KTM 890 Duke R 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

The KTM 890 Duke R 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 are both naked bikes that offer powerful engines and advanced rider assistance systems. However, they have some key differences in terms of specifications and features.

Starting with the engine, the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 is equipped with a 2-cylinder in-line engine that produces 121 horsepower and 99 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 is powered by a 4-cylinder in-line engine that delivers 125 horsepower and 98.6 Nm of torque. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arms with monoshock absorbers at the rear. However, the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 is equipped with WP suspension components, while the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 features Öhlins suspension at the rear. The Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 also offers adjustable preload and rebound settings for the rear shock absorber.

KTM 890 Duke R 2021

When it comes to the chassis, the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. Both bikes have double disc brakes at the front with four-piston calipers, but the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 has larger 320 mm diameter discs compared to the 300 mm discs on the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023. The KTM 890 Duke R 2021 also utilizes radial brake technology, while the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 uses petal brake technology.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS, riding modes, and traction control. However, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 also features ride by wire technology, which provides smoother throttle response and improved control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1482 mm compared to the 1450 mm wheelbase of the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023. The seat height of the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 is also slightly higher at 834 mm compared to the 795 mm seat height of the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023. Both bikes have the same front and rear tire widths and diameters.

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 is praised for its high-revving and sporty engine, excellent quickshifter, great electronics package, great brakes, good chassis, and driving-friendly handling. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 is commended for its powerful and sonorous four-cylinder engine, high-quality chassis components with Öhlins suspension at the rear, strong Brembo M4-32 brakes, good ergonomics, and easy handling.

However, the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 does have some weaknesses, including cheap buttons and switches and slightly nervous geometry. The Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023, on the other hand, lacks a quickshifter and does not have lean angle-dependent traction control or cornering ABS due to the absence of an IMU. Additionally, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 has a higher weight compared to the KTM 890 Duke R 2021.

In conclusion, while both the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 offer powerful engines and advanced rider assistance systems, they have some notable differences in terms of specifications and features. The KTM 890 Duke R 2021 excels in terms of engine performance, quickshifter, electronics package, and lightweight handling, while the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 stands out with its four-cylinder engine, high-quality chassis components, and strong brakes.