Kawasaki Z900 2017 vs. KTM 790 Duke 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

Loading...

Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2017 vs KTM 790 Duke 2018

The Kawasaki Z900 2017 and the KTM 790 Duke 2018 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, fuel systems, and cooling systems. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 has a higher horsepower of 125.4 HP compared to the KTM 790 Duke 2018 which has 105 HP. This means that the Z900 may offer more acceleration and top speed.

Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm with a monoshock for the rear suspension. However, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 has the additional feature of adjustable preload and rebound in the rear suspension, while the KTM 790 Duke 2018 only has adjustable preload.

The chassis of the Kawasaki Z900 2017 is made of steel and has a double cradle frame type. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 has a chromium-molybdenum frame and a tubular frame type. The choice of materials and frame type may affect the overall weight and handling of the bikes.

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Both bikes have double disk brakes with a diameter of 300 mm and four pistons in the front. However, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 has radial technology in its front brakes, which may provide better braking performance compared to the petal technology used in the Kawasaki Z900 2017.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS. However, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 offers additional features such as riding modes and traction control, which can enhance the overall riding experience and safety.

Both bikes have the same tire dimensions and wheelbase, but there is a difference in seat height. The Kawasaki Z900 2017 has a seat height of 795 mm, while the KTM 790 Duke 2018 has a slightly higher seat height of 825 mm. This may affect the comfort and accessibility for different riders.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 is praised for its ingenious nakedbike chassis, superb looks, and a responsive engine with a well-balanced torque. It is also considered to offer a good balance between performance, price, and practical use.

On the other hand, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is praised for its lively and high-revving engine, optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding, and various electronic features such as riding modes and traction control. It also offers a comfortable seating position.

However, there are some weaknesses associated with each model. The Kawasaki Z900 2017 has a narrow knee angle, which may be uncomfortable for taller riders. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is reported to have rough handling at low revs and can be challenging in city traffic. There have also been reports of oil leaks at the engine block on many 790 Dukes.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 2017 and the KTM 790 Duke 2018 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Z900 offers a powerful engine and a well-balanced chassis, while the 790 Duke provides a lively engine and advanced electronic features. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2017 compared to KTM 790 Duke 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2017
KTM 790 Duke 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore88 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke65.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power105 HP
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement799 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel140 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel140 mmTravel150 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular
RakeRake65 degreeRake66 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter240 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction control

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 width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,475 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height825 mm
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

An incredibly well-designed motorbike. A lot of test work and attention to detail went into it. It has exactly the right power, exactly the right chassis and exactly the right look. An all-round successful naked bike that will make you happy for a long time. If you like, you can ride it simply and faithfully, but if you want, you can also ride it really fast and it wheels like hell. Great!

Ingenious nakedbike chassis

superb looks

engine responds super fine, revs up willingly and has a perfectly dimensioned torque

optimum intersection of performance, price and practical use

Knee angle very narrow for tall people (order another seat!)

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

The KTM 790 Duke L is an absolutely sporty naked bike with a high fun factor. Whether a beginner rider can handle it depends very much on his or her personality and riding behaviour. There are certainly motorbikes better suited for learning, but sporty radius hunters will hardly be satisfied with anything else. The 790 Duke L is also rather unenthusiastic about everyday rides in the city. On the country road, however, it's a blast, even with only 48 hp. Simply a fun bike as it is written in the book.

Lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration

optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding

awesome sound even with series muffler

many electronic gimmicks and functions

extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier

comfortable seating position

Rough handling at low revs

bitchy in city traffic

sometimes fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars

oil leak at the engine block on many 790 Dukes

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs KTM 790 Duke

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2017 and a KTM 790 Duke 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 2017 is about 14% higher. A Kawasaki Z900 2017 experiences a loss of 520 USD in one year and 920 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 580 USD and 900 USD for a KTM 790 Duke 2018. Compared to KTM 790 Duke 2018 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 43 compared to 24. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 58 days compared to 85 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke since model year 2018. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 views. This compares to more than 160,600 views for the first review on KTM 790 Duke published on 11/9/2016.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH