Can Ducati Monster 821 take down Kawasaki Z800?

Ducati, one of the finest motorcycle manufacturers across the globe, recently kick-started its operations in India. The manufacturer brought to show its incredible naked sport range – Monster that comprises of several models viz. S2R, 795, 821 Dark, 821, 1200, 1200 S and 1200 S Stripe. Out of the lot, Ducati Monster 821 seems to be the perfect challenger to Kawasaki Z800, which is a quite popular mid-weight performance motorcycle in the country.

Styling and Appearance:

Naked sports motorcycles are often very aggressive looking and so are Ducati Monster 821 and Kawasaki Z800. Although, the bikes have their own USPs and plus points, it is difficult to choose or remark which one is better.

Monster 821 has been designed meticulously, the details are very neat, the quality of each and every part is up to mark and the overall aesthetics are simply mesmerising. The L-Twin engine with 2 into 1 exhaust system has been designed to add more crispness to the looks of the motorcycle. Assembled on a semi-naked trellis frame, the bike not only shines like a star but also performs like a winner.

Kawasaki Z800 looks like an enticing toy with which every rider wants to play. The sharp curves and edges on the tank are pretty appealing. With a headlight unit that appears to be a predator in dark simply enlightens the innovation of the manufacturer. The incredible design is the consequence of the Kawasaki’s ‘Sugomi’ design, which is also found in its elder sibling Z1000. The initial ‘Z’ can be seen in every single part of the motorcycle that truly makes its design commendable.

Engine and Transmission:

Ducati Monster houses an 821cc, liquid-cooled, Testastretta 11 degree L-Twin engine with 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder. The motor is tuned to generate a maximum power of 112bhp at 9,250rpm with a peak torque of 89.4Nm at 7,750rpm. With electronic fuel injection system that has 53mm throttle bodies and full Ride by Wire, the mill is mated to a 6-speed gearbox that works with APTC slipper and self-servo wet multi-plate clutch arrangement.

Kawasaki Z800 is propelled by an 803cc, liquid-cooled, inline 4-cylinder, DOHC motor that is linked to a 6-speed gearbox, which further boasts of assist and slipper clutch. The mill produces a topmost power of 111.4bhp at 10,200rpm and utmost torque of 83Nm at 8,000rpm. The engine also gets electronic fuel injection system with 34mm Keihin throttle bodies to enhance the performance.

Chassis and Engineering:

Ducati Monster 821 is crafted on Tubular steel Trellis frame. On the other hand, Kawasaki Z800 is built on high-tensile steel backbone frame. Moreover, both of them offer quite similar equipment such as 17” alloys, 120mm wide front tyre, 180mm wide rear tyre, dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake, standard ABS, Upside-Down front forks and rear mono-shock suspension. However, the front forks of Monster 821 are 2mm wider than the 41mm forks of Z800. Disc brake size of the bikes also varies from 5-10mm.

Prices and Verdict:

It seems pretty obvious that Ducati Monster 821 is quite a better option than Kawasaki Z800 but when the price comes to play, some people might go for Z800 and save a hefty amount of Rs. 1.7 lac. However, true fans of Ducati will not miss a chance of buying the Monster that is priced at Rs. 9.8 lac.