Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 vs. Ducati Monster 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 and the Ducati Monster 2023 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and high-quality components.

Starting with the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023, it is equipped with a four-cylinder engine that delivers 125 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. The fuel system is injection-based, and the engine displacement is 948 ccm. The bike features a liquid-cooled system and has a steel frame with a double cradle design. The front suspension consists of a telescopic upside-down fork, while the rear suspension includes a swingarm with a monoshock and adjustable preload and recovery. The braking system consists of dual discs with a diameter of 300 mm and four-piston calipers from Brembo. The bike also comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, traction control, and ride-by-wire. The Z900 SE 2023 has a width of 120 mm for the front tire and 180 mm for the rear tire, both with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1450 mm, and the seat height is 795 mm. The bike weighs 210 kg with ABS and is equipped with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT screen.

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

On the other hand, the Ducati Monster 2023 features a V-twin engine that produces 111 HP of power and 93 Nm of torque. The fuel system is also injection-based, and the engine displacement is 937 ccm. The bike has a liquid-cooled system and an aluminum frame with a load-bearing engine design. The front suspension consists of a telescopic upside-down fork, and the rear suspension includes a swingarm with a monoshock and adjustable preload. The braking system consists of dual discs with a diameter of 320 mm and four-piston radial monobloc calipers from Brembo. The Monster 2023 is equipped with various advanced rider assistance systems, including riding modes, ABS for curves, launch control, ride-by-wire, quick shift, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The front tire has a width of 120 mm, and the rear tire has a width of 180 mm, both with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer than the Z900 SE at 1474 mm, and the seat height is 775 mm. The bike weighs 188 kg with ABS and features LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT screen.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 offers a powerful and pleasantly sounding four-cylinder engine, high-quality chassis components including Öhlins suspension at the rear, strong Brembo M4-32 brakes, and good ergonomics for easy handling. On the other hand, the Ducati Monster 2023 boasts a typical Ducati engine with charisma, a comfortable seating position, a good and responsive braking system, agile behavior, high-quality components, and a complete electronic package including ABS for curves and angle-dependent traction control.

Ducati Monster 2023

However, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 has some weaknesses, such as the absence of quick shift and angle-dependent traction control, as well as ABS in curves due to the lack of an IMU. Additionally, the bike has a relatively high weight of 210 kg with ABS. On the other hand, the Ducati Monster 2023 has a few drawbacks, including strong jerks at low revs from the engine, a front fork that is tuned too softly, and the absence of the iconic trellis frame that made it unmistakably a Monster.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 and the Ducati Monster 2023 offer powerful performance and high-quality components. The Z900 SE excels in terms of its four-cylinder engine and chassis components, while the Monster stands out with its charismatic Ducati engine and complete electronic package. However, each bike has its own weaknesses, such as the lack of certain features in the Z900 SE and the changes in the Monster's design. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and priorities.