Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

In terms of engine and power, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 features an inline four-cylinder engine with 142 horsepower and 111 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 has a V-twin engine with a more powerful 175 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. This gives the KTM a significant advantage in terms of sheer power and acceleration.

Both motorcycles have a chain transmission and a 4-stroke engine. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX has a displacement of 1043ccm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a larger displacement of 1301ccm. This means that the KTM has a larger engine, which contributes to its higher power output.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX has a front suspension travel of 120mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a slightly larger travel of 125mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound.

For the rear suspension, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX has a swing arm suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 144mm. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a single swing arm suspension with a monoshock and a larger travel of 156mm. This gives the KTM better suspension travel and potentially better performance on rough roads.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles feature double disk brakes at the front. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX has 300mm diameter disks with radial, monoblock, and petal technology from Tokico. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, on the other hand, has larger 320mm diameter disks with radial monoblock technology from Brembo. This gives the KTM better braking performance and potentially shorter stopping distances.

Both motorcycles come equipped with advanced rider assistance systems. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX features ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, a quickshifter, and traction control. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT also features ABS, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. Both motorcycles offer a similar level of electronic aids, providing enhanced safety and performance.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 190mm. They also have the same 17-inch tire diameter. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX has a wheelbase of 1440mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1482mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of around 835mm, providing a comfortable riding position for most riders. The KTM has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters compared to the Kawasaki's 19 liters, giving it a longer range.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with adjustable windshields. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX also features LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT offers ample equipment as standard, although specific details are not provided.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is praised for its silky four-cylinder engine, comfortable yet sporty ergonomics, wind protection, standard electronics package, stability thanks to the full fairing, and accessibility. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is praised for its very potent engine with massive power, extremely precise chassis, agile handling, well-controlled brakes, good wind protection, adjustable windshield, top ergonomics even for tall riders, long range, and ample equipment as standard.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is criticized for its engine needing revs, electronics that could be more user-friendly, and a windshield that can only be adjusted with two hands. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is criticized for its hard chassis and saddle, engine that only accelerates smoothly from around 3500 revs, and being very loud with the Track Pack.

Overall, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 offers more power, better suspension travel, larger brakes, and a longer range compared to the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021. However, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX offers a more accessible and user-friendly riding experience, with a comfortable and sporty ergonomics, and a full fairing for added stability. Ultimately, the choice between these two motorcycles will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore77 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power142 HPEngine power175 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,870 rpm
TorqueTorque111 NmTorque141 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque8,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio13.2
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel125 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel144 mmTravel156 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameChromium-molybdenum
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake65.1 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountFixed caliper
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, Monoblock, PetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock
BrandBrandTokicoBrandBrembo

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter240 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width190 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height50 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,440 mmWheelbase1,482 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height834.98 mmSeat Height835 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity19 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentWindscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

A sports tourer of the old school. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX fulfils all the points you would expect from this bike category. Added to this is a comprehensive electronics package that offers everything you could wish for when travelling - and at no extra charge! The fact that the operation is perhaps not quite as intuitive as the competition already manages, is forgiven at the latest when you take a look at the price tag.

silky four-cylinder

comfortable yet sporty ergonomics

wind protection

standard electronics package

lots of stability thanks to full fairing

very accessible.

Engine needs revs

electronics could be more user-friendly

windshield only adjustable with two hands

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

The Super Duke GT definitely focuses on the "sport" in the sport tourer, but it can nevertheless also be used passably in touring mode. From the chassis to the seat, it is clearly on the harder side, but it makes up for this with great ergonomics, plenty of space in the saddle and lush factory equipment. Sporty riders in particular will enjoy the powerful engine and the precise, smooth handling. It may not be suitable for comfort-conscious cruisers, but those who can do without a bit of cosiness and in return enjoy the radical character will have no problem going on long journeys with it. The important points, such as sufficient range, wind protection and payload, are also fulfilled.

Very potent engine with massive power

Extremely precise chassis

Agile handling

Well-controlled brakes

Ok wind protection

Windshield easily adjustable

Top ergonomics, even for tall riders

Long range

Ample equipment as standard

Chassis & saddle quite hard

engine only accelerates smoothly from approx. 3500 revs

very loud with Track Pack

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX vs KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 and a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 is about 22% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 there are more Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 14 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX with 118 days compared to 138 days for a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 13 reviews for the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX and 22 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT since model year 2016. The first review for the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX was published on 11/5/2019 and now has more than 40,500 views. This compares to more than 23,600 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Duke GT published on 11/17/2015.

Price Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Model year
Current average market prices

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