Kawasaki Z650 2020 vs. KTM 690 Duke 2019

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

KTM 690 Duke 2019

KTM 690 Duke 2019

Loading...

Overview - Kawasaki Z650 2020 vs KTM 690 Duke 2019

In terms of engine power, the Kawasaki Z650 2020 has a slightly lower output of 68.2 HP compared to the KTM 690 Duke 2019, which boasts 73 HP. However, the Z650 compensates for this with its aggressive intake noise, which adds to the overall riding experience. Both bikes have liquid cooling systems to ensure optimal engine performance.

The Z650 features a two-cylinder engine, while the 690 Duke has a single-cylinder engine. This gives the Z650 a smoother running and more refined feel, making it suitable for riders who prefer a more refined ride. On the other hand, the 690 Duke's single-cylinder engine provides a unique character and is known for its torquey nature.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have swing arm rear suspensions with monoshocks. However, the Z650 features a telescopic fork front suspension, while the 690 Duke boasts an upside-down telescopic fork. The upside-down fork on the 690 Duke provides better stability and control during aggressive riding.

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

When it comes to the chassis, the Z650 has a steel frame, while the 690 Duke features a chromium-molybdenum frame. The chromium-molybdenum frame on the 690 Duke offers better rigidity and improves overall handling and stability.

In terms of braking, the Z650 has double piston front brakes with a diameter of 300 mm, while the 690 Duke has four-piston radial front brakes with a diameter of 320 mm. The 690 Duke's braking system provides better stopping power and improved performance during aggressive riding.

Both bikes come with advanced rider assistance systems, with the Z650 equipped with ABS and the 690 Duke featuring Ride by Wire technology. These systems enhance safety and control during riding.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Z650 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1410 mm compared to the 1466 mm of the 690 Duke. The Z650 also has a lower seat height of 790 mm, making it more suitable for riders with shorter inseams. However, the 690 Duke offers a larger fuel tank capacity of 15 liters compared to the Z650's 14 liters.

KTM 690 Duke 2019

KTM 690 Duke 2019

In terms of weaknesses, the Z650 has been criticized for its front brake pressure point and may not be as comfortable for taller riders. Additionally, some riders have found the Rideology App on the Z650 to be less sophisticated compared to other connectivity systems.

On the other hand, the 690 Duke has been criticized by some for not being a "real" single-cylinder Duke, as it has a more refined feel compared to previous models. However, this can also be seen as a strength for riders who prefer a smoother running and more refined bike.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z650 2020 and the KTM 690 Duke 2019 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Z650 excels with its powerful two-cylinder engine, aggressive intake noise, compact dimensions, stable chassis, TFT display with connectivity, and grown-up look. On the other hand, the 690 Duke impresses with its powerful engine, suitability for everyday use, many technical aids, maneuverability, and smooth running. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 2020 compared to KTM 690 Duke 2019

Kawasaki Z650 2020
KTM 690 Duke 2019

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore83 mmBore102 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power73 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque70 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque5,500 rpm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders1
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesRocker arm, OHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement690 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel125 mmTravel135 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel130 mmTravel135 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter240 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRide by Wire

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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,466 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height835 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

It's simply marvellous what Kawasaki has put together in a complete package with the new Z650. The technical components may not knock your socks off individually, but in combination they make for a pleasantly neutral motorbike that everyone will enjoy. No bitchy idiosyncrasies - simply a naked bike that works really well on winding country roads. Of course, the TFT display, which we don't find in the competition at the moment, is a plus, as is the grown-up look, which is strongly oriented towards the larger Z models. Only the pressure point of the front brake could have been more clearly defined - but you can't have everything in this price range.

powerful two-cylinder engine

aggressive intake noise

compact dimensions

low seat height

stable chassis

TFT display with connectivity

grown-up look

Front brake pressure point

probably uncomfortable for tall riders

Rideology Appn och not 100% sophisticated.

KTM 690 Duke 2019

KTM 690 Duke 2019

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

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z650 vs KTM 690 Duke

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 2020 and a KTM 690 Duke 2019. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 21. It takes less time to sell a KTM 690 Duke with 64 days compared to 80 days for the Kawasaki Z650. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 and 29 reviews for the KTM 690 Duke since model year 2008. The first review for the Kawasaki Z650 was published on 11/8/2016 and now has more than 25,000 views. This compares to more than 14,800 views for the first review on KTM 690 Duke published on 9/28/2007.

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 690 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

LOUISContinental MotorradreifenSchuberthcalimoto GmbHMotorex AG