KTM 890 Duke R 2023 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2021

KTM 890 Duke R 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2021
Overview - KTM 890 Duke R 2023 vs Kawasaki Z900 2021
When comparing the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021, it is clear that both naked bikes have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Starting with the strengths of the KTM 890 Duke R 2023, it boasts a powerful and rev-happy engine with 121 HP, providing plenty of acceleration and excitement. The engine's torque of 99 Nm ensures strong performance in various riding conditions. The fuel system is equipped with injection technology, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. With 2 cylinders and liquid cooling, the engine is designed for optimal performance and reliability. The displacement of 890 ccm further contributes to the bike's power and performance.
In terms of suspension, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 features an upside-down telescopic fork at the front with preload adjustment, providing excellent control and comfort. The swing arm suspension at the rear is complemented by a monoshock absorber with preload adjustment, ensuring a smooth and stable ride. The use of aluminum in the rear suspension enhances durability and reduces weight.
The KTM 890 Duke R 2023's chassis is constructed with chromium-molybdenum, offering strength and rigidity. The tubular frame design further enhances stability and handling. The front brakes consist of double disks with a diameter of 320 mm and four pistons, utilizing radial technology for optimal braking performance. The bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control, enhancing safety and control.

KTM 890 Duke R 2023
In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 features a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, providing excellent grip and stability. The rear tire has a width of 180 mm and the same diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase measures 1482 mm, contributing to the bike's stability and maneuverability. The seat height is 834 mm, ensuring a comfortable riding position for most riders. The bike is equipped with connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display, enhancing convenience and visibility.
Moving on to the strengths of the Kawasaki Z900 2021, it features a powerful four-cylinder engine with 125.4 HP, providing strong acceleration and performance. The engine's torque of 98.6 Nm ensures responsive and enjoyable riding. The fuel system is equipped with injection technology, enhancing fuel efficiency and throttle response. With 4 cylinders and liquid cooling, the engine is designed for optimal performance and reliability. The displacement of 948 ccm further contributes to the bike's power and performance.
In terms of suspension, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 also features an upside-down telescopic fork at the front with preload and rebound adjustment, providing excellent control and comfort. The swing arm suspension at the rear is complemented by a monoshock absorber with preload and rebound adjustment, ensuring a smooth and stable ride. The use of aluminum in the rear suspension enhances durability and reduces weight.
The Kawasaki Z900 2021's chassis is constructed with steel, offering strength and rigidity. The double cradle frame design further enhances stability and handling. The front brakes consist of double disks with a diameter of 300 mm and four pistons, utilizing petal technology for optimal braking performance. The bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control, enhancing safety and control.

Kawasaki Z900 2021
In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 features a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, providing good grip and stability. The rear tire has a width of 180 mm and the same diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase measures 1450 mm, contributing to the bike's stability and maneuverability. The seat height is 795 mm, ensuring a comfortable riding position for most riders. The bike is equipped with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display, enhancing visibility and convenience.
While both bikes have their respective strengths, they also have some weaknesses. The KTM 890 Duke R 2023 has a more demanding sitting position compared to the basic model, which may not be suitable for all riders. Additionally, the tight basic set-up may not be to everyone's taste.
On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 does not offer a quickshifter option, which may be a drawback for riders who prefer quick and seamless gear shifts. Furthermore, competitors in the market offer bikes with a 6-axis IMU, giving them an edge in terms of electronic features.
In conclusion, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 and the Kawasaki Z900 2021 are both impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a powerful engine, adjustable suspension, and extensive electronics, while the Kawasaki provides intuitive handling, good equipment, and aggressive looks. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.
Technical Specifications KTM 890 Duke R 2023 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2021
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
KTM 890 Duke R 2023

The KTM 890 Duke R is the sportiest evolutionary stage of the 890 Duke. More power, firmer chassis, sharper brakes - these ingredients, together with the already low vehicle weight, make it a real precision machine. A fast and cool bike for riding fun fetishists, ambitious home track heaters and, last but not least, a real recommendation for trackday visitors. However, the sporty positioning of the upper body and the somewhat more acute knee angle come at the expense of comfort. Last but not least, the adjustable suspension in the basic setup is really crisply tuned. If you want to enjoy the powerful 890 engine and the high-quality electronics a little more comfortably, you can still go for the basic model with a clear conscience.
Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of price-performance, the Kawasaki Z900 is hard to beat at the moment. With the perfectly tuned engine, the high-quality chassis components and the electronics added for 2020, this naked bike offers everything that sporty riders will be looking for. There is really nothing to complain about, except for the lack of a quickshifter option.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 890 Duke R vs Kawasaki Z900
There are a few key differences between a KTM 890 Duke R 2023 and a Kawasaki Z900 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 890 Duke R 2023 is about 44% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2021 there are more KTM 890 Duke R 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 38 compared to 33. It takes less time to sell a KTM 890 Duke R with 84 days compared to 107 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 15 reviews for the KTM 890 Duke R and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the KTM 890 Duke R was published on 05/11/2019 and now has more than 126,600 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.