Ducati Monster 821 2017 vs. Kawasaki Z650 2020

Ducati Monster 821 2017

Ducati Monster 821 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

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Overview - Ducati Monster 821 2017 vs Kawasaki Z650 2020

The Ducati Monster 821 2017 and the Kawasaki Z650 2020 are both popular naked bikes with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the Ducati Monster 821 2017, it boasts a V-twin engine with a power output of 109 HP and a torque of 87 Nm. The fuel system is injection-based, and it has a displacement of 821cc. The suspension consists of an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The frame is made of steel and has a tubular design. The front brakes are double disk with four pistons and radial, monoblock technology. The front tire has a width of 120mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 180mm and the same diameter. The wheelbase measures 1480mm, and the seat height is 785mm. With ABS, the bike weighs 205.5 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 17.5 liters.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 features an inline twin-cylinder engine with a power output of 68.2 HP and a torque of 65.7 Nm. Similar to the Ducati, it also has an injection-based fuel system and a liquid cooling system. The displacement is slightly lower at 649cc. The front suspension consists of a telescopic fork, and the rear suspension has a monoshock. The frame is made of steel with a tubular design. The front brakes are double disk with double pistons and petal technology. The front tire has a width of 120mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 160mm and the same diameter. The wheelbase measures 1410mm, and the seat height is 790mm. With ABS, the bike weighs 187.1 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 15 liters.

Ducati Monster 821 2017

Ducati Monster 821 2017

In terms of strengths, the Ducati Monster 821 2017 has a long-standing reputation for its superb looks, powerful and harmonious engine, comfortable seating position, and adjustable seat height. It also boasts good workmanship and a full range of electronics, providing a modern riding experience.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has its own set of strengths. It features a powerful two-cylinder engine that delivers a thrilling ride, accompanied by an aggressive intake noise. The bike's compact dimensions and low seat height make it accessible to a wide range of riders. It also has a stable chassis and a TFT display with connectivity, adding a modern touch to the riding experience. Additionally, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has a more mature and grown-up look compared to its predecessor.

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Ducati Monster 821 2017 has a non-adjustable suspension fork, which may limit customization options for riders. Additionally, some riders have found the brakes to be a little too sensitive.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has been criticized for its front brake pressure point, which may require some adjustment for optimal performance. It is also worth noting that the ride may be uncomfortable for taller riders due to the bike's compact dimensions. Lastly, the Rideology App, although a great addition, may not be as sophisticated as some riders would prefer.

In conclusion, the Ducati Monster 821 2017 and the Kawasaki Z650 2020 are both impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ducati offers a powerful engine, comfortable seating position, and a range of electronics, while the Kawasaki boasts a thrilling ride, compact dimensions, and a modern look. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's personal preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Ducati Monster 821 2017 compared to Kawasaki Z650 2020

Ducati Monster 821 2017
Kawasaki Z650 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88 mmBore83 mm
StrokeStroke67.5 mmStroke60 mm
Engine powerEngine power109 HPEngine power68.2 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque87 NmTorque65.7 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,750 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.8 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDesmodromicValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement821 ccmDisplacement649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork

Suspension Rear

Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
TechnologyTechnologyradial, MonoblockTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,154 mmLength2,055 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,480 mmWheelbase1,410 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height785 mmSeat Height790 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)205.5 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)187.1 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity17.5 lFuel Tank Capacity15 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Ducati Monster 821 2017

Ducati Monster 821 2017

The Ducati Monster 821 fits perfectly into the gap between the entry-level Monster 797 and the top-of-the-range Monster 1200. The Monster 821, with its many electronic gadgets such as adjustable ABS, adjustable traction control, riding modes and colour TFT display, is more in line with the 1200 models. The typical V2 engine with desmodromic works powerfully but also very harmoniously, the chassis lacks adjustment options, especially on the fork, but the comfortable compromise can still be seen and felt. Visually, there is nothing to criticise anyway, the Monster 821 is also clearly recognisable as a Monster and, above all, in the yellow paintwork, a worthy model for the 25th anniversary of Monster.

25 years of superb looks

powerful and harmonious engine

comfortable seating position

adjustable seat height

good workmanship

full range of electronics

Suspension fork not adjustable: brakes a little too toxic

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

It's simply marvellous what Kawasaki has put together in a complete package with the new Z650. The technical components may not knock your socks off individually, but in combination they make for a pleasantly neutral motorbike that everyone will enjoy. No bitchy idiosyncrasies - simply a naked bike that works really well on winding country roads. Of course, the TFT display, which we don't find in the competition at the moment, is a plus, as is the grown-up look, which is strongly oriented towards the larger Z models. Only the pressure point of the front brake could have been more clearly defined - but you can't have everything in this price range.

powerful two-cylinder engine

aggressive intake noise

compact dimensions

low seat height

stable chassis

TFT display with connectivity

grown-up look

Front brake pressure point

probably uncomfortable for tall riders

Rideology Appn och not 100% sophisticated.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Ducati Monster 821 vs Kawasaki Z650

There are a few key differences between a Ducati Monster 821 2017 and a Kawasaki Z650 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Ducati Monster 821 2017 is about 35% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z650 2020 there are less Ducati Monster 821 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 21. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z650 with 80 days compared to 114 days for the Ducati Monster 821. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 5 reviews for the Ducati Monster 821 and 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 since model year 2017. The first review for the Ducati Monster 821 was published on 27/05/2014 and now has more than 12,500 views. This compares to more than 25,000 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z650 published on 08/11/2016.

Price Ducati Monster 821

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

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