KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2019

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 vs Kawasaki Z900 2019

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are both naked bikes that offer thrilling rides and impressive performance.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R takes the lead with 177 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 125.4 HP. The KTM also boasts a higher torque of 144 Nm, while the Z900 offers 98.6 Nm. The KTM has a larger engine displacement of 1301 ccm, while the Z900 has a displacement of 948 ccm. The KTM features a 2-cylinder engine, while the Z900 has 4 cylinders.

Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for their front suspension, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The KTM has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Z900 has a steel frame. The KTM's frame type is tubular, while the Z900 has a double cradle frame.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018

In terms of braking technology, both bikes feature four-piston front brakes. The KTM utilizes radial, monoblock technology, while the Z900 has petal brakes. The KTM also offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control, while the Z900 only has ABS.

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 KTM has a wider rear tire with a width of 190 mm, while the Z900 has a rear tire width of 180 mm. Both bikes have a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The KTM has a longer wheelbase of 1482 mm compared to the Z900's 1450 mm. The seat height of the KTM is 835 mm, while the Z900 has a lower seat height of 795 mm.

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Now, let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each bike. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 offers a wonderful adrenaline rush with its powerful engine and extensive configuration options. It has terrific brakes with cornering ABS and practical electronic features. The seating position is great, and the electronic features can be set very sporty or deactivated. The bike also has a very good shift assistant. However, the precise stroke may not always be easy to hit, and it is considered one of the most dangerous motorcycles for the driving license on the market.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 has light and natural handling with high stability. Its engine provides a silky smooth pull from mid revs, and the chassis offers high transparency and great feedback. The sitting position is comfortable and provides a feel-good factor. Additionally, the Z900 is priced fairly. However, some drawbacks include a TFT display that is mounted too low, cumbersome menu operation, and rearview mirrors that offer modest visibility.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are impressive naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers more power and advanced electronic features, while the Kawasaki provides a comfortable and stable ride at a fair price. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2019

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018
Kawasaki Z900 2019

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore108 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power177 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
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018

The epithet "Beast" is not completely out of the blue, the KTM is and remains a brutal naked bike - 177 hp from two pots with a combined displacement of 1301 cubic metres is nothing harmless. Nevertheless, it is surprisingly easy to control; the upright seating position combined with the good handling make it seem almost docile. Compared to its predecessor, it has been improved precisely at its weakest points. The engine now runs more smoothly, the shift assistant brings calmness in the acceleration phase and the chassis has been improved in quality. But it still loves the wild chase more than high speed in long curves.

Provides a wonderful adrenaline rush

extensive configuration options

terrific brakes with cornering ABS

practical electronic features

great seating position

electronic features can be set very sporty and also deactivated

very good shift assistant

Precise stroke not always easy to hit

one of the most dangerous motorbikes for the driving licence on the market

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Fortunately, the new Kawasaki Z900 has lost none of its character through the use of electronics. It is and remains a playful mid-range naked bike, which at the same time masters the brisk pace on the country road magnificently. The riding pleasure and suitability for everyday use are high, the now installed riding aids offer a plus in safety. Your opponents will have a really hard time from now on.

Light and natural handling with high stability

Silky engine with full pull from mid revs

High chassis transparency, great feedback

Sitting position with feel-good factor

Fair price

TFT display mounted too low

Cumbersome menu operation

Rear view mirrors offer modest visibility

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 2018 and a Kawasaki Z900 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 is about 40% higher. A KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 experiences a loss of 170 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 230 GBP for a Kawasaki Z900 2019. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2019 there are less KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 22 compared to 40. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Duke R with 86 days compared to 116 days for a Kawasaki Z900. 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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