KTM 890 Duke R 2020 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2021

KTM 890 Duke R 2020

KTM 890 Duke R 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

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Overview - KTM 890 Duke R 2020 vs Kawasaki Z900 2021

The KTM 890 Duke R 2020 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021 are both naked bikes that offer impressive performance and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 is equipped with a 121 HP inline twin engine, while the Kawasaki Z900 2021 boasts a more powerful 125.4 HP inline four-cylinder engine. Both bikes feature fuel injection systems, liquid cooling, and similar displacements (890ccm for the KTM and 948ccm for the Kawasaki).

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The shock absorbers on both models are monoshocks, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. However, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 offers additional adjustment options for the rear suspension, including preload and rebound adjustments.

KTM 890 Duke R 2020

KTM 890 Duke R 2020

In terms of chassis, the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 features a chromium-molybdenum tubular frame, which provides excellent strength and rigidity. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 has a steel double cradle frame, which also offers good stability and handling.

Both bikes are equipped with double disc brakes at the front, with four-piston calipers for powerful and responsive braking. The KTM 890 Duke R 2020 has slightly larger front brake discs (320mm) compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2021 (300mm). The KTM also features radial brake technology, which enhances braking performance.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS, riding modes, and traction control. However, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 also includes ride by wire technology, which provides smoother throttle response and improved control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front and rear tire widths and diameters. The KTM 890 Duke R 2020 has a slightly longer wheelbase (1482mm) compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2021 (1450mm). The seat height of the KTM is also slightly higher (834mm) compared to the Kawasaki (795mm).

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 boasts a great electronics package, high-quality brakes, an extensively adjustable chassis, a high-revving engine, and playful handling. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 offers a powerful four-cylinder engine, intuitive handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 has slightly nervous tendencies and requires a loose sitting position. The Kawasaki Z900 2021 lacks a quickshifter option and some competitors offer more advanced electronics with a 6-axis IMU.

Overall, both the KTM 890 Duke R 2020 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021 are impressive naked bikes that offer a thrilling riding experience. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities, whether it be a focus on high-revving performance and adjustability (KTM) or a powerful four-cylinder engine and good value for money (Kawasaki).

Technical Specifications KTM 890 Duke R 2020 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2021

KTM 890 Duke R 2020
Kawasaki Z900 2021

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, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, 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 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 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.

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 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 890 Duke R 2020 is about 24% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2021 there are less KTM 890 Duke R 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 18 compared to 34. It takes less time to sell a KTM 890 Duke R with 76 days compared to 107 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 11/5/2019 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

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