Kawasaki Z900 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2021 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020

When comparing the Kawasaki Z900 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020, it is evident that both naked bikes have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the Kawasaki Z900 2021, it boasts a powerful four-cylinder engine with 125.4 HP and 98.6 Nm of torque. This provides the rider with a thrilling and exhilarating riding experience. The bike's intuitive handling allows for easy maneuverability, making it a great choice for both experienced riders and beginners. Additionally, the Z900 comes equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control, enhancing safety and control on the road. The aggressive looks of the Z900, combined with its value for money, make it an attractive option for riders looking for a stylish and affordable naked bike.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020 offers a more powerful engine with 180 HP and 140 Nm of torque. Despite having only two cylinders, the Super Duke R delivers impressive performance and acceleration. The bike features a new frame and seating position, providing improved stability and comfort for the rider. The addition of a reverse linkage on the shock absorber enhances the bike's suspension system, resulting in a smoother and more controlled ride. Furthermore, the Super Duke R comes equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, cornering ABS, and traction control, ensuring optimal safety and stability while riding. The bike's powerful engine, despite being Euro 5 compliant, and its sensitive electronics contribute to its overall performance and reliability.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020

However, both bikes have their own weaknesses. The Kawasaki Z900 2021 lacks a quickshifter option, which may be a disadvantage for riders who prefer seamless gear shifting. Additionally, some competitors in the market offer bikes with a 6-axis IMU, providing advanced electronic features that the Z900 may not have. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020 has been reported to have easily scratched plastic between the seat and tank, which may be a minor inconvenience for some riders. Furthermore, the bike's brakes have been known to squeak at walking speed, which can be a nuisance for riders in urban areas.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020 have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Z900 offers a powerful four-cylinder engine, intuitive handling, and good equipment, all at a competitive price. On the other hand, the Super Duke R boasts a more powerful engine, improved frame and seating position, and advanced rider assistance systems. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will depend on the rider's preferences, priorities, and budget.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2021 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2021
KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore73.4 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power180 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque140 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque8,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio13.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel125 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
TravelTravel140 mmTravel140 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter240 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Cornering ABS, Traction control

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 width200 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,497 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height835 mm
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of price-performance, the Kawasaki Z900 is hard to beat at the moment. With the perfectly tuned engine, the high-quality chassis components and the electronics added for 2020, this naked bike offers everything that sporty riders will be looking for. There is really nothing to complain about, except for the lack of a quickshifter option.

powerful four-cylinder

intuitive handling

good equipment

aggressive looks

value for money

No quickshifter option

competitors with 6-axis IMU electronically ahead.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020

KTM has done everything right with the new Superduke 1290 R. The sportier seating position that results from the new frame is perfect for the fast attack, the engine has lost none of its power despite Euro 5, but has also become more refined in conjunction with the more sensitive electronics.

New frame, new seating position

Reverse linkage on shock absorber

Better automatic gearshift

Powerful engine despite Euro 5

Sensitive electronics

Easily scratched plastic between seat and tank

brake squeaks at walking speed

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2021 and a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020 is about 60% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2020 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 33 compared to 14. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Duke R with 78 days compared to 107 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R since model year 2013. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 views. This compares to more than 4,900 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Duke R published on 11/8/2012.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

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