2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit vs 2009 Ducati Monster 696

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit

Naked bike

Engine
Air/oil cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
57.4 kW / 77 hp @ 10500 rpm
Top Speed
198.7 km/h / 123.5 mph
Weight
204 kg / 450 lbs
2009 Ducati Monster 696 2009 Ducati Monster 696

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
354.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2007 - 08-
Colours-Red (red/black), Matte Black (black/black), White (black/black)
Make ModelSuzuki GSF 650S Bandit-
Dimensions
Seat Height770 - 790 mm / 30.3 - 31.1 in770 mm / 30.3 in.
Wheelbase1440 mm / 56.7 in1,450 mm / 57.1 in.
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1090 mm / 42.9 in-
Length2110 mm / 83.1 in-
Width770 mm / 30.3 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight204 kg / 450 lbs161 kg / 354.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal15.00 litres / 3.96 gallons
Performance
Top Speed198.7 km/h / 123.5 mph-
Max Power57.4 kW / 77 hp @ 10500 rpm-
Max Torque54 Nm / 5.5 kgf-m / 39.8 lb-ft @ 9500 rpm50.60 Nm (5.2 kgf-m or 37.3 ft.lbs)
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.4898 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.5 sec-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.0 x 57.2 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 2.3 inches
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Desmodromic valve control
Displacement (ci)-42.47 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-696.00 cc
Displacement656cc / 40.0 cu in-
Engine DetailAir/oil cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.-
Fuel System-Injection. Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Bore x Stroke65.5 x 48.7 mm-
Compression Ratio10.5:110.7:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooled-
Exhaust-2 aluminium mufflers
Fuel Consumption4.8 L/100 km / 20.9 km/l / 49.2 US mpg / 59.0 Imp mpg-
Fuel Induction4 x Keihin CVR 32 carburetors-
IgnitionDigital transistorized -
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-2
Drivetrain
Clutch-APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Transmission / Drive6 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble cradleTubular steel trellis frame
Suspension - Front41mm Telescopic fork, preload fully adjustableShowa 43mm upside-down forks
Suspension - RearLink type, oil damped, mono-shock, spring pre-load 7-way adjustable, rebound damping 4-way adjustableProgressive linkage with preload and rebound Sachs adjustable monoshock
Rake-24.0°
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-148 mm / 5.8 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-245 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 290 mm Discs, 2 piston calipersDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle 240 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/60-ZR17
Tyres - Rear160/60 ZR17160/60-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Ducati Monster 696

The 2009 Ducati Monster 696 edges out the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit thanks to its lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2009 Ducati Monster 696 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 161 kg vs 204 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit vs 2009 Ducati Monster 696 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit and 2009 Ducati Monster 696?
The 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit uses Air/oil cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2009 Ducati Monster 696 is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit or the 2009 Ducati Monster 696?
The 2009 Ducati Monster 696 is lighter at 161 kg compared to 204 kg for the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit - a difference of 43 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit or the 2009 Ducati Monster 696?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit has its own strengths, while the 2009 Ducati Monster 696 stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.