KTM 790 Duke 2026 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026

KTM 790 Duke 2026

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2026 compared to Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026

KTM 790 Duke 2026

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026

KTM 790 Duke 2026

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	88 mm	Bore	83 mm
Stroke	Stroke	65.7 mm	Stroke	60 mm
Engine power	Engine power	95 HP	Engine power	68.2 HP
Torque	Torque	87 Nm	Torque	65.7 Nm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12.7	Compression Ratio	10.8
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
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	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	799 ccm	Displacement	649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	43 mm	Diameter	41 mm
Travel	Travel	140 mm	Travel	125 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	150 mm	Travel	130 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Preload

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular	Frame type	Tubular
Rake	Rake	66 degree	Rake	65.5 degree
Trail	Trail	100 mm	Trail	100 mm

Brakes Front

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

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	240 mm	Diameter	220 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Floating caliper

Assistance Systems

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

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	1,475 mm	Wheelbase	1,410 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	825 mm	Seat Height	790 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	15 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Modern electronics, Lighting	Equipment	LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2026

The 2027 KTM 790 Duke isn’t a completely new bike, but it feels like a much-needed fresh start. The familiar twin-cylinder engine delivers 95 Horsepower – more than enough power for country roads – the new WP suspension suits its sporty character, the brakes are easy to modulate, and the ergonomics have been noticeably improved. The unpainted decals show that this bike was developed with a focus on cost-effectiveness. And taller riders should check the knee angle. However, these are not issues that detract from the overall package.

A powerful, everyday-friendly twin-cylinder engine with 95 horsepower and 87 nm

a very well-balanced WP suspension with a sporty base set-up

new ergonomics with an open handlebar and good ground contact

new WP braking system with precise modulation

no more ‘demo mode’ in the electronics packages

a target price of under 10,000 euros makes it very competitive

Below 3,000 rpm, the engine may jerk slightly

the optional cruise control cannot be deactivated by moving the throttle grip in the negative direction

taller riders should check the sportier knee angle

unpainted stickers highlight the pressure on prices

Quickshifter Plus, cruise control and Track mode remain optional

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026

Judging the Kawasaki Ninja 650 purely on paper does not do justice to its potential. The engine is clearly not an engine bursting with power for the race track, but an agile but well-behaved journeyman. The sports tourer with supersport looks does exactly what it is supposed to do and presents itself as a real alternative in its class with its appropriate electronics package including traction control. Hobby racers should be warned, however, that the Ninja in the name still fuels a certain sporty expectation that a Ninja 650 cannot fully fulfil.

Fully suitable for touring

pleasantly comfortable

good safety package

very accessible

ergonomically versatile

typical Ninja look

Suspension and brakes only average

adjusting the rear suspension is a hassle

Price Comparison Average Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs Kawasaki Ninja 650

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Ninja 650

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices