MotoSpecs

2021 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2018 Ducati Monster 821

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 Kawasaki Z 650 2021 Kawasaki Z 650

Naked bike

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
50.2 kW / 67.3 hp
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
412.3 pounds
2018 Ducati Monster 821 2018 Ducati Monster 821

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder
Power
80 kW / 109 hp @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
206 kg / 454 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmartphone Connectivity-
Year20212017 - 18
ColoursPearl Blizzard White/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 650Ducati Monster 821
Warranty12 Month Limited Warranty-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches-
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in785 mm - 810 mm / 30.9 in - 31.9 in
Wheelbase1410 mm / 55.5 in1480 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1064 mm / 41.9 in-
Length2065 mm / 81.3 in-
Width764.5 mm / 30.1 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-180.5 kg / 398 lbs
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 4.0 US gal16.5 Litres / 4.36 US gal
Wet Weight187 kg / 412.3 lbs206 kg / 454 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM12500-
Max Power50.2 kW / 67.3 hp80 kW / 109 hp @ 9250 rpm
Max Torque65.7 Nm / 48.5 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm86 Nm / 9.1 kgf-m / 63 lb-ft @ 7750 rpm
Engine
CO2103.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement649 cc / 39.65 cu-in821 cc / 50.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodies-
Bore x Stroke83 x 60 mm88 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.8:112.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, semi and #8209;dry sump-
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler and aluminium and cap; lightweight 2-1 system with catalytic converter with 2 lambda probes
Fuel Consumption4.44 litres/100 km (22.5 km/l or 52.98 mpg)-
Fuel InductionDFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesElectronic fuel injection system, 53mm throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceMarelli electronic
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualSlipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with mechanical control
Final DriveSealed chainChain, Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 46
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 (39/16) 2nd 1.714 (36/21) 3rd 1.333 (32/24) 4th 1.111 (30/27) 5th 0.966 (28/29) 6th 0.852 (23/27)1st 37/15 2nd 30/17 3rd 28/20 4th 26/22 5th 24/23 6th 23/24
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chainStraight cut gears, ratio 1.85:1
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steelTubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders head
Suspension - Front41 mm hydraulic telescopic forkKayaba 43mm upside-down fork
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with adjustable preload swingarmProgressive linkage with adjustable monoshock. Aluminum double-sided swingarm
Rake24° 24.3°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in93.2mm / 3.7in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTFT Instrumentation-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm petal-style discs, 2 piston calipers2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo M4-32 callipers, 4-pistons, axial pump with ABS as standard equipment
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm petal-style discSingle 245 mm disc, 2-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipment
ABSOptional-
RimsDunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR 17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III
Tyres - Rear160/60 ZR7180/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III
Wheels - Front-10-spoke in light alloy, 3.50" x 17"
Wheels - Rear-10-spoke in light alloy, 5.50" x 17"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Ducati Monster 821

The 2018 Ducati Monster 821 edges out the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 thanks to its fuel injection, dual front discs, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2021 Kawasaki Z 650 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 187 kg vs 206 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2018 Ducati Monster 821 - Advantages

  • 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.
  • Larger displacement: 821 cc vs 649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2021 Kawasaki Z 650 vs 2018 Ducati Monster 821 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 and 2018 Ducati Monster 821?
The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2018 Ducati Monster 821 is powered by Four stroke, Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2018 Ducati Monster 821?
The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 is lighter at 187 kg compared to 206 kg for the 2018 Ducati Monster 821 - a difference of 19 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Does the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 or 2018 Ducati Monster 821 have ABS?
The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Ducati Monster 821 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 or the 2018 Ducati Monster 821?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Kawasaki Z 650 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and standard ABS, while the 2018 Ducati Monster 821 stands out for fuel injection and 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.

Related Comparisons

All Kawasaki Z 650 years All Ducati Monster 821 years
Build your own comparison →