2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S vs 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder
Power
110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
220 kg / 485 lbs
2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX

Sport touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
507.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2013-
Colours-Black, green/black
Make ModelDucati Multistrada 1200S-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-135 mm
Seat Height850 mm / 33.4 in820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1530mm / 60.2 in1,445 mm / 56.9 in.
Height1310 mm / 51.5 in1,170 mm / 46.1 in.
Length2200 mm / 86.6 in2,105 mm / 82.9 in.
Width945 mm / 37.2 in790 mm / 31.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight192 kg / 423 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons
Wet Weight220 kg / 485 lbs230.0 kg / 507.1 lbs
Performance
Max Power110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm-
Max Torque124.5 Nm / 12.7 kgm / 91.8 lb-ft @ 7500rpm111.00 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.9 ft.lbs) @ 11300
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.8 sec-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.2 inches
Displacement (ci)-63.64 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1043.00 cc
Fuel Control-DOHC
Bore x Stroke (mm)-77.0 x 56.0 mm
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinderReed valve.
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke106 x 67.9 mm-
Compression Ratio11.5:111.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes-
Fuel Consumption6.0 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg / 47.5 Imp mpg-
Fuel InductionMitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies-
IgnitionMarelli electronicDigital
LubricationWet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.Wet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain #530, front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 40Chain
Gear Ratios1st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th 24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25-
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frameAluminium twin-tube
Suspension - FrontSach 48 mm fully adjustable USD forks. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment. Electronic spring preload with DSS aluminium single-sided swingarmHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability
Rake25° 24.5°
Trail110 mm / 4.33 in102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.7 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS as standard equipmentDouble disc. Floating discs.
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55 - ZR17190/50-ZR17
Wheels - Front10-spoke light alloy, 3.50 x 17-
Wheels - Rear10-spoke light alloy, 6.00 x 17-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S and the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S vs 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S and 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX?
The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX?
The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S has the edge in liquid cooling, while the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX stands out for 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.