KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. Kawasaki Z650 2017

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

Kawasaki Z650 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2017

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Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs Kawasaki Z650 2017

In terms of engine and drive train, both the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the Kawasaki Z650 2017 have an inline engine with two cylinders and liquid cooling. However, the KTM 790 Duke has a higher engine power of 105 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z650's 68.2 HP. Both bikes also have fuel injection systems.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have a swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock and preload adjustment. However, the KTM 790 Duke has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, while the Kawasaki Z650 has a telescopic fork front suspension.

In terms of chassis, the KTM 790 Duke has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki Z650 has a steel frame. Both bikes have a tubular frame type.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of brakes, both bikes have double disk front brakes with a diameter of 300 mm. However, the KTM 790 Duke has four piston front brakes with radial technology, while the Kawasaki Z650 has double piston front brakes with petal technology.

In terms of assistance systems, the KTM 790 Duke has advanced rider assistance systems including ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The Kawasaki Z650 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 790 Duke has a rear tire width of 180 mm and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, while the Kawasaki Z650 has a rear tire width of 160 mm. The KTM 790 Duke has a wheelbase of 1475 mm, while the Kawasaki Z650 has a wheelbase of 1410 mm. The seat height of the KTM 790 Duke is 825 mm, while the Kawasaki Z650 has a seat height of 790 mm. Both bikes have a fuel tank capacity of 15 liters.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 790 Duke has a lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration. Its chassis is optimally tuned for sporty riding, and it has an awesome sound even with the series muffler. The bike also has many electronic gimmicks and functions, including ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The KTM 790 Duke also has an extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier, and it offers a comfortable seating position.

Kawasaki Z650 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2017

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 has an even power delivery and a sporty chassis. It also has compact dimensions, making it suitable for riders who prefer a smaller bike. The Z650 also has a negative display, which can be a unique feature for some riders.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 790 Duke can have rough handling at low revs and can be difficult to maneuver in city traffic. Some riders have also reported oil leaks at the engine block on many 790 Dukes. The Kawasaki Z650's only weakness is that it may be a little too small for tall people.

Overall, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 offers more power and advanced features compared to the Kawasaki Z650 2017. However, the Kawasaki Z650 may be more suitable for riders who prefer a smaller and more compact bike.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2018 compared to Kawasaki Z650 2017

KTM 790 Duke 2018
Kawasaki Z650 2017

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

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

The KTM 790 Duke L is an absolutely sporty naked bike with a high fun factor. Whether a beginner rider can handle it depends very much on his or her personality and riding behaviour. There are certainly motorbikes better suited for learning, but sporty radius hunters will hardly be satisfied with anything else. The 790 Duke L is also rather unenthusiastic about everyday rides in the city. On the country road, however, it's a blast, even with only 48 hp. Simply a fun bike as it is written in the book.

Lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration

optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding

awesome sound even with series muffler

many electronic gimmicks and functions

extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier

comfortable seating position

Rough handling at low revs

bitchy in city traffic

sometimes fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars

oil leak at the engine block on many 790 Dukes

Kawasaki Z650 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2017

The Kawasaki Z 650 is the tip of the middle class for small male and female riders. On its compact dimensions, you probably won't feel comfortable as a giant. Heart-warming feelings, however, come from the engine, which delights with a very smooth pull. On the chassis side, a Kawasaki-typical tight set-up was chosen, which finds a great compromise in everyday use. The negative display is very easy to read and is reminiscent of its predecessor, the ER-6n - very nice!

Even power delivery

sporty chassis

compact dimensions

negative display

a little too small for tall people

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs Kawasaki Z650

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2018 and a Kawasaki Z650 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 790 Duke 2018 is about 29% higher. A KTM 790 Duke 2018 experiences a loss of 590 GBP in one year and 910 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 350 GBP and 520 GBP for a Kawasaki Z650 2017. Compared to Kawasaki Z650 2017 there are more KTM 790 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 58 days compared to 76 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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