Kawasaki Z900 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2021 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

When comparing the Kawasaki Z900 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016, there are several key differences to consider.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 takes the lead with a whopping 173 HP, compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2021's 125.4 HP. The KTM also has a higher torque of 144 Nm, while the Kawasaki has 98.6 Nm. This means that the KTM offers more power and torque, providing a thrilling and exhilarating riding experience.

Another difference lies in the number of cylinders and displacement. The Kawasaki Z900 2021 has a four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948 ccm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 has a two-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1301 ccm. This means that the KTM has a larger engine, which contributes to its higher power and torque.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Both bikes feature upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The Kawasaki Z900 2021 has a steel frame, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 has a chromium-molybdenum frame. The KTM's frame type is tubular, which may offer additional strength and stability.

When it comes to braking technology, both bikes have four-piston front brakes. However, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 has radial, monoblock technology, which may provide enhanced braking performance compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2021's petal technology.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS and traction control. The Kawasaki Z900 2021 also includes riding modes and ride by wire technology, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 does not specify these features.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire width of 120 mm and a front tire diameter of 17 inches. The Kawasaki Z900 2021 has a rear tire width of 180 mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 has a wider rear tire width of 190 mm. Both bikes have a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The Kawasaki Z900 2021 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1450 mm, compared to the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016's 1482 mm. The seat height is also different, with the Kawasaki Z900 2021 at 795 mm and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 at 835 mm.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 offers a powerful four-cylinder engine, intuitive handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 boasts a monstrous engine and torque, a wide rev range, little vibration, strong brakes, extensive electronics, great extras, high-quality details, and unrivalled aggressive looks.

However, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 does have some weaknesses, such as the lack of a quickshifter option and competitors with 6-axis IMU being electronically ahead. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016's only weakness mentioned is that the automatic gearshift may be a little too coarse.

In conclusion, while the Kawasaki Z900 2021 offers a powerful and capable naked bike with good value for money, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 takes the lead in terms of sheer power, torque, and aggressive looks. Both bikes have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2021 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

Kawasaki Z900 2021
KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore73.4 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power173 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,870 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque144 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio13.2
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,482 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height835 mm
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of price-performance, the Kawasaki Z900 is hard to beat at the moment. With the perfectly tuned engine, the high-quality chassis components and the electronics added for 2020, this naked bike offers everything that sporty riders will be looking for. There is really nothing to complain about, except for the lack of a quickshifter option.

powerful four-cylinder

intuitive handling

good equipment

aggressive looks

value for money

No quickshifter option

competitors with 6-axis IMU electronically ahead.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM knows no turning back and KTM knows no quarter. That's why the new 1290 Super Duke R is a little easier to handle than its predecessor, but also a little stronger and faster. Already at 2500 rpm, over 100 Nm are available, the maximum is 141, the top performance is stated at 177 hp. That may be too much, but it doesn't have to be. The electronics remain the lifeline in this category, where development continues to move forward strongly. KTM has started where it had difficulties and that was stability. Changes to the geometry and chassis have improved this significantly, making the ride on the beast not only faster, but also safer. The handling is no less radical for that, and the supermoto genes are more evident than on any other naked bike. There can only be one Super Duke.

Monstrous engine and torque

wide rev range

little vibration

strong brakes

extensive electronics

great extras

high-quality details

unrivalled aggressive looks.

Automatic gearshift a little too coarse

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2021 and a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 is about 27% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 33 compared to 25. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Duke R with 81 days compared to 107 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R since model year 2013. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 views. This compares to more than 4,900 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Duke R published on 08/11/2012.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

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