Ducati Panigale V4 vs Kawasaki Z900 Comparison

The new Ducati Panigale V4 S has that innate quality that makes a 200-plus bhp superbike very accessible and safe around a racetrack. Sure, it's not made for less experienced riders new to litre-class superbikes, and despite the state-of-the-art electronics package, one wrong twist of the wrist can make things go wrong very quickly; after all, all that power and torque over a wide rev range is not to be fooled with, or taken lightly, by any standard.

Kawasaki Z900 ups the naked game with a smooth, lively, engine, beautiful handling and great all-round road manners. Yes, there are no electronic rider aids to speak of, and the lack of a windscreen or fairing will have the wind blast get to you, long before you start exploring the bike's top end performance, or touring potential, if you're so inclined. It isn't perfect, but it's easy to use in traffic, and has enough performance to delight you every time you take it out for a spin.