KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2016 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2016 features a V-type engine with 173 HP of power and 144 Nm of torque. It has a chain transmission and is equipped with a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 1301 ccm. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020 has an in-line engine with 142 HP of power and 111 Nm of torque. It also has a chain transmission and is equipped with a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 1043 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front. However, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2016 has a front suspension travel of 125 mm, while the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020 has a slightly lower front suspension travel of 120 mm. Both motorcycles have compression, preload, and rebound adjustment for their front suspensions.

For the rear suspension, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2016 has a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 156 mm. The rear suspension also has compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020 has a swing arm with a monoshock and a slightly lower travel of 144 mm. Similar to the front suspension, the rear suspension also has compression, preload, and rebound adjustment.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2016

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2016 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020 has an aluminum frame.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2016 uses radial, monoblock Brembo brakes, while the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020 uses radial, monoblock, petal Tokico brakes.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles are equipped with ABS and traction control. However, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020 offers additional features such as riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, quickshifter, and cruise control as standard.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have the same front and rear tire width and diameter. However, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2016 has a longer wheelbase of 1482 mm compared to the 1440 mm wheelbase of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020. The seat height of the KTM is slightly higher at 835 mm compared to 834.98 mm for the Kawasaki. The KTM also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters compared to the 19 liters of the Kawasaki.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles have adjustable windscreens. However, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020 offers additional features such as LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and cruise control as standard.

In summary, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2016 offers extensive standard equipment, a sensational engine, unique design, and an uncomplicated pannier system. However, it has poor wind protection, a manual windshield adjustment, and quite high fuel consumption. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2020 features a refined and powerful engine, balanced handling, a comfortable chassis, a sufficiently comfortable seating position, modern looks, good brakes, LED lights all around, a color TFT display, and cruise control as standard. Its only weakness is that the windshield can be adjusted without tools but only with both hands.