DUCATI Desert X vs KAWASAKI Z900
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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.
Technical score (estimate)
Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.
Usage fit (estimate)
Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.
City / commute
Touring / long rides
Sporty riding
New rider friendly
Seat height (cm)
Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.
- DUCATI Desert X 87.5 cm Tallest seat here
- KAWASAKI Z900 82 cm Lowest seat here
Spread in this comparison: about 5.5 cm.
Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).
Auto summary from specs
Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.
- Power spans 110 hp (DUCATI Desert X) up to 125 hp (KAWASAKI Z900).
- Torque spans 92 Nm (DUCATI Desert X) up to 98.6 Nm (KAWASAKI Z900).
- Weight spans 202 kg (DUCATI Desert X) to 212 kg (KAWASAKI Z900).
- Displacement spans 900 cc (KAWASAKI Z900) to 1000 cc (DUCATI Desert X).
Reader votes so far — total 1: DUCATI Desert X (1); KAWASAKI Z900 (0).
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| Specification | DUCATI Desert X | KAWASAKI Z900 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | DUCATI | KAWASAKI |
| Model | DUCATI Desert X | KAWASAKI Z900 |
| Engine size | 1000cc | 900cc |
| Power | 110hp | 125hp |
| Torque | 92nm. | 98.6nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves | 4 cylinders, 16 valves |
| Weight | 202kg | 212kg |
| Front brake | 320mm double disc with 4-piston Brembo caliper (Bosch ABS) | 300 mm dual disc, 4-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | 265mm single disc Brembo caliper (Bosch ABS) | 250 mm single disc, single-piston caliper |
| Seat height (cm) | 87.5cm | 82cm |
| Front tyre | 90/90-21 | 120/70ZR17 |
| Rear tyre | 150/70-18 | 180/55ZR17 |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | KYB shock absorber reverse fork | 41 mm inverted fork, continuously adjustable compression and rebound damping, and spring preload adjustable |
| Rear suspension | KYB shock absorber | Horizontal back-link, continuously adjustable rebound damping, spring preload, and preload adjustability |
| Motorcycle type | Adventure | Adventure |
| Top speed | 210km/h | 240km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 21 L – 5.6 L/100km | 17 L – 6 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $17995 | $9899 |
| Brand price lists | View DUCATI price list | View KAWASAKI price list |
| Extra features | -TFT screen, -Traction control -Driving Modes, -Power Modes, -Cruise Control, -USB output |
-Assist Slipper Clutch -Economical Riding Indicator |
Opinions
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2023 DUCATI Desert X vs 2023 KAWASAKI Z900: listed specifications
The 2023 DUCATI Desert X and 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 differ on the listed specifications: the Desert X has more displacement, and a lower listed weight, and the Z900 has more peak power and torque, and the higher listed top speed.
Engine displacement
Desert X has a larger listed engine displacement (1000 cc vs 900 cc).
Peak power
Z900 has a modest listed power advantage (125 hp vs 110 hp).
Torque
Z900 has a modest listed torque advantage (98.6 Nm vs 92 Nm).
Listed top speed
Z900 has a clear listed top-speed advantage (240 km/h vs 210 km/h).
Cooling
Both motorcycles are listed as liquid-cooled.
Weight and seat height
Desert X has a modest listed weight advantage (202 kg vs 212 kg). There is a noticeable listed seat-height difference: Desert X is listed higher (87.5 cm) than Z900 (82 cm).
Conclusion
The measurable differences are therefore concentrated in displacement, peak power, torque, listed top speed, weight and seat height.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of DUCATI Desert X vs KAWASAKI Z900?
KAWASAKI Z900 is listed at 240 km/h (149 mph) vs 210 km/h (130 mph) for DUCATI Desert X.
Which has more horsepower, DUCATI Desert X or KAWASAKI Z900?
KAWASAKI Z900 has 125 hp compared with 110 hp on the DUCATI Desert X.
Which is lighter, DUCATI Desert X or KAWASAKI Z900?
DUCATI Desert X is lighter at 202 kg vs 212 kg for KAWASAKI Z900.
Which is better, DUCATI Desert X or KAWASAKI Z900?
It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.
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