KTM 790 Duke 2020 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2019

KTM 790 Duke 2020

KTM 790 Duke 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

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Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2020 vs Kawasaki Z900 2019

The KTM 790 Duke 2020 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are both popular naked bikes that offer impressive performance and features. Let's compare them in various aspects.

In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 is equipped with a 2-cylinder, 799cc engine that produces 105 horsepower. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 features a 4-cylinder, 948cc engine that delivers 125.4 horsepower. 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. The KTM 790 Duke 2020 has a monoshock rear suspension with preload adjustment, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 offers both preload and rebound adjustment. The rear suspension of both bikes is made of aluminum, ensuring durability and performance.

KTM 790 Duke 2020

KTM 790 Duke 2020

In terms of chassis, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. Both frames are known for their strength and rigidity, providing excellent stability and handling.

Both bikes are equipped with double disc brakes at the front, with a diameter of 300mm and four-piston calipers. The KTM 790 Duke 2020 utilizes radial technology for its front brakes, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 features petal technology. Both braking systems offer excellent stopping power and control.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 comes with ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The Kawasaki Z900 2019, on the other hand, is equipped with ABS only. Both bikes prioritize safety and provide riders with additional confidence on the road.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 180mm, with 17-inch diameter wheels. The KTM 790 Duke 2020 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1475mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2019's 1450mm. The seat height of the KTM 790 Duke 2020 is 825mm, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 has a seat height of 795mm.

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Now let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each bike. The KTM 790 Duke 2020 offers a high-revving two-cylinder engine, a quickshifter as standard, and a great chassis set-up, resulting in playful handling. It also boasts a high-quality electronics package, including a TFT display, and offers a good price/performance ratio. However, its rear suspension only allows for preload adjustment, which may limit customization options for some riders.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 is praised for its light and natural handling with high stability. Its engine provides a silky smooth power delivery with strong mid-range performance. The chassis offers great feedback and transparency, and the sitting position is comfortable. Additionally, it is considered to have a fair price. However, some riders have noted that the TFT display is mounted too low, making it less visible, and the menu operation can be cumbersome. The rearview mirrors also offer modest visibility.

In conclusion, both the KTM 790 Duke 2020 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Riders who prioritize a high-revving two-cylinder engine, a quickshifter, and a high-quality electronics package may lean towards the KTM 790 Duke 2020. On the other hand, those who value light and natural handling, a silky engine, and a comfortable sitting position may prefer the Kawasaki Z900 2019. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2020 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2019

KTM 790 Duke 2020
Kawasaki Z900 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 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
DisplacementDisplacement799 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
RakeRake66 degreeRake65 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,475 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height795 mm
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

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 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 790 Duke vs Kawasaki Z900

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2020 and a Kawasaki Z900 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2019 is about 17% higher. A KTM 790 Duke 2020 experiences a loss of 120 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 790 Duke 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 25 compared to 40. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 78 days compared to 116 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 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 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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