Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2022

The Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 is equipped with a powerful and pleasantly sounding four-cylinder engine, providing 125 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. It features a fuel injection system and liquid cooling. The displacement of the engine is 948 ccm, and it has four cylinders. The suspension consists of a telescopic upside-down fork at the front with adjustments for compression, preload, and recovery, while the rear suspension is a swingarm with a monoshock, specifically from Öhlins, with adjustments for preload and recovery. The frame of the Z900 SE is made of steel and has a double cradle design. The front brakes are dual discs with a diameter of 300 mm and four-piston calipers, using Brembo technology. The Z900 SE comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride-by-wire, and traction control. The front tire has a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 180 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1450 mm, and the seat height is 795 mm. The weight of the bike, including ABS, is 210 kg. The Z900 SE is equipped with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT screen.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2022 is equipped with a V-twin engine that delivers a brutal performance of 180 HP and 140 Nm of torque. Similar to the Z900 SE, it features a fuel injection system and liquid cooling. The displacement of the engine is 1301 ccm, and it has two cylinders. The front suspension consists of a telescopic upside-down fork with adjustments for compression, preload, and recovery, while the rear suspension is a single-sided swingarm with a monoshock, specifically from WP, with adjustments for compression, preload, and recovery. The frame of the Super Duke R is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular design. The front brakes are dual discs with a diameter of 320 mm and four-piston radial monoblock calipers, also using Brembo technology. The Super Duke R comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as riding modes, cornering ABS, ride-by-wire, shift assistant with blipper, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The front tire has a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 200 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1497 mm, and the seat height is 835 mm. The weight of the bike, including ABS, is 209 kg. The Super Duke R is equipped with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT screen.

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 SE stands out for its powerful and pleasantly sounding four-cylinder engine, high-quality chassis components with an Öhlins rear suspension, strong Brembo M4-32 brakes, good ergonomics, and easy handling. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R excels in its brutal performance, accessible handling, fully adjustable and stable chassis, high-quality stock tires, comfortable seating position, and acceptable fuel consumption.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2022

However, the Kawasaki Z900 SE has some weaknesses, including the absence of quick shifts, even as an option, the lack of angle-dependent traction control and cornering ABS due to the absence of an IMU, and its high weight. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R has weaknesses such as the need to pay for the full equipment package and the complicated operation of the indicator.

In conclusion, while both the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2022 have their strengths and weaknesses, the Z900 SE offers a powerful and enjoyable riding experience with high-quality components, while the Super Duke R provides a brutal performance and a comfortable riding position. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.