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Street Cred Showdown: Ducati Monster 1200 Vs Kawasaki Z1000

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...

What To Know

  • The Ducati Monster 1200 also has a TFT display, while the Kawasaki Z1000 has an analog tachometer and speedometer.
  • The Ducati Monster 1200 is more powerful and has a more aggressive riding position, while the Kawasaki Z1000 is lighter and has a more comfortable riding position.

The Ducati Monster 1200 and Kawasaki Z1000 are two of the most iconic naked motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a thrilling combination of power, agility, and style. But which one is the better choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Ducati Monster 1200 and Kawasaki Z1000 in detail to help you make an informed decision.

Engine and Performance

The Ducati Monster 1200 is powered by a 1,198cc Testastretta 11° DS engine that produces 145 horsepower and 93 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki Z1000 is powered by a 1,043cc inline-four engine that produces 142 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Ducati Monster 1200 has a slight edge in terms of power and torque. However, the Kawasaki Z1000 is lighter than the Ducati Monster 1200, which gives it a better power-to-weight ratio. This means that the Kawasaki Z1000 is actually faster than the Ducati Monster 1200 in a straight line.

Handling

The Ducati Monster 1200 and Kawasaki Z1000 are both very agile and easy to handle. However, the Ducati Monster 1200 has a slightly more aggressive riding position than the Kawasaki Z1000, which makes it better suited for track riding. The Kawasaki Z1000, on the other hand, has a more upright riding position, which makes it more comfortable for long rides.

Braking

The Ducati Monster 1200 and Kawasaki Z1000 both have excellent brakes. The Ducati Monster 1200 has Brembo brakes, while the Kawasaki Z1000 has Tokico brakes. Both sets of brakes provide plenty of stopping power and feel.

Suspension

The Ducati Monster 1200 and Kawasaki Z1000 both have adjustable suspension. The Ducati Monster 1200 has Öhlins suspension, while the Kawasaki Z1000 has Showa suspension. Both sets of suspension provide a comfortable ride and good handling.

Features

The Ducati Monster 1200 and Kawasaki Z1000 both come with a variety of features, including:

  • ABS
  • Traction control
  • Wheelie control
  • Launch control
  • Quick shifter
  • Cruise control

The Ducati Monster 1200 also has a TFT display, while the Kawasaki Z1000 has an analog tachometer and speedometer.

Price

The Ducati Monster 1200 starts at $13,495, while the Kawasaki Z1000 starts at $10,999. The Ducati Monster 1200 is more expensive than the Kawasaki Z1000, but it also comes with more features.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Ducati Monster 1200 and Kawasaki Z1000 are both excellent naked motorcycles. The Ducati Monster 1200 is more powerful and has a more aggressive riding position, while the Kawasaki Z1000 is lighter and has a more comfortable riding position. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re looking for a naked motorcycle that’s similar to the Ducati Monster 1200 and Kawasaki Z1000, you may also want to consider the following bikes:

  • Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
  • KTM 1290 Super Duke R
  • Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory

Final Note: The Ultimate Choice

The Ducati Monster 1200 and Kawasaki Z1000 are two of the best naked motorcycles on the market. They offer a thrilling combination of power, agility, and style. The Ducati Monster 1200 is more powerful and has a more aggressive riding position, while the Kawasaki Z1000 is lighter and has a more comfortable riding position. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which bike is faster, the Ducati Monster 1200 or the Kawasaki Z1000?
A: The Kawasaki Z1000 is faster than the Ducati Monster 1200 in a straight line.

Q: Which bike has better handling, the Ducati Monster 1200 or the Kawasaki Z1000?
A: The Ducati Monster 1200 has slightly better handling than the Kawasaki Z1000, especially on the track.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable, the Ducati Monster 1200 or the Kawasaki Z1000?
A: The Kawasaki Z1000 is more comfortable than the Ducati Monster 1200, especially on long rides.

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Matthew

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
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