KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 vs. Kawasaki Z H2 2020

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

Kawasaki Z H2 2020

Kawasaki Z H2 2020

Loading...

Overview - KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 vs Kawasaki Z H2 2020

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 and the Kawasaki Z H2 2020 are both powerful naked bikes that offer thrilling rides and advanced features. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Kawasaki Z H2 2020 takes the lead with 200 HP, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 offers 173 HP. The Kawasaki Z H2 also has a higher torque of 137 Nm compared to the KTM's 144 Nm. The Kawasaki Z H2 achieves this power with a 4-cylinder engine and a displacement of 998cc, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R uses a 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1301cc.

Both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension, with the KTM using WP brand suspension and the Kawasaki using Showa brand suspension. The rear suspension on both models is also provided by WP and Showa, respectively.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki Z H2 2020 uses a steel frame. Both bikes have tubular frame types.

The braking systems on both models are impressive, with four-piston, radial, monoblock Brembo brakes at the front. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z H2 2020 goes a step further and includes additional features like riding modes, cornering ABS, launch control, ride by wire, quickshifter, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Z H2 2020 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1455mm compared to the KTM's 1482mm. The seat height on the Kawasaki is 830mm, slightly lower than the KTM's 835mm. However, the Kawasaki Z H2 is significantly heavier with a kerb weight of 239kg, compared to the KTM's 189kg. Both bikes have similar front and rear tire dimensions and fuel tank capacities.

Kawasaki Z H2 2020

Kawasaki Z H2 2020

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 is praised for its superb engine performance, agile handling, comfortable seating position, bombastic braking system, and classy look. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z H2 2020 is commended for its incomparable engine power, easy-to-control power unit, pleasant seating position, high riding comfort for a naked bike, quiet but charismatic sound, and stable and transparent handling.

As for weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 is noted for its somewhat nervous handling on the racetrack and high price. The Kawasaki Z H2 2020 has some minor drawbacks, including a quickshifter that makes interventions that take too long, a suspension strut that becomes a bit spongy during sporty riding, and a desire for more exclusive components to match its exclusivity.

In summary, both the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 and the Kawasaki Z H2 2020 offer powerful rides with advanced features. The KTM excels in engine power and agile handling, while the Kawasaki stands out with its advanced rider assistance systems and high riding comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 compared to Kawasaki Z H2 2020

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015
Kawasaki Z H2 2020

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore108 mmBore76 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke55 mm
Engine powerEngine power173 HPEngine power200 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,870 rpmRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpm
TorqueTorque144 NmTorque137 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque8,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.2 Compression Ratio11.2
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

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 width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,482 mmWheelbase1,455 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height830 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18 lFuel Tank Capacity19 l

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is undoubtedly a beast in terms of its data - 173 hp, 144 Newton metres of torque, 189 kilos dry weight are values with which you can make an impression on the quarter mile. It's almost a miracle that the Austrian is so easy to handle and agile despite its 1301 cubic capacity. On the country road it is therefore enormous fun, but on the race track you have to have a very precise riding style in order not to have to work a lot on the Super Duke R - but admittedly a very nice form of work! In addition, the expensive Special Edition can fully score visually with its many power parts and the beautiful paintwork

Superb engine

agile handling

comfortable seating position

bombastic braking system

classy look

somewhat nervous handling on the racetrack

high price

Kawasaki Z H2 2020

Kawasaki Z H2 2020

The fascinating power unit of the Kawasaki not only inspires as a motif for quartet cards or at the regulars' table. The engine is made for practical use. In the saddle of the bike, you can enjoy the thrust in every situation. Commands from the throttle are implemented directly, intensively but also controllably. However, the bike is not an athletic sportsman but a beefy naked bike. It always scores when sovereignty and power are required.

Incomparable engine

full power

easy to control power unit

pleasant seating position

high riding comfort for a naked bike

quiet but charismatic sound

stable and transparent handling

despite the extravagant drive, a motorbike that can be ridden carefree in everyday life.

Quickshifter OK

but makes interventions that take too long

suspension strut becomes a bit spongy during sporty riding

the exclusive motorbike deserved exclusive components all round

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R vs Kawasaki Z H2

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 and a Kawasaki Z H2 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z H2 2020 is about 36% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z H2 2020 there are more KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 17 compared to 10. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Duke R with 70 days compared to 148 days for a Kawasaki Z H2. Since model year 2013 1000PS.de editors have written 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and 14 reviews for the Kawasaki Z H2 since model year 2020. 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 82,500 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z H2 published on 10/10/2019.

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z H2

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH