Ducati’s newest entry in the streetfighter arena is the Monster 797 Plus. However, that segment also has the Suzuki GSX-S750 and Kawasaki Z900. We find out how the new Monster 797 fares against its biggest rivals on paper.
Engine
At the heart of the Monster 797 Plus is an 803cc, L-Twin engine. This unit is similar to the one in the Scrambler range and produces 72bhp and 67 Nm of torque. The Suzuki GSX-S750 is powered by a 749cc, inline-four engine that puts out 113bhp and 81Nm of torque.
The Z900 gets a 948cc, inline-four cylinder engine that produces 123bhp and 98.6Nm of torque, making it the most powerful bike of the three. While the Kawasaki Z900 and Monster 797 Plus are offered with a slipper clutch as standard, the GSX-S750 misses out on that luxury.
Design
The Ducati Monster 797 Plus carries the ‘Monster’ DNA in its design language. The muscular fuel tank, round headlamp and aggressive stance have all been inspired from the Monster 1200. While it does carry a new moniker, the 797 Plus also gets a seat cowl and visor as standard.
Just like the Monster, the GSX-S750 is inspired by its bigger sibling, the GSX-S1000. It gets a sculpted fuel tank and sharp tank shrouds along with an upright riding position. The Z900 sports the aggressive ‘Sugomi’ styling made famous by the Z1000. The low mounted headlamp, sharp lines and muscular tank add to its appeal.
Electronics
The Monster 797 Plus and Kawasaki Z900 are underequipped and only come with ABS as standard. On the other hand, GSX-S750 gets a three-level traction control system along with ABS as standard. While the other two bikes get an LCD instrument display, the Z900 makes do with a semi-digital unit.
Cycle parts
The Monster 797 Plus rides on 43mm inverted forks upfront and a preload and rebound adjustable monoshock at the rear. The Kawasaki Z900 and Suzuki GSX-S750 use 41mm inverted forks for the front with a rear monoshock which is rebound and preload adjustable.
Braking on the GSX-S750 is taken care of by twin 310mm discs at the front and a 250mm disc at the rear. Stopping power for the Z900 is done by 300mm twin petal discs at the front and the single 250mm rear disc. Whereas, twin 320mm discs at the front and a 245mm rear disc take care of braking on the Monster 797 Plus.
Pricing
The Ducati Monster 797 Plus would be the heaviest on your wallet with a price tag of Rs 8.03 lakhs. The Kawasaki Z900 comes in second priced at Rs 7.68 lakhs. The Suzuki GSX-S750, given the number of features makes a good value for money proposition at Rs 7.54 lakhs.
All prices ex-showroom, Mumbai.