KTM 890 Duke R 2023 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2018

KTM 890 Duke R 2023

KTM 890 Duke R 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

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Overview - KTM 890 Duke R 2023 vs Kawasaki Z900 2018

The KTM 890 Duke R 2023 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, fuel systems, and cooling systems. However, there are several notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 has 121 HP, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a slightly higher power output of 125.4 HP. Both bikes have similar torque levels, with the KTM 890 Duke R producing 99 Nm and the Kawasaki Z900 generating 98.6 Nm of torque.

The KTM 890 Duke R 2023 features a 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 890 ccm, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948 ccm. This means that the Kawasaki Z900 has a larger engine size, which may result in slightly better performance and acceleration.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions at the rear. However, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 offers preload adjustment for both the front and rear suspension, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 offers additional rebound adjustment for the front suspension.

KTM 890 Duke R 2023

KTM 890 Duke R 2023

The chassis of the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular frame type, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. The choice of materials and frame type may affect the overall weight and handling characteristics of the bikes.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with four pistons, but the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 has larger brake discs with a diameter of 320 mm compared to the 300 mm discs on the Kawasaki Z900 2018. The KTM 890 Duke R also features radial technology for its front brakes, which may provide better braking performance.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 offers a more comprehensive range of features. It includes ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 only has ABS.

Both bikes have similar dimensions and weights, with front and rear tire widths of 120 mm and 180 mm respectively, and a wheelbase of around 1450-1482 mm. However, the seat height of the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 is slightly higher at 834 mm compared to the 795 mm seat height of the Kawasaki Z900 2018.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 is praised for its powerful and rev-happy engine, finely controllable response, and sporty seating position that ensures great front-wheel feel. It also has high-quality adjustable suspension, powerful Brembo brakes, and a low vehicle weight. Additionally, it offers extensive electronics, although some of them are optional.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

The Kawasaki Z900 2018 is praised for its powerful and silky engine, great sound, sharp and sporty look, low seating position, and easy handling and maneuverability.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 has a more demanding seating position compared to the basic model and a tight basic set-up that may not suit everyone's taste.

The Kawasaki Z900 2018 lacks traction control and may have a strenuous knee angle for tall riders in the long run.

Overall, both the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 890 Duke R 2023 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018

KTM 890 Duke R 2023
Kawasaki Z900 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore90.7 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke68.8 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power121 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque99 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,750 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
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
DisplacementDisplacement890 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

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

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
RakeRake65.7 degreeRake65 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 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, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, 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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,482 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height834 mmSeat Height795 mm
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 890 Duke R 2023

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.

powerful and rev-happy engine

finely controllable response

good (optional) quickshifter

sporty seating position ensures great front-wheel feel

high-quality adjustable suspension

powerful Brembo brakes

low vehicle weight

extensive (partly optional) electronics

Sitting position more demanding than on the basic model

tight basic set-up not to everyone's taste

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In the hotly contested naked bike segment, the Z900 plays right at the front. Above all, its engine is absolutely terrific, runs incredibly silky and offers rich power in all rev regions - as befits a Japanese four-cylinder. Its sporty, aggressive appearance matches this. It does without electronic bells and whistles, but still conveys a lot of confidence when chasing corners, braking and accelerating out of them. The low seat is especially beneficial for smaller riders, but taller riders might miss a flatter knee angle on long distances. The low weight and compactness make the Z900 particularly agile and easy to handle. A sporting cannon that is also extremely appealing in terms of price

Powerful and silky engine

great sound

chassis

sharp, sporty look

low seating position

easy handling and manoeuvrability.

Lack of traction control

Knee angle strenuous for tall riders in the long run

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 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 890 Duke R 2023 is about 43% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018 there are less KTM 890 Duke R 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 38 compared to 55. It takes less time to sell a KTM 890 Duke R with 84 days compared to 112 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.

Price KTM 890 Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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