2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
666.0 pounds
2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
460.8 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsLithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan.-
ColoursSand Cammo Denim, Black Denim, Candy Orange, Vivid BlackRed, Star White
Warranty-2 years unlimited mileage
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)4.8 inches-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-810 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-31.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)122 mm-
Seat Height650 mm / 25.6 in.785 mm / 30.9 in.
Wheelbase1,702 mm / 67.0 in.1,511 mm / 59.5 in.
Height1,005 mm / 39.6 in.1,040 mm / 40.9 in.
Length2,365 mm / 93.1 in.2,200 mm / 86.6 in.
Width625 mm / 24.6 in.830 mm / 32.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.31 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)4.70 litres-
Dry Weight288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs182 kg / 401.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons
Wet Weight302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs209.0 kg / 460.8 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Torque112.95 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 6750124.50 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 91.8 ft.lbs) @ 7250 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.0383 HP/kg0.7967 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.8 inches4.2 x 2.7 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)105.0 x 72.0 mm106.0 x 67.9 mm
CO2147.6 CO-
Displacement (cc)1250.08 cc1198.40 cc
Fuel Control-Desmodromic valve control
Displacement (ci)76.28 cubic inches73.13 cubic inches
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailLiquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-Twin-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel InjectionInjection. 53mm throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire
Compression Ratio11.5:112.5:1
EmissionsZero emissionEuro 3
ExhaustStraight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shieldLightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflers
Fuel Consumption6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
Final DriveBeltChain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveGear, 117/64 ratio primary drive-
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel tubeTubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders head
Suspension - FrontDual Hydraulic Shock AbsorberOhlins fully adjustable 48mm usd forks
Suspension - RearSingle Hydraulic Shock AbsorberProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake34.0°24.3°
Seat-Dual seat
Trail142 mm / 5.6 in.93 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-152 mm / 6.0 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationElectronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights, tachometerColour TFT display
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), coolant temperature, low fuel warnings-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-245 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.6 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. 4-pistonDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 2-pistonSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
RimsBlack, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ pinstripeY-shaped 3-spoke in light alloy
Tyres - Front80/100-10120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear80/100-10190/55-ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special and the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S 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

2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 650 mm vs 785 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S - Advantages

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

2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the lower seat at 650 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S sits higher at 785 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S stands out for dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.