KTM 890 Duke R 2020 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2018

KTM 890 Duke R 2020

KTM 890 Duke R 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

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Overview - KTM 890 Duke R 2020 vs Kawasaki Z900 2018

The KTM 890 Duke R 2020 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 are both naked bikes with powerful engines and sporty characteristics. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 is equipped with a 121 HP, 2-cylinder, 890ccm engine, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 features a slightly more powerful 125.4 HP, 4-cylinder, 948ccm engine. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear, with monoshock absorbers. The KTM 890 Duke R 2020 offers preload adjustment for the rear suspension, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 provides additional rebound adjustment. Both bikes have aluminum rear suspensions.

KTM 890 Duke R 2020

KTM 890 Duke R 2020

In terms of chassis, the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. Both frames provide stability and rigidity.

Braking systems on both bikes consist of double disk brakes at the front with four-piston calipers. However, the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 has larger 320mm diameter disks and radial technology, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has 300mm diameter disks with petal technology.

In terms of rider assistance systems, the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 offers advanced features such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The Kawasaki Z900 2018, on the other hand, only has ABS.

Both bikes have similar tire dimensions, with a 120mm width and 17-inch diameter at the front, and a 180mm width and 17-inch diameter at the rear. The wheelbase of the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 is slightly longer at 1482mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 1450mm. The seat height of the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 is also higher at 834mm, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a lower seat height of 795mm.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 stands out for its great electronics package, high-quality brakes, extensively adjustable chassis, high-revving engine, and playful handling. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 is praised for its powerful and silky engine, great sound, sharp and sporty look, low seating position, and easy handling and maneuverability.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The KTM 890 Duke R 2020 has slightly nervous tendencies and requires a loose sitting position, which may not be comfortable for all riders. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 lacks traction control and the knee angle may become strenuous for tall riders during long rides.

In conclusion, the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 are both impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers advanced rider assistance systems and a highly adjustable chassis, while the Kawasaki provides a powerful engine and a sporty look. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 890 Duke R 2020 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018

KTM 890 Duke R 2020
Kawasaki Z900 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore90.7 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke68.8 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power121 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement890 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel140 mmTravel120 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel150 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake65.7 degreeRake65 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter240 mmDiameter250 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 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 Height834 mmSeat Height795 mm
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 890 Duke R 2020

KTM 890 Duke R 2020

The KTM 890 Duke R appears playful, handy but with high-quality equipment. The engine and weight are reminiscent of much smaller motorbikes. The power unit revs up lively and hangs directly on the throttle. The bike turns easily and rides light-footed. Braking and the electronics package, however, are in the big league. Therefore, the 890 Duke is a fast and cool bike for country roads and racetracks.

Great electronics package

High-quality brakes

Extensively adjustable chassis

High-revving engine

Playful handling

Slightly nervous tendencies - loose sitting position necessary

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In the hotly contested naked bike segment, the Z900 plays right at the front. Above all, its engine is absolutely terrific, runs incredibly silky and offers rich power in all rev regions - as befits a Japanese four-cylinder. Its sporty, aggressive appearance matches this. It does without electronic bells and whistles, but still conveys a lot of confidence when chasing corners, braking and accelerating out of them. The low seat is especially beneficial for smaller riders, but taller riders might miss a flatter knee angle on long distances. The low weight and compactness make the Z900 particularly agile and easy to handle. A sporting cannon that is also extremely appealing in terms of price

Powerful and silky engine

great sound

chassis

sharp, sporty look

low seating position

easy handling and manoeuvrability.

Lack of traction control

Knee angle strenuous for tall riders in the long run

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 890 Duke R vs Kawasaki Z900

There are a few key differences between a KTM 890 Duke R 2020 and a Kawasaki Z900 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 890 Duke R 2020 is about 23% higher. A KTM 890 Duke R 2020 experiences a loss of 100 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 650 GBP for a Kawasaki Z900 2018. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018 there are less KTM 890 Duke R 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 18 compared to 55. It takes less time to sell a KTM 890 Duke R with 76 days compared to 112 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 15 reviews for the KTM 890 Duke R and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the KTM 890 Duke R was published on 05/11/2019 and now has more than 126,600 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price KTM 890 Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

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