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We compare the Ducati Monster 821 with Kawasaki Z800 only to find out that if you love Italian designs then it is worth forking out a good Rs 1.6 lakh extra for the Monster 821.
Recently, Ducati re-entered the Indian two-wheeler space with an impressive pricing for its superbike range, including the popular 'Monster'. Monster is not a single motorcycle, but includs a range of naked sport motorcycles, including different variants of the 795, 796, 821 and 1200 models.
Among all these motorcycles, Monster 821 has been positioned against one of the most successful mid-weight performance bike in India -- Kawasaki Z800. So, which one is better value for money? Let's take a look.
Styling and appearance
Both the Ducati Monster 821 and Kawasaki Z800 come with aggressive appearances. However, their design approaches are quite different from each other.
Like any other Italian machine, the Monster 821 gets a very detailed finish. With a very masculine fuel tank, it has a well-designed, low-set headlamp, which makes it look like a real monster. The semi-naked trellis frame of the bike enhances its brutality and the dual-port, side-slung muffler provides an elegant look.
The Kawasaki Z800 gets a very modern and interesting appearance with shrouds on its muscular fuel tank and dual sharp headlamps. Like the litre-class Z1000, the Z800 also follows the Kawasaki's 'Sugomi' design approach. You can see a 'Z' instinct in every part of the motorcycle, which tells about its intelligent designing.
Engine and transmission
Both the motorcycles have almost similar power output, however, engines are much different.
Powering the Ducati Monster 821 is an 821cc, liquid-cooled, Testastretta 11 degree L-Twin engine with 4 desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder. It makes 112hp of maximum power at 9,250rpm along with a peak torque of 89.4Nm at 7,750rpm, using electronic fuel injection system with 53mm throttle bodies and full Ride by Wire. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox via APTC slipper and self-servo wet multi-plate clutch arrangement.
Propelling the Kawasaki Z800 is an advance 803cc, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder, DOHC mill with 4-valves per head. It churns out a maximum power of 111.4bhp at 10,200rpm and delivers a peak torque of 83Nm at 8,000rpm. Feeding the engine is an electronic fuel injection system with 34mm Keihin throttle bodies and the motor has been mated to a 6-speed transmission using assist and slipper clutch.
Chassis and engineering
The Ducati Monster 821 has been build on tubular steel Trellis frame, while the Kawasaki Z800 has been assembled on a high-tensile steel backbone. However, most of the equipment are similar, like USD front forks, rear mono-shock suspension, 17" alloys, 120mm wide front tyre, 180mm wide rear tyre, dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake, standard ABS and others.
Some minor differences in these equipment are like front forks of the Monster 821 are 43mm wide, while that of the Z800 are 41mm wide. Front and rear disc brake diameter of the Monster 821 is 320mm and 245mm respectively, while these of the Z800 are 310mm and 250mm respectively.
Prices and verdict
No doubt, the Ducati Monster 821 seems a better motorcycle than the Kawasaki Z800 with a higher power to weight ratio and a few superior equipment. However, there is a considerable price difference of around Rs 1.5 lakh among these two. The Ducati has been priced around Rs 9.6 lakh, while the Kawasaki Z800 comes with a price tag of around Rs 8 lakh. Looking at the price difference, Z800 seems to be a better value for money, specially for those who like a sporty design. However, if you are a Ducati fan and like Italian designs more, you can pay that extra amount for a little extra punch.
