 mm / 56.8 in	1450 mm / 57.1in
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 Weight	-	167 kg - 369 lbs / 169 kg -373 lbs ABS version
Fuel Capacity	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal	15 Litres / 4.0 US gal / 3.3 Imp gal (13.5 L / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal ABS version)
Wet Weight	229 kg / 504.8 lbs ABS 231 kg / 509.2 lbs	187 kg / 412 lbs
Performance
Top Speed	-	200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph
Max Power	83.0 kW / 113 hp @ 10200 rpm	64 kW / 87 hp @ 8250 rpm
Max Torque	83.0 Nm / 8.5 kg-fm @ 8000 rpm	78.5 Nm / 8.0 kgf-m 58 lb-ft @ 6250rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile	-	12.1 sec
Engine
Fuel Control	OHV	-
Engine Type	V2, four-stroke	-
Displacement	806 cc / 49.1 cu-in	803 cc / 49.0 cu in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder	Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel System	Injection	-
Bore x Stroke	71 x 50.9 mm	88 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio	11.9:1	11.0:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled	Air cooled
Engine Lubrication	Forced lubrication, wet sump	-
Exhaust	-	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin lambda probes
Fuel Consumption	-	5.2 L/100 km / 19.1 km/l . 45 US mpg / 54 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction	Fuel injection: 34 mm x 4 (Mikuni), with dual throttle valves	Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Ignition	Digital	Marelli electronic
Lubrication	Forced lubrication, wet sump	-
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	4	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet multi-disc, manual	APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Final Drive	Chain	Chain; front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 39
Final Drive Ratio	3.000 (45/15)	-
Gear Ratios	1st 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)	1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Gearbox	2-speed	-
Primary Drive	Sealed chain	Straight cut gears; ratio 1.85:1
Primary Drive Ratios	1.714 (84/49)	-
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed	6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Tubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steel	Tubular steel trellis
Suspension - Front	41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability,	Showa 43mm upside-down forks
Suspension - Rear	Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir and stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability,	Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with piggy back aluminum swing arm
Rake	31.0°	24°
Steering Angle	31° / 31°	-
Trail	-	87mm / 3.42 in
Wheel Travel - Front	120 mm 4.7 in	120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	137 mm / 5.3 in	148 mm / 5.8 in
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation	Speedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temp light	Digital 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.
Lighting system	30W x 2 halogen	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	9.8 inches	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	250 mm	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	12.2 inches	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	310 mm	-
Brakes - Front	2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers	2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear	Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper	Single 245 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front	120/70 ZR17	120/70 -ZR17
Tyres - Rear	180/55ZR17	160/55 -ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2014 Ducati Monster 796

The 2014 Ducati Monster 796 edges out the 2013 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

2013 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.

2014 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.

2013 Kawasaki Z 800 vs 2014 Ducati Monster 796 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 Kawasaki Z 800 and 2014 Ducati Monster 796?

The 2013 Kawasaki Z 800 uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2014 Ducati Monster 796 is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder.

Which is lighter, the 2013 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2014 Ducati Monster 796?

The 2014 Ducati Monster 796 is lighter at 187 kg compared to 229 kg for the 2013 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 2013 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2014 Ducati Monster 796?

The 2014 Ducati Monster 796 has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 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 2013 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2014 Ducati Monster 796?

The 2013 Kawasaki Z 800 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 15 litres for the 2014 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 2013 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2014 Ducati Monster 796?

Both are strong choices. The 2013 Kawasaki Z 800 has the edge in larger fuel tank and liquid cooling, while the 2014 Ducati Monster 796 stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. 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 Kawasaki Z 800 years All Ducati Monster 796 years

Build your own comparison →