KTM 1290 Super Duke RR 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2023

KTM 1290 Super Duke RR 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Overview - KTM 1290 Super Duke RR 2021 vs Kawasaki Z900 2023

KTM 1290 Super Duke RR 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2023

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 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR 2021 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2023

KTM 1290 Super Duke RR 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2023

KTM 1290 Super Duke RR 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	108 mm	Bore	73.4 mm
Stroke	Stroke	71 mm	Stroke	56 mm
Engine power	Engine power	180 HP	Engine power	125 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	9,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	140 Nm	Torque	98.6 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	8,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	7,700 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	13.5	Compression Ratio	11.8
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Antihopping	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	4
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Displacement	Displacement	1,301 ccm	Displacement	948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	48 mm	Diameter	41 mm
Travel	Travel	130 mm	Travel	120 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Single swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	140 mm	Travel	140 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular	Frame type	Double cradle
Rake	Rake	65 degree	Rake	65 degree
Trail	Trail	103 mm	Trail	105 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	320 mm	Diameter	300 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Shock mount	Shock mount	Fixed caliper	Shock mount	Fixed caliper
Technology	Technology	radial, Monoblock	Technology	Petal

Brakes Rear

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

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Launch-Control, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Traction control, Anti-wheelie	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, 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	200 mm	Rear tyre width	180 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	55 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,495 mm	Wheelbase	1,450 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	837 mm	Seat Height	795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	200 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	212 kg
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Duke RR 2021

Unfortunately, our editors did not test this model.

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