KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2023 vs. Kawasaki Z650 2025

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2025

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2023 compared to Kawasaki Z650 2025

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2025

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2025

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	108 mm	Bore	83 mm
Stroke	Stroke	71 mm	Stroke	60 mm
Engine power	Engine power	175 HP	Engine power	68 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,750 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,000 rpm
Torque	Torque	141 Nm	Torque	65.7 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	7,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	13.6	Compression Ratio	10.8
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
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	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,301 ccm	Displacement	649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	48 mm	Diameter	41 mm
Travel	Travel	125 mm	Travel	125 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Single swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	156 mm	Travel	130 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular	Frame type	Tubular
Rake	Rake	65.1 degree	Rake	65.5 degree
Trail	Trail	107 mm	Trail	100 mm

Brakes Front

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

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	240 mm	Diameter	220 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Single piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Fixed caliper	Shock mount	Floating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Hill start assist, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Launch-Control, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, 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	190 mm	Rear tyre width	160 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,482 mm	Wheelbase	1,410 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	835 mm	Seat Height	790 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	234 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	187.1 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	23 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	15 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable	Equipment	LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2023

The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT clearly focuses on sport in sport touring, but can also convince with its long-distance qualities. In the 2022 model year, among other things, the right steps were taken with the new TFT display to modernise it without losing the brutal character - which its owners appreciate. If you are looking for a true all-rounder and don't mind the looks, you can't go wrong with the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT!

Powerful engine

Agile handling

7 inch display

Seating position

Comfort

Height-adjustable windscreen

Jerkiness below 2,500 rpm

unconventional appearance: gearshift assistant at extra cost

Kawasaki Z650 2025

The Kawasaki Z 650 is probably the most docile motorbike in the naked bike segment. And that is to be understood in an absolutely positive way - as long as you are not particularly tall and heavy. It is slim, light, agile and accessible. All the controls, but also the engine, do not overwhelm. If you are looking for spectacular performance, you should go for the Z 900, but if you are looking for a nimble and easy-to-ride motorbike, you will be satisfied.

Very accessible handling

Very compact and easy to manoeuvre

Motorcycle appears light and compact

Gives small riders a lot of confidence

Adjustable levers

Not enough space on the bike for tall riders

bike looks a class smaller than 650cc overall

engine looks a bit tame

very defensive seating position

handlebars too narrow and cranked too much for a naked bike.

Price Comparison Average Market Price KTM 1290 Super Duke GT vs Kawasaki Z650

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices