2018 Kawasaki Z 900 vs 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Kawasaki Z 900 2018 Kawasaki Z 900

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
210 kg / 463.1 lbs
2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
465.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2018-
Colours-Red, black
Make ModelKawasaki Z 900-
Warranty-2 years unlimited mileage
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-810 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-31.9 inches
Seat Height795 mm / 32.8 in785 mm / 30.9 in.
Wheelbase1450 mm / 57.1 in1,511 mm / 59.5 in.
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1065 mm / 41.9 in1,040 mm / 40.9 in.
Length2065 mm / 81.5 in2,200 mm / 86.6 in.
Width825 mm / 32.3 in830 mm / 32.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-185 kg / 407.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal16.50 litres / 4.36 gallons
Wet Weight210 kg / 463.1 lbs211.0 kg / 465.2 lbs
Performance
Max Power125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm-
Max Torque98 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700124.00 Nm (12.6 kgf-m or 91.5 ft.lbs) @ 7750 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.7946 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)-106.0 x 67.9 mm
CO2-120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (cc)-1198.40 cc
Displacement (ci)-73.13 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.2 x 2.7 inches
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Desmodromic valve control
Displacement948 cc / 57.8 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection. 53mm throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire
Bore x Stroke73.4 x 56.0mm-
Compression Ratio11.8:112.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Emissions-Euro 4
Exhaust-Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflers
Fuel Consumption-5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l or 45.23 mpg)
Fuel InductionDFIØ with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies-
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advance -
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
Final DriveSealed chainChain
Final Drive Ratio2.933 (44/15)-
Gear Ratios1st 2.692 (35/13) 2nd 2.059 (35/17) 3rd 1.650 (33/20) 4th 1.409 (31/22) 5th 1.222 (33/27) 6th 1.034 (30/29)-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive Ratios1.627 (83/51)-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high tensile steelTubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders head
Suspension - Front41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustabilityOhlins fully adjustable usd fork
Suspension - RearHorizontal back-link, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preloadProgressive linkage with Ohlins monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable, Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake24°23.3°
Seat-Dual seat
Trail103 mm / 4.1 in93 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in149 mm / 5.9 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Colour TFT display
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-245 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.6 inches
Brakes - Front2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipersDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Rims-Y-shaped 3-spoke in light alloy
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55ZR17190/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S

The 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S edges out the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 thanks to its fuel injection, dual front discs, 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

2018 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

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

2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S - 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.
  • More rear wheel travel: 149 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Kawasaki Z 900 vs 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 and 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 or the 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 has the edge in liquid cooling, while the 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 S 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.