Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 vs. KTM 890 Duke R 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 and the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced features.

Starting with the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023, it is equipped with a four-cylinder engine that delivers 125 horsepower and 98.6 Nm of torque. The fuel system is injection-based, and the displacement is 948cc. The bike features a liquid-cooled system and a steel frame with a double cradle design. The front suspension consists of a telescopic upside-down fork with adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. The rear suspension is a swingarm with a monoshock and Öhlins brand, which can be adjusted for preload and rebound. The bike is equipped with dual disc brakes with a diameter of 300mm and four-piston calipers on the front. It also comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride-by-wire, and traction control. The Z900 SE 2023 has a width of 120mm for the front tire and 180mm for the rear tire, both with a 17-inch diameter. The wheelbase is 1450mm, and the seat height is 795mm. Additional features include LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023

On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 is powered by a two-cylinder engine that produces 121 horsepower and 99 Nm of torque. It also has an injection-based fuel system and a liquid-cooled system. The displacement is 890cc. The bike features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. The front suspension consists of a telescopic upside-down fork with preload adjustment, while the rear suspension is a swingarm with a monoshock from WP that can be adjusted for preload. The KTM 890 Duke R 2023 is equipped with dual disc brakes with a diameter of 320mm and four-piston radial calipers on the front. It also comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride-by-wire, and traction control. The front tire has a width of 120mm, and the rear tire has a width of 180mm, both with a 17-inch diameter. The wheelbase is slightly longer than the Kawasaki Z900 SE at 1482mm, and the seat height is higher at 834mm. Additional features include connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 offers a powerful and pleasantly sounding four-cylinder engine, high-quality chassis components with Öhlins rear suspension, strong Brembo M4-32 brakes, good ergonomics, and easy handling. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 boasts a powerful and rev-happy engine with finely controllable response, an optional quickshifter for smooth gear changes, a sporty seating position for excellent front-wheel feel, adjustable high-quality suspension, powerful Brembo brakes, low vehicle weight, and extensive electronics (partially optional).

KTM 890 Duke R 2023

However, the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 does have some weaknesses. It lacks quickshifters, even as an option, and does not have angle-dependent traction control or cornering ABS due to the absence of an IMU. It also has a relatively high weight. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 has a more demanding seating position than the base model, and some riders may not prefer its tight basic setup.

In summary, both the Kawasaki Z900 SE 2023 and the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 are powerful naked bikes with advanced features. The Kawasaki offers a smooth four-cylinder engine and high-quality components, while the KTM provides a rev-happy engine and excellent handling characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.