Buell Lightning XB9S vs Ducati Monster (1000)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Buell Lightning XB9Sstacks up against the Ducati Monster. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBuell Lightning XB9SDucati Monster
Model year20042026
Price$12,995
Engine984 cc937 cc
Horsepower84 hp111 hp
Torque86 Nm93 Nm
Weight175 kg188 kg
Seat height30 mm820 mm
Fuel capacity3.7 L14.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed6-speed manual
Front brakesSingle discDual 320mm discs
Rear brakesSingle discSingle 245mm disc
Tires120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17 120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear

Buell Lightning XB9S vs Ducati Monster — which should you buy?

Picking between the Buell Lightning XB9S and the Ducati Monster usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Buell Lightning XB9S brings 84 hp in a 175 kg package, while the Ducati Monster counters with 111 hp at 188 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: