2012 Ducati Monster 796 vs 2011 Honda CB 1000R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Ducati Monster 796 2012 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
2011 Honda CB 1000R 2011 Honda CB 1000R

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
123.4 hp / 92 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
228.6 km/h / 142.0 mph
Weight
217 kg / 478.4 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20122011
Colours-Pearl Black
Make ModelDucati Monster 796Honda CB 1000R
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-127 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.0 inches
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in828 mm / 32.6 in
Wheelbase1450 mm / 57.1in1445 mm / 56.8 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in
Width-1,016 mm / 40.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight167 kg - 369 lbs / 169 kg -373 lbs ABS version220 kg / 485.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity15 L / 4.0 USgal / 3.3 Imp gal (13.5 L / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal ABS version)17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight187 kg / 412 lbs217 kg / 478.4 lbs
Performance
Mods from previous model-Also called USHighland 507 ATX QuadRacer.
Top Speed200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph228.6 km/h / 142.0 mph
Max Power64 kW / 87 hp @ 8250 rpm123.4 hp / 92 kW @ 10000 rpm
Max Torque78.5 Nm / 8.0 kgf-m 58 lb-ft @ 6250rpm100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.1 sec11.3 sec
Engine
Fuel Control-DOHC
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Displacement803 cc / 49.0 cu in998 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Fuel System-Injection. PGM-FI Fuel injection with automatic enrichment circuit and 36mm throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke88 x 66 mm75 x 56.5 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:111.2:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Meets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
ExhaustLightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin lambda probes-
Fuel Consumption5.2 L/100 km / 19.1 km/l . 45 US mpg / 54 Imp mpg18.3 km/lit
Fuel InductionSiemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle bodyPGM-F1 Electronic fuel injection36mm throttle bodies
IgnitionMarelli electronicComputer controlled digital transistorized
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V/8.6AH
Drivetrain
ClutchAPTC wet multiplate with hydraulic controlWet, multiplate with coil springs.
Final DriveChain; front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 39#530 O-ring sealed chain
Gear Ratios1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/261: 2.538 (33/13) / - 2: 1.941 (33/17) / - 3: 1.579 (30/19) / - 4: 1.363 (30/22) / - 5: 1.217 (28/23) / - 6: 1.115 (29/26)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary DriveStraight cut gears; ratio 1.85:1#530 0-ring chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellisMono-back born coast aluminous
Suspension - FrontShowa 43mm upside-down forks43mm Inverted HMAS cartridge type telescopic forks, with stepless reload, compression and rebound adjustable
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with piggy back aluminum swing armMonoshock with gas charged HMAS damper rebound adjustable
Rake24° 25.0°
Trail87mm / 3.42 in99.0mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear148 mm / 5.8 in128 mm / 5.0 in
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationDigital 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.-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.1 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-256 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers2x 310mm discs 3 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 256mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 -ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear160/55 -ZR17180/50 ZR17
Wheels - Front-Hollow-section 4-spoke cast aluminium
Wheels - Rear-U-section 4-spoke cast aluminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Ducati Monster 796

The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 edges out the 2011 Honda CB 1000R 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

2012 Ducati Monster 796 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 187 kg vs 217 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 800 mm vs 828 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 128 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2011 Honda CB 1000R - 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.
  • Larger displacement: 998 cc vs 803 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2012 Ducati Monster 796 vs 2011 Honda CB 1000R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 and 2011 Honda CB 1000R?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder, while the 2011 Honda CB 1000R is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 or the 2011 Honda CB 1000R?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 is lighter at 187 kg compared to 217 kg for the 2011 Honda CB 1000R - a difference of 30 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Ducati Monster 796 or the 2011 Honda CB 1000R?
The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 Honda CB 1000R sits higher at 828 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 2012 Ducati Monster 796 or the 2011 Honda CB 1000R?
The 2011 Honda CB 1000R has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 15 litres for the 2012 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 2012 Ducati Monster 796 or the 2011 Honda CB 1000R?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Ducati Monster 796 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2011 Honda CB 1000R stands out for larger fuel tank and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.