KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 vs. Kawasaki Z H2 2020

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

Kawasaki Z H2 2020
Overview - KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 vs Kawasaki Z H2 2020
In terms of engine power, the Kawasaki Z H2 2020 outperforms the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 with 200 HP compared to 177 HP. However, the KTM has a higher torque of 144 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 137 Nm. The KTM has a larger engine displacement of 1301ccm, while the Kawasaki has a displacement of 998ccm. The KTM has a 2-cylinder engine, while the Kawasaki has a 4-cylinder engine.
Both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension. The KTM uses WP suspension for both the front and rear, while the Kawasaki uses Showa suspension for both.
In terms of chassis, the KTM has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki has a steel frame. Both bikes have tubular frame types.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017
Both bikes have four-piston front brakes with radial, monoblock technology and Brembo brand.
In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS and traction control. The Kawasaki Z H2 2020 offers additional features such as riding modes, cornering ABS, launch control, ride by wire, quickshifter, traction control, and anti-wheelie.
In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have the same front and rear tire widths and diameters. The KTM has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1482mm compared to the Kawasaki's 1455mm. The seat height is also slightly higher on the KTM at 835mm compared to the Kawasaki's 830mm. The Kawasaki has a slightly larger fuel tank capacity of 19 liters compared to the KTM's 18 liters.
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 has several strengths, including providing the most adrenaline rush, extensive configuration options when buying, grandiose brakes, great original equipment tires, practical electronic features, a great seating position for tall people, and the ability to set electronic features very sporty or deactivate them.

Kawasaki Z H2 2020
The Kawasaki Z H2 2020 has its strengths in its incomparable engine with full power, an easy to control power unit, a pleasant seating position, high riding comfort for a naked bike, a quiet but charismatic sound, stable and transparent handling, and the ability to be ridden carefree in everyday life despite its extravagant drive.
On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 has some weaknesses, including a shift assistant that is nice but a bit rough compared to other power nakeds, exhausting to ride, a precise stroke that is not always easy to hit, and being considered the most dangerous motorcycle for the driving license on the market.
The Kawasaki Z H2 2020 has a few weaknesses as well, including a quickshifter that makes interventions that take too long, a suspension strut that becomes a bit spongy during sporty riding, and the fact that an exclusive motorcycle like this deserves exclusive components all around.
Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 compared to Kawasaki Z H2 2020
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

The KTM is and remains the most brutal naked bike on the market. The upright seating position combined with the wild V2 power make it seem more brutal than it is on paper. It has been improved precisely at its weakest points. The engine now runs smoother, the shift assistant brings calm in the acceleration phase and the chassis has been improved. It still loves the wild chase more than high cornering speed on long bends.
Kawasaki Z H2 2020

The fascinating power unit of the Kawasaki not only inspires as a motif for quartet cards or at the regulars' table. The engine is made for practical use. In the saddle of the bike, you can enjoy the thrust in every situation. Commands from the throttle are implemented directly, intensively but also controllably. However, the bike is not an athletic sportsman but a beefy naked bike. It always scores when sovereignty and power are required.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R vs Kawasaki Z H2
There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 and a Kawasaki Z H2 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z H2 2020 is about 17% higher. A KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 experiences a loss of 150 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 640 GBP for a Kawasaki Z H2 2020. Compared to Kawasaki Z H2 2020 there are more KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 15 compared to 10. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Duke R with 70 days compared to 148 days for a Kawasaki Z H2. Since model year 2013 1000PS.de editors have written 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and 14 reviews for the Kawasaki Z H2 since model year 2020. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R was published on 08/11/2012 and now has more than 4,900 views. This compares to more than 82,500 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z H2 published on 10/10/2019.