KTM 690 Duke 2018 vs. Kawasaki Z650 2017

KTM 690 Duke 2018

KTM 690 Duke 2018

Kawasaki Z650 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2017

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Overview - KTM 690 Duke 2018 vs Kawasaki Z650 2017

The KTM 690 Duke 2018 and the Kawasaki Z650 2017 are both popular naked bikes with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the KTM 690 Duke 2018, it boasts a powerful engine with 73 HP and 70 Nm of torque. Its single-cylinder engine provides a smooth and responsive power delivery, making it suitable for everyday use. The bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems, such as Ride by Wire, which enhance its performance and handling. The KTM 690 Duke 2018 is also known for its manoeuvrability, thanks to its upside-down telescopic fork front suspension and swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock absorber. The chromium-molybdenum frame adds strength and stability to the bike. In terms of braking, it features a four-piston radial technology front brake with a diameter of 320 mm. The dimensions and weights of the bike include a front tyre width of 120 mm, a rear tyre width of 160 mm, a wheelbase of 1466 mm, and a seat height of 835 mm. The fuel tank capacity is 14 liters.

KTM 690 Duke 2018

KTM 690 Duke 2018

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 2017 is equipped with a 68.2 HP engine and 65.7 Nm of torque. Its twin-cylinder engine delivers power in a smooth and even manner. The bike features a telescopic fork front suspension and swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock absorber, similar to the KTM 690 Duke 2018. The steel frame provides stability and durability to the bike. The front brake has a double piston technology with a diameter of 300 mm. The dimensions and weights of the Kawasaki Z650 2017 include a front tyre width of 120 mm, a rear tyre width of 160 mm, a wheelbase of 1410 mm, and a seat height of 790 mm. The fuel tank capacity is slightly larger than the KTM 690 Duke 2018 at 15 liters.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 690 Duke 2018 stands out with its powerful engine, making it suitable for both everyday use and more spirited riding. It also offers many technical aids, such as Ride by Wire, which enhance its performance and handling. Additionally, the KTM 690 Duke 2018 is known for its manoeuvrability and smooth running.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 2017 has its own strengths. It delivers power in a smooth and even manner, providing a sporty riding experience. The bike also has compact dimensions, making it easy to handle and maneuver. Additionally, the negative display adds a unique and stylish touch to the bike's design.

Kawasaki Z650 2017

Kawasaki Z650 2017

While the KTM 690 Duke 2018 has no significant weaknesses, some riders may not consider it a "real" single-cylinder Duke due to its powerful engine. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z650 2017 may not be suitable for taller riders as it may feel a little too small.

In conclusion, both the KTM 690 Duke 2018 and the Kawasaki Z650 2017 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM 690 Duke 2018 offers a powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems, while the Kawasaki Z650 2017 delivers power in a smooth and even manner with a sporty chassis. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and requirements.

Technical Specifications KTM 690 Duke 2018 compared to Kawasaki Z650 2017

KTM 690 Duke 2018
Kawasaki Z650 2017

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore102 mmBore83 mm
Engine powerEngine power73 HPEngine power68.2 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque70 NmTorque65.7 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque5,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders1Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesRocker arm, OHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement690 ccmDisplacement649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel135 mmTravel125 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel135 mmTravel130 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter240 mmDiameter220 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRide by WireAdvanced 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 width160 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,466 mmWheelbase1,410 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 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 690 Duke 2018

KTM 690 Duke 2018

Considering where the KTM Duke family once started, the 690 Duke is an incredible step forward. The engine is extremely refined and at the same time husky for a street-legal single-cylinder. Despite all the technology on board, it is still a very light motorbike and can almost be called a toy (in a good sense). Only its seating position divides opinions, because with the Duke 4 in 2012, the former supermotos became an almost tame naked bike with a front-wheel-oriented seating position. The advantage: everyday life and long tours should not be a problem on the current Duke.

powerful engine

suitable for everyday use

many technical aids

manoeuvrable

smooth running

For some, not a "real" single-cylinder Duke

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 690 Duke vs Kawasaki Z650

There are a few key differences between a KTM 690 Duke 2018 and a Kawasaki Z650 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 690 Duke 2018 is about 18% higher. A KTM 690 Duke 2018 experiences a loss of 330 USD in one year and 570 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 340 USD and 520 USD for a Kawasaki Z650 2017. Compared to Kawasaki Z650 2017 there are more KTM 690 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 14 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z650 with 76 days compared to 82 days for the KTM 690 Duke. Since model year 2008 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the KTM 690 Duke and 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 since model year 2017. The first review for the KTM 690 Duke was published on 9/28/2007 and now has more than 14,800 views. This compares to more than 25,000 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z650 published on 11/8/2016.

Price KTM 690 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

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