Kawasaki Z900 2025 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2025

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2025 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2025

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

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Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2025 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2025

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2025

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	73.4 mm	Bore	108 mm
Stroke	Stroke	56 mm	Stroke	71 mm
Engine power	Engine power	124 HP	Engine power	180 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	9,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	97.4 Nm	Torque	140 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,700 rpm	Rpm at Torque	8,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	11.8	Compression Ratio	13.5
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Antihopping
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	4	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Displacement	Displacement	948 ccm	Displacement	1,301 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	125 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Single swing arm
Travel	Travel	140 mm	Travel	140 mm

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Tubular

Brakes Front

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

Brakes Rear

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

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

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	200 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	1,450 mm	Wheelbase	1,497 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	830 mm	Seat Height	835 mm
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A
Range	Range	354 km	Range	259 km
Combined CO2 emissions	Combined CO2 emissions	117 g/km	Combined CO2 emissions	145 g/km
Combined fuel consumption	Combined fuel consumption	4.8 l/100km	Combined fuel consumption	6.17 l/100km

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2025

The new Z900 masters the balancing act between modernisation and proven virtues remarkably well. The 6-axle IMU, the precise quickshifter and the new electronics package make it technically absolutely up-to-date, while the characterful four-cylinder engine loses none of its fascination despite Euro 5+. The harmonious setup of all components is particularly impressive: whether suspension, engine or ergonomics - the overall package is just right.

Harmonious engine with impressive acceleration in the mid-range

very well functioning quickshifter with precise responsiveness

mature riding performance with a good compromise between stability and nimble handling

sensitive 6-axle IMU with harmonious control

superbly tuned seating position

excellent engine reponsiveness

confident cornering behaviour with transparent feedback from the front

harmonious electronics that do not restrict riding pleasure

smooth transmission with perfectly tuned ratios

first-class stop-and-go behaviour in city traffic

intuitive bike for beginners and experienced riders

slim waist despite four-cylinder layout

Great 5 inch display but the possibilities are not perfectly utilised with the Rideology app

licence plate holder seems a little carelessly integrated into the design

fuel consumption in practice significantly higher than factory specification (6.0-6.5l instead of 4.8l)

suspension of the basic version a little stiff on poor asphalt

promised app functions not yet available at the time of testing

Read the full article on 1000PS.com

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2021

The KTM Super Duke R has evolved perfectly over the generations: The engine is strong, has a huge amount of torque and in the current version also works excellently from low revs. However, the excellent interaction of all components is responsible for the overall wonderful performance of the big Duke. The active seating position is comfortable and unbelievably driving-friendly, the chassis is of a high standard, the brakes are powerful and the electronics are state of the art. Even the looks are now pleasing more and more critics. It's just a shame that you have to pay extra for the ingenious shift assistant with blipper.

wonderfully powerful engine with a lot of bang - especially from below and in the middle

super-agile and comfortable seating position

decent braking power

stable chassis, fully adjustable

comprehensive electronics package

acceptable consumption for the high power.

Shift assistant with blipper not standard