KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2020

The KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the Kawasaki Z900 2020 are both naked bikes with inline engines and liquid cooling. The KTM 790 Duke has a 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 799cc, producing 105 horsepower, while the Kawasaki Z900 has a 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948cc, producing 125.4 horsepower. This gives the Kawasaki Z900 a slight advantage in terms of power.

Both bikes feature upside-down telescopic front forks and a swingarm rear suspension with a monoshock. The KTM 790 Duke has adjustable pre-load on the rear suspension, while the Kawasaki Z900 also offers adjustment for recovery. Both bikes have aluminum rear suspensions, providing lightweight and durable performance.

In terms of braking, both bikes have dual disc brakes on the front with a diameter of 300mm and four-piston calipers. The KTM 790 Duke features radial technology for its front brakes, while the Kawasaki Z900 uses petal technology. Both bikes offer advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of dimensions, both bikes have a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 180mm, with a 17-inch diameter for both front and rear tires. The KTM 790 Duke has a slightly longer wheelbase at 1475mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 1450mm. The seat height of the KTM 790 Duke is 825mm, while the Kawasaki Z900 has a slightly lower seat height of 795mm.

In terms of equipment, the KTM 790 Duke features an adjustable windscreen, while the Kawasaki Z900 offers LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT screen.

The KTM 790 Duke has strengths in its high-revving motor with powerful acceleration, optimized chassis for sporty riding, fantastic sound even with the stock exhaust, and numerous electronic tricks and functions. It also has an extremely precise gear lever that makes fast riding even easier and a comfortable seating position.

The Kawasaki Z900 has strengths in its powerful four-cylinder engine, excellent handling, good equipment, aggressive appearance, and good value for money.

Kawasaki Z900 2020

However, the KTM 790 Duke has weaknesses in its difficult handling at low revs, poor performance in city traffic, sometimes complicated switches on the handlebar, and reports of oil leakage in the engine block.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 has weaknesses in its slightly tiresome menu navigation and the lack of a quickshifter option.

Overall, both bikes offer strong performance and features, but the Kawasaki Z900 has a slight advantage in terms of power and value for money. However, the KTM 790 Duke offers a more comfortable seating position and a range of electronic features.