2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS vs 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS

Classic

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
412.3 pounds
2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Classic

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
414.5 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmartphone Connectivity.-
ColoursMetallic Moondust Gray/EbonyBlack
Warranty12 Month Limited Warranty-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)124 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)4.9 inches-
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in.805 mm / 31.7 in.
Wheelbase1405 mm / 55.3 in.1,436 mm / 56.5 in.
Height1115 mm / 43.9 in.1,066 mm / 42.0 in.
Length2065 mm / 81.3 in.2,107 mm / 83.0 in.
Width765 mm / 30.1 in.810 mm / 31.9 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-172 kg / 379.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity15.14 litres / 4.00 US gallons13.50 litres / 3.57 gallons
Wet Weight187.0 kg / 412.3 lbs188.0 kg / 414.5 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM12500-
Max Torque65.7 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions"68.00 Nm (6.9 kgf-m or 50.2 ft.lbs) @ 5750 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.4360 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)83.0 x 60.0 mm88.0 x 66.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.3 x 2.4 inches3.5 x 2.6 inches
CO2103.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement (ci)39.60 cubic inches49.00 cubic inches
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Desmodromic valve control
Displacement (cc)649.0 cc803.00 cc
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailDie-cast aluminium cylinder and lightweight coated pistons-
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI® with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesInjection. Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body
Compression Ratio10.8:111.0:1
Emissions-Euro 4
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, semi dry sump-
Exhaust-Exhaust system with single stainless steel muffler, Termignoni silencer with alluminium covers, catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes
Fuel Consumption4.44 litres/100 km (22.5 km/l or 52.98 mpg)-
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advance-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-2
Drivetrain
ClutchAssist and Slipper ClutchWet multiplate clutch with mechanical control
Final DriveChain   (final drive)Chain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steelTubular steel Trellis
Suspension - Front41 mm telescopic forkUpside down Kayaba 41 mm fork
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with preload adjustmentKayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarm
Rake24.0°21.8°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in.94 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front124 mm / 4.9 in.150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in.150 mm / 5.9 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationDual-dial instrumentation with multi-function LCD screen-
Lighting systemRound LED headlight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-245 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-330 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-13.0 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.6 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Petal-type rotors with two-piston calipers. ABS.Single disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Petal disc. Single-piston. ABS.Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Single-piston caliper.
RimsSpoke-style cast wheels. Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires10-spoke in light alloy,
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70-17
Tyres - Rear-180/55-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer edges out the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS thanks to its higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS - Advantages

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

2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 124 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS vs 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS and 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer?
The 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS or the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer?
Both are strong choices. The 2023 Kawasaki Z 650RS has the edge in dual front discs, while the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer stands out for higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.