KTM 390 Duke 2015 vs. Kawasaki Z 300 2015

KTM 390 Duke 2015

KTM 390 Duke 2015

Kawasaki Z 300 2015

Kawasaki Z 300 2015

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Overview - KTM 390 Duke 2015 vs Kawasaki Z 300 2015

The KTM 390 Duke 2015 and the Kawasaki Z 300 2015 are both popular naked bikes in the market. While they have some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the technical specifications, the KTM 390 Duke 2015 is equipped with a single-cylinder engine that produces 44 horsepower and 35 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z 300 2015 features a twin-cylinder engine that delivers 39 horsepower and 27 Nm of torque. In terms of displacement, the KTM has a larger engine with a capacity of 373.2 ccm, while the Kawasaki has a smaller engine with a capacity of 296 ccm.

KTM 390 Duke 2015

KTM 390 Duke 2015

Moving on to the chassis, the KTM 390 Duke 2015 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, which provides strength and stability. In contrast, the Kawasaki Z 300 2015 has a steel frame. Both bikes have front brakes with a 17-inch diameter and a front tire width of 110 mm. However, the KTM has four-piston radial brakes, while the Kawasaki has double-piston petal brakes. The rear tire width is 150 mm for the KTM and 140 mm for the Kawasaki. The wheelbase is slightly longer for the Kawasaki at 1405 mm compared to 1367 mm for the KTM. The seat height is also lower for the Kawasaki at 785 mm compared to 800 mm for the KTM. In terms of weight, the KTM is significantly lighter with a curb weight of 139 kg, while the Kawasaki weighs 170 kg with ABS.

Now let's discuss the strengths of each bike. The KTM 390 Duke 2015 is praised for its anti-hopping clutch, which provides smoother downshifts and prevents rear wheel lock-up. It also offers pleasant performance, thanks to its powerful engine. The compact geometry of the bike makes it agile and easy to handle. Additionally, the low weight of the KTM enhances its maneuverability.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z 300 2015 has a more mature and adult look compared to the KTM. It also boasts a high-quality finish, which adds to its appeal. The high-revving engine of the Kawasaki delivers a thrilling riding experience. The comfortable seating position ensures a relaxed and enjoyable ride. The stable brake system inspires confidence in the rider. The cockpit of the Kawasaki is easy to read and provides all the necessary information. Lastly, the Kawasaki has a lower fuel consumption, making it more economical in the long run.

Kawasaki Z 300 2015

Kawasaki Z 300 2015

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The KTM 390 Duke 2015 may feel a little tight for taller individuals due to its compact geometry. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z 300 2015 has a very unobtrusive sound, which may not be appealing to riders who prefer a louder exhaust note. Additionally, the engine of the Kawasaki only starts when idling, which can be a minor inconvenience.

In conclusion, the KTM 390 Duke 2015 and the Kawasaki Z 300 2015 are both impressive naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a powerful engine, compact geometry, and low weight, while the Kawasaki boasts a mature look, high-quality finish, and comfortable seating position. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 390 Duke 2015 compared to Kawasaki Z 300 2015

KTM 390 Duke 2015
Kawasaki Z 300 2015

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore89 mmBore62 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke49 mm
Engine powerEngine power44 HPEngine power39 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpm
TorqueTorque35 NmTorque27 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,250 rpmRpm at Torque10,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.6 Compression Ratio10.6
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders1Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement373.2 ccmDisplacement296 ccm

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width140 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,367 mmWheelbase1,405 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height800 mmSeat Height785 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)139 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)170 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity11 lFuel Tank Capacity17 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyA2License compliancyA2

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 390 Duke 2015

KTM 390 Duke 2015

"I'm not a girl, not yet a woman" sang Britney Spears in an innocently erotic voice, trying to make the whole world believe she wasn't already dating Justin Timberlake fi...Well, in any case, this is a transitional phase, as the 390 Duke also describes with its essence. No longer a small Duke, but not yet a big one either, the 390 is right in the middle. You shouldn't underestimate it, but you shouldn't expect too much either. If you keep this in mind, you will have a lot of fun with it, even on a not too fast race track. (However, not too many thousands should be on the road then.) Feather-light handling like a moped, but already as strong as many a 600cc funk bike from the last 10 years.

Anti-hopping clutch

pleasant performance

compact geometry

low weight

a little tight for tall people

Kawasaki Z 300 2015

Kawasaki Z 300 2015

The cool design of the Kawasaki Z300, which is extremely similar to that of its big sister Z800, makes it a very grown-up-looking motorbike. The stable braking system and the easy-to-read cockpit with an analogue rev counter and all the necessary features fit in very well with this image. Thanks to the 170 kg ready-to-ride weight, the bike is extremely easy to handle and playful. The engine only reveals its potential in the upper rev range, but revs up willingly and makes you want to ride in a sporty manner. Only the comfort-oriented chassis cannot quite cope with radically sporty demands - but this is quite legitimate and understandable for an entry-level motorbike.

Adult look

high-quality finish

high-revving engine

comfortable seating position

stable brake

easy-to-read, complete cockpit

low fuel consumption.

Very unobtrusive sound

favourable chassis components

engine only starts when idling

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 390 Duke vs Kawasaki Z 300

There are a few key differences between a KTM 390 Duke 2015 and a Kawasaki Z 300 2015. It takes less time to sell a KTM 390 Duke with 58 days compared to 111 days for a Kawasaki Z 300. Since model year 2013 1000PS.de editors have written 33 reviews for the KTM 390 Duke and 5 reviews for the Kawasaki Z 300 since model year 2015. The first review for the KTM 390 Duke was published on 11/12/2012 and now has more than 26,300 views. This compares to more than 59,800 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z 300 published on 11/4/2014.

Price KTM 390 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z 300

Model year
Current average market prices

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