KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2019

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

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Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs Kawasaki Z900 2019

The KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, fuel systems, and cooling systems. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 has a higher output with 125.4 HP compared to the KTM 790 Duke 2018's 105 HP. This means that the Kawasaki Z900 2019 may offer more powerful acceleration and a higher top speed.

Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm with a monoshock for the rear suspension. However, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 only has preload adjustment for the rear suspension, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 offers both preload and rebound adjustment. This means that the Kawasaki Z900 2019 may provide a more customizable and comfortable ride.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of chassis, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. The choice of materials and frame design may affect the overall weight and rigidity of the bikes.

Both bikes have double disk brakes with a diameter of 300 mm and four pistons for the front brakes. However, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 uses radial technology for the front brakes, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 uses petal technology. The choice of brake technology may affect the braking performance and feel of the bikes.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 offers ABS, riding modes, and traction control, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 only offers ABS. This means that the KTM 790 Duke 2018 may provide more advanced safety features and customizable riding modes.

Both bikes have similar dimensions and weights, with front and rear tire widths of 120 mm and diameters of 17 inches. The KTM 790 Duke 2018 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1475 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2019's 1450 mm. The seat height of the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is also slightly higher at 825 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2019's 795 mm.

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

In terms of strengths, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is praised for its lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration, optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding, awesome sound even with the series muffler, many electronic gimmicks and functions, extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier, and comfortable seating position. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 is commended for its light and natural handling with high stability, silky engine with full pull from mid revs, high chassis transparency, great feedback, and sitting position with a feel-good factor. Additionally, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 is considered to have a fair price.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is criticized for its rough handling at low revs, being difficult to maneuver in city traffic, and having sometimes fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars. There have also been reports of oil leaks at the engine block on many 790 Dukes. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2019 has been noted to have a TFT display mounted too low, cumbersome menu operation, and rearview mirrors that offer modest visibility.

Overall, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the Kawasaki Z900 2019 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM 790 Duke 2018 may appeal to riders looking for a sporty and powerful bike with advanced electronic features, while the Kawasaki Z900 2019 may be more suitable for riders seeking a lightweight and agile bike with a comfortable riding position.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2018 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2019

KTM 790 Duke 2018
Kawasaki Z900 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel140 mmTravel120 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel150 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake66 degreeRake65 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter240 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS

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 width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,475 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height795 mm
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

The KTM 790 Duke L is an absolutely sporty naked bike with a high fun factor. Whether a beginner rider can handle it depends very much on his or her personality and riding behaviour. There are certainly motorbikes better suited for learning, but sporty radius hunters will hardly be satisfied with anything else. The 790 Duke L is also rather unenthusiastic about everyday rides in the city. On the country road, however, it's a blast, even with only 48 hp. Simply a fun bike as it is written in the book.

Lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration

optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding

awesome sound even with series muffler

many electronic gimmicks and functions

extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier

comfortable seating position

Rough handling at low revs

bitchy in city traffic

sometimes fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars

oil leak at the engine block on many 790 Dukes

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Kawasaki Z900 2019

Fortunately, the new Kawasaki Z900 has lost none of its character through the use of electronics. It is and remains a playful mid-range naked bike, which at the same time masters the brisk pace on the country road magnificently. The riding pleasure and suitability for everyday use are high, the now installed riding aids offer a plus in safety. Your opponents will have a really hard time from now on.

Light and natural handling with high stability

Silky engine with full pull from mid revs

High chassis transparency, great feedback

Sitting position with feel-good factor

Fair price

TFT display mounted too low

Cumbersome menu operation

Rear view mirrors offer modest visibility

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs Kawasaki Z900

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2018 and a Kawasaki Z900 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2019 is about 20% higher. A KTM 790 Duke 2018 experiences a loss of 590 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 230 GBP for a Kawasaki Z900 2019. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2019 there are less KTM 790 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 40. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 58 days compared to 116 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the KTM 790 Duke was published on 09/11/2016 and now has more than 160,600 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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