Ducati Monster SP 2023 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Ducati Monster SP 2023

Ducati Monster SP 2023

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

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Overview - Ducati Monster SP 2023 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

The Ducati Monster SP 2023 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 are both naked bikes that offer powerful engines and advanced suspension systems. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

Starting with the engines, both bikes have similar engine power with 111 HP. The Ducati Monster SP 2023 has a V-type engine with a displacement of 937cc, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 has an in-line engine with a displacement of 948cc. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

In terms of torque, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 has 93 Nm, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 has slightly higher torque at 98.5 Nm. This difference in torque may result in a slightly more responsive acceleration on the Kawasaki.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The rear suspension on both bikes is provided by Öhlins. However, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 offers more adjustment options for the front and rear suspension, including compression, preload, and rebound adjustments. The Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 only offers preload and rebound adjustments for the rear suspension.

Ducati Monster SP 2023

Ducati Monster SP 2023

In terms of braking, both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 320mm for the Ducati and 300mm for the Kawasaki. Both bikes also feature four-piston Brembo calipers and radial monoblock technology for improved braking performance. The Ducati Monster SP 2023 has the advantage of additional braking technology such as cornering ABS and launch control.

When it comes to chassis, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 features an aluminum frame, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 has a steel frame. The Ducati's load-bearing engine design provides a more compact and lightweight frame, contributing to its lower curb weight of 186kg compared to the Kawasaki's 215kg.

In terms of rider assistance systems, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 offers a wide range of advanced features including riding modes, quickshifter, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022, on the other hand, only offers ABS and traction control.

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front and rear tire widths and diameters. The Ducati has a slightly shorter wheelbase at 1472mm compared to the Kawasaki's 1470mm. The seat height is also slightly lower on the Ducati at 810mm compared to the Kawasaki's 835mm. The fuel tank capacity is larger on the Kawasaki at 17 liters compared to the Ducati's 14 liters, resulting in a longer range of 326km compared to the Ducati's 269km. Both bikes have a combined fuel consumption of 5.2 l/100km.

In terms of strengths, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 offers a lively and high-torque engine, finely responsive Öhlins suspension, powerful Brembo Stylema brakes, a beautiful sound from the Termignoni exhaust, sporty ergonomics, and a good quickshifter. The Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 offers exclusivity, an Öhlins shock, Brembo brakes with Stahlflex, classic round clocks, a powerful engine, and fewer electronics.

In terms of weaknesses, the Ducati Monster SP 2023 is reported to have jerking in the low rev range, a very high price, and a sluggish clutch. The Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 lacks cruise control and is often sold out quickly.

In summary, both the Ducati Monster SP 2023 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 offer powerful engines, advanced suspension systems, and high-quality components. The Ducati provides more advanced rider assistance systems and a lighter weight, while the Kawasaki offers exclusivity and classic styling. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Ducati Monster SP 2023 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Ducati Monster SP 2023
Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore94 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke67.5 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power111 HPEngine power111 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque93 NmTorque98.5 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.3 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore53 mmThrottle Bore36 mm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, AntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDesmodromicValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement937 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel140 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
BrandBrandÖhlinsBrandÖhlins
TravelTravel150 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake67 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail87 mmTrail98 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, MonoblockTechnologyradial, Monoblock
BrandBrandBremboBrandBrembo

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter245 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRiding modes, Cornering ABS, Launch-Control, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

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 width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,472 mmWheelbase1,470 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height810 mmSeat Height835 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)186 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)215 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity17 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange269 kmRange326 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions120 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions124 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption5.2 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption5.2 l/100km

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Ducati Monster SP 2023

Ducati Monster SP 2023

The SP version is clearly the more expensive, but also clearly the better Ducati Monster. Everything fits together perfectly, because it is typically Ducati sporty. The fully adjustable Öhlins suspension (including the fork in Swedish gold!) fulfils its purpose perfectly, the Brembo Stylema braking system grips vehemently but not unpleasantly and the seating position, with its slightly more forward lean, is sporty but still comfortable. Even the engine fits very well into the concept of the very sporty mid-range naked bike - it wants to be revved and delivers the most power at the top end. If you are looking for a flaw in the Monster SP, it is most likely the jerking of the V2 at low revs, but true fans of the 90° V2 engine will not be offended by this at all. The price is not a problem either, as the Italians pay a pretty high price for the performance of the SP version.

lively, high-torque engine

finely responsive Öhlins suspension

very well controllable, powerful Brembo Stylema brakes

beautiful sound from the Termignoni exhaust

sporty ergonomics

good quickshifter

Jerking in the low rev range

very high price

sluggish clutch

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

Kawasaki has done everything right with the Z900RS SE. The fact that the already very good and extremely charismatic Z900RS has been further upgraded with noble components not only feeds pride of ownership, but also brings the small advantages in the very sporty serious case that bring the summit victory. I would modify the saying "The better is the enemy of the good" for RS SE and RS as follows: "The better is the friend of the good." Whether RS or RS SE, retro at its best.

Exclusivity

Öhlins shock

Brembo with Stahlflex

Classic round clocks

Powerful engine

Few electronics

No cruise control

Always sold out right away

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Ducati Monster SP vs Kawasaki Z900 RS SE

There are a few key differences between a Ducati Monster SP 2023 and a Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 18. It takes less time to sell a Ducati Monster SP with 110 days compared to 168 days for a Kawasaki Z900 RS SE. Since model year 2023 1000PS.de editors have written 8 reviews for the Ducati Monster SP and 8 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE since model year 2022. The first review for the Ducati Monster SP was published on 15/09/2022 and now has more than 44,700 views. This compares to more than 59,000 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 RS SE published on 16/08/2021.

Price Ducati Monster SP

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS SE

Model year
Current average market prices

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