Kawasaki Z650 2021 vs. KTM 690 Duke 2019

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2021

KTM 690 Duke 2019

KTM 690 Duke 2019

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Overview - Kawasaki Z650 2021 vs KTM 690 Duke 2019

The Kawasaki Z650 2021 and the KTM 690 Duke 2019 are both naked bikes that offer unique features and performance.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 is equipped with a 2-cylinder engine that delivers 68.2 HP of power and 65.7 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 690 Duke 2019 has a single-cylinder engine that produces a higher power of 73 HP and torque of 70 Nm. This gives the KTM 690 Duke an advantage in terms of raw power.

Both bikes have liquid cooling systems to ensure optimal engine temperature. In terms of displacement, the Kawasaki Z650 has a slightly smaller engine with 649ccm, while the KTM 690 Duke has a larger engine with 690ccm.

Moving on to the suspension, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 features a telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. Similarly, the KTM 690 Duke 2019 also has a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear, but it is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork at the front. This inverted fork design provides better stability and handling for the KTM 690 Duke.

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Both bikes have tubular frames, but the KTM 690 Duke 2019 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, which is known for its lightweight and high strength properties. This gives the KTM 690 Duke an advantage in terms of chassis construction.

When it comes to braking, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 has double piston front brakes with a diameter of 300mm and petal technology. On the other hand, the KTM 690 Duke 2019 has four-piston front brakes with a larger diameter of 320mm and radial technology. The KTM 690 Duke offers superior braking performance due to its larger diameter and four-piston design.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes are equipped with ABS. However, the KTM 690 Duke 2019 has an additional feature called Ride by Wire, which provides smoother throttle response and improved control.

KTM 690 Duke 2019

KTM 690 Duke 2019

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have the same front and rear tyre widths and diameters. However, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1410mm compared to the KTM 690 Duke's 1466mm. The seat height of the Kawasaki Z650 is also lower at 790mm, making it more accessible for shorter riders. The fuel tank capacity of the Kawasaki Z650 is slightly larger at 15 liters compared to the KTM 690 Duke's 14 liters.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 offers an accessible two-cylinder engine, compact dimensions, a low seat height, a stable chassis, a TFT display with connectivity, and a grown-up look. On the other hand, the KTM 690 Duke 2019 boasts a powerful engine, suitability for everyday use, many technical aids, maneuverability, and smooth running.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 may be uncomfortable for tall riders, and its adrenaline level in the saddle may be lower compared to the competition. On the other hand, some riders may not consider the KTM 690 Duke 2019 a "real" single-cylinder Duke, possibly due to its larger engine size.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 and the KTM 690 Duke 2019 are both excellent naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Kawasaki Z650 offers a more accessible and comfortable riding experience, while the KTM 690 Duke provides a more powerful and adrenaline-inducing ride. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 2021 compared to KTM 690 Duke 2019

Kawasaki Z650 2021
KTM 690 Duke 2019

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore83 mmBore102 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power73 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque70 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque5,500 rpm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders1
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesRocker arm, OHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement690 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel125 mmTravel135 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel130 mmTravel135 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter240 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRide by Wire

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 width160 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,466 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height835 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Even in 2021, the Kawasaki Z 650 stands for easy riding with great looks and good equipment. Both seat height and engine are very accessible and will give both experienced riders and newcomers a lot of pleasure. If you are looking for an honest naked bike without any big surprises, this is the bike for you. Due to its compact dimensions, however, you should try it out before buying and perhaps go for the raised seat.

accessible two-cylinder

compact dimensions

low seat height

stable chassis

TFT display with connectivity

grown-up look

Probably uncomfortable for tall riders

adrenaline level in the saddle lower than with the competition

KTM 690 Duke 2019

KTM 690 Duke 2019

Considering where the KTM Duke family once started, the 690 Duke is an incredible step forward. The engine is extremely refined and at the same time husky for a street-legal single-cylinder. Despite all the technology on board, it is still a very light motorbike and can almost be called a toy (in a good sense). Only its seating position divides opinions, because with the Duke 4 in 2012, the former supermotos became an almost tame naked bike with a front-wheel-oriented seating position. The advantage: everyday life and long tours should not be a problem on the current Duke.

powerful engine

suitable for everyday use

many technical aids

manoeuvrable

smooth running

For some, not a "real" single-cylinder Duke

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z650 vs KTM 690 Duke

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 2021 and a KTM 690 Duke 2019. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 25. It takes less time to sell a KTM 690 Duke with 64 days compared to 106 days for the Kawasaki Z650. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 and 29 reviews for the KTM 690 Duke since model year 2008. The first review for the Kawasaki Z650 was published on 08/11/2016 and now has more than 25,000 views. This compares to more than 14,800 views for the first review on KTM 690 Duke published on 28/09/2007.

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 690 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

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