Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 vs. KTM 690 Duke 2019

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

KTM 690 Duke 2019

KTM 690 Duke 2019

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 vs KTM 690 Duke 2019

The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 and the KTM 690 Duke 2019 are both naked bikes with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021, it boasts a powerful engine with 111 HP and 98.6 Nm of torque. It has a four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 948 ccm. The bike features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension and a swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock absorber. The frame is made of steel and has a tubular design. The front brakes have a diameter of 300 mm and four pistons, and the bike is equipped with ABS and traction control as advanced rider assistance systems. The front and rear tires have a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches respectively. The wheelbase is 1470 mm and the seat height is 835 mm. The fuel tank capacity is 17 liters.

The strengths of the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 lie in its authentic and beautiful retro look, which appeals to riders who appreciate classic aesthetics. The bike also offers a very comfortable seating position, making long rides more enjoyable. Additionally, it is described as easy and comfortable to ride, making it suitable for both experienced and novice riders.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 has a couple of weaknesses. It lacks a quickshifter, which could be seen as a drawback for riders who prefer seamless gear shifting. Additionally, it does not have different driving modes, although it does have adjustable traction control.

Moving on to the KTM 690 Duke 2019, it features a slightly less powerful engine with 73 HP and 70 Nm of torque. It has a single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 690 ccm. The bike shares similar suspension and chassis features with the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021, including an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, a swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock absorber, and a tubular frame. The front brakes have a larger diameter of 320 mm and four pistons. The bike is equipped with ride-by-wire as an advanced rider assistance system. The front and rear tires have a width of 120 mm and 160 mm respectively, with a diameter of 17 inches for both. The wheelbase is slightly shorter than the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 at 1466 mm, and the seat height is the same at 835 mm. The fuel tank capacity is 14 liters.

KTM 690 Duke 2019

KTM 690 Duke 2019

The strengths of the KTM 690 Duke 2019 include its powerful engine, which provides ample power for everyday use. It is described as suitable for daily commuting and offers many technical aids, making it a convenient choice for riders seeking a bike with advanced features. The bike is also praised for its maneuverability and smooth running, enhancing the overall riding experience.

However, some riders may perceive the KTM 690 Duke 2019 as not being a "real" single-cylinder Duke, which could be seen as a weakness for those who prioritize brand authenticity.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 and the KTM 690 Duke 2019 are both impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 stands out with its authentic retro look, comfortable seating position, and ease of ride. On the other hand, the KTM 690 Duke 2019 offers a powerful engine, everyday usability, advanced technical aids, and maneuverability. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's personal preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 compared to KTM 690 Duke 2019

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021
KTM 690 Duke 2019

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore73.4 mmBore102 mm
Engine powerEngine power111 HPEngine power73 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque70 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque5,500 rpm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders1
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesRocker arm, OHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement690 ccm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRide by Wire

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 width180 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,470 mmWheelbase1,466 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height835 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity17 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021

The Kawasaki Z900 RS is the perfect combination of classic design and modern technology. Its four-cylinder Inline engine, which runs silky smooth, delivers linear power and impressive elasticity across the entire rev range. The suspension strikes an ideal balance between comfort and stability, making it perfect for both long-distance riding and sporty riding. Despite the lack of a windscreen, the Z900 RS impresses with a comfortable riding position and agile riding performance. Aesthetically, it pays homage to the legendary Z1, whilst modern features such as traction control and high-quality build quality round off a very successful overall package. For anyone looking to combine a retro look with modern power, the Z900 RS is a reliable and versatile companion, both for everyday use and for longer tours.

attractive design

powerful engine

stable riding performance

responsive brakes

comfortable riding position

analogue instrument panel

adjustable levers

silky-smooth four-cylinder Inline engine

linear power delivery

excellent mechanical refinement

comfortable suspension with sporty progression

high-quality build

agile handling

versatility on both long journeys and in everyday use

great elasticity of the engine.

Not available with the optional Quickshifter

the RS’s rear shock absorber reacts a little rough when dealing with small potholes

KTM 690 Duke 2019

KTM 690 Duke 2019

When you consider where the KTM Duke range once began, the 690 Duke represents an incredible leap forward. The engine is extremely refined yet incredibly powerful for a road-legal single-cylinder. Despite all the technology on board, it’s still a very light bike and could almost be described as a toy (in the best sense of the word). Only its riding position divides opinion, as the Duke 4, launched in 2012, evolved from the earlier Supermotos into an almost tame naked bike with a front-wheel-oriented riding position. The advantage is that everyday riding and long tours should pose no problem on the current Duke.

powerful engine

suitable for everyday use

plenty of technical aids

manoeuvrable

smooth-running

For some, it’s not a ‘proper’ single-cylinder Duke

Price Comparison Average Market Price Kawasaki Z900 RS vs KTM 690 Duke

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2021 and a KTM 690 Duke 2019. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 14. It takes less time to sell a KTM 690 Duke with 64 days compared to 125 days for the Kawasaki Z900 RS. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS and 29 reviews for the KTM 690 Duke since model year 2008. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 RS was published on 9/6/2017 and now has more than 63,700 views. This compares to more than 14,800 views for the first review on KTM 690 Duke published on 9/28/2007.

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 690 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

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