Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

no quickshifter available; relatively high seat height; limited fuel range.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021 clearly outperforms the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023. The KTM boasts an impressive 180 HP compared to the Z900 SE's 125 HP. The KTM also has a higher torque of 140 Nm compared to the Z900 SE's 98.6 Nm. The KTM's engine is a twin-cylinder, while the Z900 SE has a four-cylinder engine. The KTM has a larger displacement of 1301 ccm compared to the Z900 SE's 948 ccm.

Both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension, providing good stability and control. The Z900 SE has a swing arm rear suspension with an Öhlins brand, while the KTM has a single swing arm rear suspension with a WP brand. The KTM's chassis is made of chromium-molybdenum, which is known for its strength and durability, while the Z900 SE has a steel frame with a double cradle design.

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

In terms of brakes, both bikes have double disk front brakes with four pistons. The KTM has larger diameter disks at 320 mm compared to the Z900 SE's 300 mm. The KTM also has radial, monoblock technology for its front brakes, providing improved braking performance. Both bikes feature Brembo brakes.

Both bikes come equipped with advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The KTM offers additional features such as cornering ABS and anti-wheelie control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Z900 SE has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1450 mm compared to the KTM's 1497 mm. The seat height of the Z900 SE is also lower at 795 mm compared to the KTM's 835 mm. The Z900 SE has narrower front and rear tires compared to the KTM, with a width of 120 mm for the front and 180 mm for the rear. The KTM has a wider rear tire at 200 mm.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

In terms of strengths, the Z900 SE is praised for its powerful and sonorous four-cylinder engine, high-quality chassis components including Öhlins rear suspension, strong Brembo brakes, good ergonomics, and easy handling. The KTM is praised for its wonderfully powerful engine, agile and comfortable seating position, decent braking power, stable chassis, comprehensive electronics package, and acceptable fuel consumption considering its high power.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Z900 SE lacks a quickshifter, lean angle dependent traction control, and cornering ABS due to the absence of an IMU. It also has a relatively high weight. The KTM does not come standard with a shift assistant with blipper, lacks a quickshifter, has a relatively high seat height, and has a limited fuel range.

Overall, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021 offers superior performance and a more advanced electronics package compared to the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023. However, the Z900 SE may appeal to riders looking for a more affordable option with good handling and quality components.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023
KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore73.4 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power180 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque140 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque8,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio13.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel125 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
BrandBrandÖhlinsBrandWP
TravelTravel140 mmTravel140 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock
BrandBrandBremboBrandBrembo

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter240 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

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 width200 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,497 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height835 mm
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
Stationary noiseStationary noise97 dBStationary noise91 dB

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

The Z900 SE is not only a successful addition to the normal Z900, but actually the better and more sensible version. Because the refined fork, the Öhlins suspension strut that is not fully adjustable but more responsive, and the snappier Brembo M4.32 brake system make the SE refreshingly sportier and are well worth the extra price - especially if you also take into account the cool look of the Prestige components! However, the fact that a quickshifter is not even available at extra cost will hurt real sports enthusiasts. If you can live with the relatively high weight of over 214 kilos, you get a sufficiently manageable naked bike.

Powerful, pleasantly sonorous four-cylinder engine

high-quality chassis components, Öhlins at the rear

strong Brembo M4-32 brakes

good ergonomics

easy handling.

No quickshifter, not even optional

no lean angle dependent traction control and no cornering ABS due to missing IMU

high weight

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

The KTM Super Duke R has evolved perfectly over the generations: The engine is strong, has a huge amount of torque and in the current version also works excellently from low revs. However, the excellent interaction of all components is responsible for the overall wonderful performance of the big Duke. The active seating position is comfortable and unbelievably driving-friendly, the chassis is of a high standard, the brakes are powerful and the electronics are state of the art. Even the looks are now pleasing more and more critics. It's just a shame that you have to pay extra for the ingenious shift assistant with blipper.

wonderfully powerful engine with a lot of bang - especially from below and in the middle

super-agile and comfortable seating position

decent braking power

stable chassis, fully adjustable

comprehensive electronics package

acceptable consumption for the high power.

Shift assistant with blipper not standard

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 and a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021 is about 44% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021 there are more Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 53 compared to 22. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Duke R with 91 days compared to 148 days for the Kawasaki Z900 SE. Since model year 2022 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 SE and 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R since model year 2013. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 SE was published on 16/09/2021 and now has more than 37,200 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 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

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