KTM 690 Duke 2015 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2018

KTM 690 Duke 2015

KTM 690 Duke 2015

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

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Overview - KTM 690 Duke 2015 vs Kawasaki Z900 2018

The KTM 690 Duke 2015 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 are both naked bikes with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the KTM 690 Duke 2015, it is a versatile bike that is suitable for everyday use. It has a highly developed single-cylinder engine that provides a smooth running experience with low vibrations. With an engine power of 68 HP and torque of 70 Nm, it offers a decent amount of power for its size. The liquid cooling system ensures optimal engine temperature. The bike features a chromium-molybdenum frame, which is known for its strength and durability. The tubular frame type adds to the overall stability of the bike. The front suspension consists of an upside-down telescopic fork, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The four-piston radial front brakes offer excellent stopping power. The KTM 690 Duke 2015 also comes with advanced rider assistance systems, such as Ride by Wire technology. The dimensions and weights of the bike include a front tire width of 120 mm, a rear tire width of 160 mm, a wheelbase of 1466 mm, and a seat height of 835 mm. The kerb weight of the bike, including ABS, is 149.5 kg.

KTM 690 Duke 2015

KTM 690 Duke 2015

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 boasts a more powerful engine with an engine power of 125.4 HP and torque of 98.6 Nm. The four-cylinder engine provides a silky smooth performance and produces a great sound. The liquid cooling system ensures optimal engine temperature, similar to the KTM 690 Duke 2015. The bike features a steel frame, which offers strength and stability. The double cradle frame type adds to the overall rigidity of the bike. The front suspension consists of an upside-down telescopic fork, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The four-piston petal front brakes offer excellent stopping power. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 comes with advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS. The dimensions and weights of the bike include a front tire width of 120 mm, a rear tire width of 180 mm, a wheelbase of 1450 mm, and a seat height of 795 mm. The kerb weight of the bike, including ABS, is 210 kg.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 690 Duke 2015 is praised for its smooth running and low vibration, thanks to its highly developed single-cylinder engine. It is also versatile, making it suitable for everyday use.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 is known for its powerful and silky engine, which produces a great sound. It has a sharp and sporty look, with a low seating position that adds to its aggressive appearance. The bike is also praised for its easy handling and manoeuvrability.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The KTM 690 Duke 2015 lacks sportiness for the racetrack and requires an additional cost for the Track Pack. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 lacks traction control, which may be a drawback for some riders. Additionally, the knee angle on the Z900 can be strenuous for tall riders on long rides.

In conclusion, both the KTM 690 Duke 2015 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 have their own unique features and strengths. The KTM 690 Duke 2015 is a versatile bike suitable for everyday use, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 offers a powerful engine and a sporty look. Riders should consider their preferences and priorities when choosing between the two.

Technical Specifications KTM 690 Duke 2015 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018

KTM 690 Duke 2015
Kawasaki Z900 2018

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore102 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke84.5 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power68 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque70 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque5,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.6 Compression Ratio11.8
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders1Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesRocker arm, OHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement690 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeDouble cradle

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRide by WireAdvanced 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 width160 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,466 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)149.5 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 690 Duke 2015

KTM 690 Duke 2015

It is unbelievable how cultivated KTM has developed the single-cylinder without sacrificing performance. It can be considered a stroke of genius that, within the framework of the EURO4 standard, the engine's running culture was raised while at the same time increasing power. The flat torque curve is responsible for the smooth, powerful propulsion. From 4000 revs, the Duke pushes hard and revs up to 8500 revs. Even at low revs, the engine does not stutter or swallow, which is an advantage in the city. The Duke's greatest strength, apart from its rideability, is its manoeuvrability, which is why it can confidently be called a toy. It's only when you're on the racetrack and attacking hard that you wish you had the "R" under your bum.

suitable for everyday use

smooth running

low vibration

highly developed single-cylinder engine

versatile

Track Pack at extra cost

not sporty enough for the racetrack

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 690 Duke vs Kawasaki Z900

There are a few key differences between a KTM 690 Duke 2015 and a Kawasaki Z900 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2018 is about 31% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018 there are less KTM 690 Duke 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 10 compared to 55. It takes less time to sell a KTM 690 Duke with 76 days compared to 112 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2008 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the KTM 690 Duke and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the KTM 690 Duke was published on 9/28/2007 and now has more than 14,800 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price KTM 690 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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