KTM 790 Duke 2020 vs. Kawasaki Z650 2021

KTM 790 Duke 2020

KTM 790 Duke 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2021

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Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2020 vs Kawasaki Z650 2021

The KTM 790 Duke 2020 and the Kawasaki Z650 2021 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, fuel systems, and cooling systems. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 has a significant advantage with 105 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z650 2021's 68.2 HP. This higher power output gives the KTM 790 Duke better acceleration and top speed capabilities.

Both bikes have a two-cylinder engine configuration and utilize fuel injection systems for efficient fuel delivery. They also have liquid cooling systems to prevent overheating during extended rides.

When it comes to suspension, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 features an Upside-Down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock and preload adjustment at the rear. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 has a telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock and preload adjustment at the rear as well. The KTM 790 Duke's suspension setup is known for its great chassis set-up and playful handling, while the Kawasaki Z650 offers a stable chassis for confident riding.

KTM 790 Duke 2020

KTM 790 Duke 2020

In terms of braking, both bikes have double disc brakes at the front with a diameter of 300 mm. However, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 has four-piston calipers with radial technology, while the Kawasaki Z650 2021 has double-piston calipers with petal technology. The KTM 790 Duke's braking system offers more stopping power and improved heat dissipation.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 offers ABS, riding modes, and traction control, providing enhanced safety and control. The Kawasaki Z650 2021, on the other hand, only has ABS as an advanced rider assistance system.

Both bikes have similar front and rear tire dimensions, with a width of 120 mm at the front and 17-inch diameter tires. However, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 has a wider rear tire with a width of 180 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z650 2021's 160 mm rear tire. The KTM 790 Duke also has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1475 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z650's 1410 mm wheelbase.

In terms of seat height, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 has a lower seat height of 790 mm compared to the KTM 790 Duke 2020's 825 mm seat height. This makes the Kawasaki Z650 more accessible for shorter riders. Additionally, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 has a larger fuel tank capacity of 15 liters compared to the KTM 790 Duke 2020's 14 liters.

Kawasaki Z650 2021

Kawasaki Z650 2021

In terms of equipment, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 comes with an adjustable windscreen, while the Kawasaki Z650 2021 features LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display with connectivity.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 offers a high-revving two-cylinder engine, a quickshifter as standard, a great chassis set-up, playful handling, a high-quality electronics package, a TFT display, and a good price/performance ratio. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 has an accessible two-cylinder engine, compact dimensions, a low seat height, a stable chassis, a TFT display with connectivity, and a grown-up look.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 790 Duke 2020's suspension spring preload is only adjustable at the rear, which may limit customization options for some riders. The Kawasaki Z650 2021 may be uncomfortable for taller riders due to its lower seat height, and its adrenaline level in the saddle may be lower compared to its competition.

Overall, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 offers more power, advanced rider assistance systems, and a wider rear tire, making it a more performance-oriented option. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 2021 offers a lower seat height, a larger fuel tank capacity, and a more accessible two-cylinder engine, making it a suitable choice for riders looking for a comfortable and practical naked bike.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2020 compared to Kawasaki Z650 2021

KTM 790 Duke 2020
Kawasaki Z650 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88 mmBore83 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke60 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power68.2 HP
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel140 mmTravel125 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel150 mmTravel130 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular
RakeRake66 degreeRake65.5 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter240 mmDiameter220 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, 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 width180 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,475 mmWheelbase1,410 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height790 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity15 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentWindscreen adjustableEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2020

KTM 790 Duke 2020

A sporty naked bike that not only has enough power, but also playful handling and high-quality equipment - the KTM 790 Duke ticks all the boxes. If the looks don't bother you, it's hard to find anything the 790 can't do well, because in its hunting ground - the country road - it forms a wonderfully rounded package that doesn't really leave anything to be desired. Initial teething troubles have also been solved, which is why the KTM 790 Duke is still a real recommendation!

high-revving two-cylinder

quickshifter + as standard

great chassis set-up

playful handling

high-quality electronics package

TFT display

good price/performance ratio

Suspension spring preload adjustable at the rear only

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

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs Kawasaki Z650

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2020 and a Kawasaki Z650 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 790 Duke 2020 is about 21% higher. 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 790 Duke with 78 days compared to 106 days for a Kawasaki Z650. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke and 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 since model year 2017. The first review for the KTM 790 Duke was published on 09/11/2016 and now has more than 160,600 views. This compares to more than 25,000 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z650 published on 08/11/2016.

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

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