KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2017

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013 vs Kawasaki Z900 2017

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013 and the Kawasaki Z900 2017 are both powerful naked bikes with impressive specifications.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013 takes the lead with 173 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2017's 125.4 HP. This means that the KTM offers a more exhilarating and thrilling riding experience with its higher horsepower.

In terms of torque, the KTM also comes out on top with 144 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 98.6 Nm. This means that the KTM has better low-end power and acceleration, making it more suitable for aggressive riding styles.

Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for their front suspension, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. However, the KTM has the advantage of a chromium-molybdenum frame, which is known for its lightweight and high strength properties. The Kawasaki, on the other hand, has a steel frame, which may be slightly heavier but still provides good stability and durability.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013

When it comes to braking, both bikes feature four-piston front calipers for excellent stopping power. However, the KTM has the added advantage of radial, monoblock technology, which enhances braking performance even further. The Kawasaki, on the other hand, has petal brakes, which also provide good stopping power but may not be as advanced as the KTM's braking system.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes come equipped with ABS for added safety. However, the KTM also features traction control, which helps to prevent wheel spin and maintain stability during acceleration.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front tire widths and diameters. However, the KTM has a wider rear tire width of 190 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 180 mm. This provides the KTM with better traction and stability during cornering.

The wheelbase of the KTM is also slightly longer at 1482 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 1450 mm. This contributes to the KTM's precise handling and stability at high speeds.

In terms of seat height, the KTM has a higher seat height of 835 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 795 mm. This may be a disadvantage for taller riders as it may result in a narrower knee angle. However, this can be easily remedied by ordering a different seat.

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

In terms of weight, the KTM is lighter at 189 kg compared to the Kawasaki's 210 kg. This makes the KTM more agile and easier to handle, especially in tight corners.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013 offers precise handling, traction control, and a powerful engine. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 boasts an ingenious nakedbike chassis, superb looks, and a well-tuned engine with perfectly balanced torque. It is also worth noting that the Kawasaki offers an optimum intersection of performance, price, and practical use.

As for weaknesses, the KTM's main drawback is its high price, which may be a deterrent for some buyers. On the other hand, the Kawasaki's narrow knee angle may be uncomfortable for taller riders, but this can be easily addressed by purchasing a different seat.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013 and the Kawasaki Z900 2017 are impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a more powerful engine and advanced features such as traction control, while the Kawasaki offers a well-balanced combination of performance, price, and practicality. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2017

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013
Kawasaki Z900 2017

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore108 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power173 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,870 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque144 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.2 Compression Ratio11.8
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeDouble cradle

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyradial, MonoblockTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS

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 width190 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,482 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)189 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013

With all the power and hard "Beast videos" from KTM, this horsepower monster is actually a 100% everyday bike for touring or going to work.

precise handling

traction control

powerful engine

High price

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

An incredibly well-designed motorbike. A lot of test work and attention to detail went into it. It has exactly the right power, exactly the right chassis and exactly the right look. An all-round successful naked bike that will make you happy for a long time. If you like, you can ride it simply and faithfully, but if you want, you can also ride it really fast and it wheels like hell. Great!

Ingenious nakedbike chassis

superb looks

engine responds super fine, revs up willingly and has a perfectly dimensioned torque

optimum intersection of performance, price and practical use

Knee angle very narrow for tall people (order another seat!)

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

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2013 and a Kawasaki Z900 2017. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 with 85 days compared to 140 days for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. Since model year 2013 1000PS.de editors have written 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R was published on 08/11/2012 and now has more than 4,900 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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