Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs. KTM 690 SMC R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2023

KTM 690 SMC R 2021

Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs KTM 690 SMC R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2023

KTM 690 SMC R 2021

50 Years Strong: One Brand – One Promise!

Perfect fit, premium quality – with Hepco&Becker accessories, your bike is ready for any adventure. Quality made in Germany.

Details

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2023 compared to KTM 690 SMC R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2023

KTM 690 SMC R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2023

KTM 690 SMC R 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	73.4 mm	Bore	105 mm
Stroke	Stroke	56 mm	Stroke	80 mm
Engine power	Engine power	125 HP	Engine power	75 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	98.6 Nm	Torque	73.5 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,700 rpm	Rpm at Torque	5,600 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	11.8	Compression Ratio	12.7
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Throttle Bore	Throttle Bore	36 mm	Throttle Bore	50 mm
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Antihopping
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	4	Cylinders	1
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	Rocker arm, OHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	948 ccm	Displacement	692.7 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	41 mm	Diameter	48 mm
Travel	Travel	120 mm	Travel	215 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Shock mount	Shock mount	Deflection	Shock mount	Deflection
Travel	Travel	140 mm	Travel	240 mm

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Tubular
Rake	Rake	65 degree	Rake	63 degree
Trail	Trail	105 mm	Trail	107.7 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Single disk
Diameter	Diameter	300 mm	Diameter	320 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Technology	Technology	Petal	Technology	radial

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	250 mm	Diameter	240 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	180 mm	Rear tyre width	160 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,450 mm	Wheelbase	1,470 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	795 mm	Seat Height	890 mm
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A
Stationary noise	Stationary noise	97 dB	Stationary noise	90 dB

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 may not be up to scratch when it comes to modern, lean angle-dependent electronic features, but it's relatively cheap and you shouldn't underestimate the fan base of the good old inline four - the Z900 is one of the cheapest ways to own such a great engine with just under a litre of displacement in a sporty naked bike! The higher weight is noticeable, but not massively annoying, because the handling and stability are quite alright. In terms of "outdated" electronics, the most annoying thing is the missing shift assistant, which is not even available as an option. Overall, however, the Z900 is a great naked bike with a great price-performance ratio.

Light and natural handling with high stability

silky engine with full pull from low revs

high chassis transparency, great feedback

seating position with feel-good factor

absolutely fair price.

Relatively cumbersome operation of the menu

no slope-dependent assistance systems

high weight

KTM 690 SMC R 2021

A large, powerful single cylinder, a stable chassis, just over 160 kg of tractive weight and modern electronics for support - the key data alone suggests a lot of riding pleasure. In 2024, the SMC-R may be a little dusty in some respects and is no longer the undisputed queen of road-legal supermotos, but it can still offer a lot of supermoto fun and performance.

Powerful engine

Electronics can support safety or supermoto manoeuvres as required

Stable, fully adjustable suspension

Agile riding performance

Good ergonomics

Low fuel consumption

Great quickshifter

Old LC display and halogen headlights no longer up to date

Suspension could absorb small bumps more harmoniously

Brakes not overly sensitive