KTM 890 Duke R 2023 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022

KTM 890 Duke R 2023

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022
Overview - KTM 890 Duke R 2023 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022
The KTM 890 Duke R 2023 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 are both naked bikes that offer powerful engines and sporty performance. However, there are several differences between the two models.
In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 is equipped with a 121 HP in-line 2-cylinder engine, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 features a 111 HP in-line 4-cylinder engine. The KTM has a slightly higher torque of 99 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 98.5 Nm. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.
When it comes to suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. However, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 features a WP shock absorber at the rear, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 is equipped with an Öhlins shock. Both bikes offer preload adjustment for the suspension. The KTM has an aluminum swing arm, while the Kawasaki's swing arm material is not specified.

KTM 890 Duke R 2023
In terms of braking, both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with four pistons. The KTM 890 Duke R 2023 has a larger front brake diameter of 320 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 300 mm. The KTM also has radial technology for the front brakes, while the Kawasaki has radial and monoblock technology. Both bikes offer ABS and traction control as advanced rider assistance systems.
In terms of dimensions and weights, the two bikes have similar front and rear tire widths and diameters. The KTM 890 Duke R 2023 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1482 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 1470 mm. The seat height is also similar, with the KTM at 834 mm and the Kawasaki at 835 mm. The Kawasaki has a larger fuel tank capacity of 17 liters compared to the KTM's 14 liters. The Kawasaki also has a longer range and higher combined fuel consumption.

Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022
In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 offers a powerful and rev-happy engine, finely controllable response, and a sporty seating position that ensures great front-wheel feel. It also has high-quality adjustable suspension, powerful Brembo brakes, low vehicle weight, and extensive electronics options. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 offers exclusivity, an Öhlins shock, Brembo brakes with Stahlflex, classic round clocks, a powerful engine, and fewer electronics.
In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 has a more demanding sitting position compared to the basic model and a tight basic set-up that may not be to everyone's taste. The Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 lacks cruise control and is often sold out right away, making it difficult to purchase.
Overall, both the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022 are impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities when choosing between the two models.
Technical Specifications KTM 890 Duke R 2023 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022
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 RS SE 2022

Kawasaki has done everything right with the Z900RS SE. The fact that the already very good and extremely charismatic Z900RS has been further upgraded with noble components not only feeds pride of ownership, but also brings the small advantages in the very sporty serious case that bring the summit victory. I would modify the saying "The better is the enemy of the good" for RS SE and RS as follows: "The better is the friend of the good." Whether RS or RS SE, retro at its best.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 890 Duke R vs Kawasaki Z900 RS SE
There are a few key differences between a KTM 890 Duke R 2023 and a Kawasaki Z900 RS SE 2022. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 38. It takes less time to sell a KTM 890 Duke R with 84 days compared to 168 days for a Kawasaki Z900 RS SE. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 15 reviews for the KTM 890 Duke R and 8 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE since model year 2022. 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 59,000 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 RS SE published on 16/08/2021.