2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2009 Ducati Monster 696

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
238 km/h / 148 mph
Weight
221 kg / 487.2 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-
ColoursMetallic Diablo BlackRed (red/black), Matte Black (black/black), White (black/black)
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1000-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)160 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)6.3 inches-
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in770 mm / 30.3 in.
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1,450 mm / 57.1 in.
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height1055 mm / 41.5 in-
Length2080 mm / 81.9 in-
Width770 mm / 30.3 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs161 kg / 354.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal15.00 litres / 3.96 gallons
Wet Weight221 kg / 487.2 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed238 km/h / 148 mph-
Max Power127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm-
Max Torque95.6 Nm / 70.5 ft/ lbs @ 8000 rpm50.60 Nm (5.2 kgf-m or 37.3 ft.lbs)
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.4898 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.3 sec / 122 mph-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.0 x 57.2 mm
Displacement (cc)-696.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-42.47 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 2.3 inches
Fuel ControlDOHCDesmodromic valve control
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Displacement953 cc / 58.1 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.-
Fuel SystemInjection. EFI, Keihin 36mm throttle body x4Injection. Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Bore x Stroke77.2 x 50.9 mm-
Compression Ratio11.2:110.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40-
Exhaust-2 aluminium mufflers
Fuel Consumption18.9 km/lit-
Fuel Induction4x 38mm throttle bodies-
IgnitionDigital -
LubricationWet sump-
Spark PlugNGK, CR9EK-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-2
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operatedAPTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, Backbone frameTubular steel trellis frame
Suspension - Front41mm cartridge fork, rebound, spring preload adjustableShowa 43mm upside-down forks
Suspension - RearUni-Trak, rebound spring preload adjustableProgressive linkage with preload and rebound Sachs adjustable monoshock
Rake25°24.0°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in-
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-148 mm / 5.8 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)10.6 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)268 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)8.5 inches9.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)216 mm245 mm
Brakes - Front2x 300mm 4 piston calipersDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front120/70 R17120/60-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/50 R17160/60-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Ducati Monster 696

The 2009 Ducati Monster 696 edges out the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, fuel injection and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

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

2009 Ducati Monster 696 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 161 kg vs 221 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 770 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2009 Ducati Monster 696 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 and 2009 Ducati Monster 696?
The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2009 Ducati Monster 696 is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2009 Ducati Monster 696?
The 2009 Ducati Monster 696 is lighter at 161 kg compared to 221 kg for the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 - a difference of 60 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2009 Ducati Monster 696?
The 2009 Ducati Monster 696 has the lower seat at 770 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2009 Ducati Monster 696?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the edge in liquid cooling, while the 2009 Ducati Monster 696 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.