Kawasaki Z900 vs Ducati Monster
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Kawasaki Z900 and Ducati Monster are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Kawasaki Z900 undercuts the Ducati Monster by about $3,196, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Z900 leads on power with 124 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickKawasaki
Kawasaki Z900
Ducati
Ducati MonsterThe verdict
The Kawasaki Z900 edges it overall at 8.3/10, but the Ducati Monster wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Ducati Monster
111 hp.
Kawasaki Z900
124 hp and 0.58 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Kawasaki Z900
Our 8.3/10 at $9,799, the most bike per dollar.
Ducati Monster
188 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Kawasaki Z900
Our top score in this matchup at 8.3/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Kawasaki Z900 vs Ducati Monster: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Ducati Monster?
The Kawasaki Z900 makes the most power at 124 hp and 98.6 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Ducati Monster?
The Kawasaki Z900 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $9,799.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Ducati Monster?
The Ducati Monster is the lightest at 188 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Ducati Monster?
For a new rider we'd point to the Ducati Monster: 111 hp and 188 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
