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Showdown of the titans: kawasaki z900 vs ktm duke 1290 – the ultimate comparison

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The KTM Duke 1290 is also a good handling motorcycle, but it’s not as agile as the Kawasaki Z900.
  • It has a longer wheelbase and a heavier feel, which makes it a bit more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
  • The KTM Duke 1290 is a great choice for riders who are looking for a more powerful and feature-rich naked motorcycle.

The Kawasaki Z900 and KTM Duke 1290 are two of the most popular naked motorcycles on the market. They both offer a thrilling riding experience, but they have very different personalities. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Kawasaki Z900 vs KTM Duke 1290 in terms of performance, handling, features, and price.

Performance

The Kawasaki Z900 is powered by a 948cc inline-four engine that produces 125 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque. The KTM Duke 1290 is powered by a 1,301cc V-twin engine that produces 177 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the KTM Duke 1290 has a clear advantage in terms of power. However, the Kawasaki Z900 is lighter and has a shorter wheelbase, which gives it a more agile feel. In real-world riding conditions, the Kawasaki Z900 can keep up with the KTM Duke 1290 on most roads.

Handling

The Kawasaki Z900 is a very agile motorcycle. It has a light and neutral steering feel, and it’s easy to flick through corners. The KTM Duke 1290 is also a good handling motorcycle, but it’s not as agile as the Kawasaki Z900. It has a longer wheelbase and a heavier feel, which makes it a bit more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

Features

The Kawasaki Z900 comes with a number of standard features, including:

  • ABS
  • Traction control
  • LED headlights
  • A digital instrument cluster
  • A USB charging port

The KTM Duke 1290 comes with a number of additional features, including:

  • Semi-active suspension
  • Quickshifter
  • Cruise control
  • A TFT display
  • A tire pressure monitoring system

Price

The Kawasaki Z900 has a starting price of $8,999. The KTM Duke 1290 has a starting price of $13,999.

Which Motorcycle is Right for You?

The Kawasaki Z900 is a great choice for riders who are looking for an agile and affordable naked motorcycle. The KTM Duke 1290 is a great choice for riders who are looking for a more powerful and feature-rich naked motorcycle.

Wrap-Up

The Kawasaki Z900 and KTM Duke 1290 are two of the best naked motorcycles on the market. They both offer a thrilling riding experience, but they have very different personalities. The Kawasaki Z900 is more agile and affordable, while the KTM Duke 1290 is more powerful and feature-rich. Ultimately, the best motorcycle for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Top Questions Asked

1. Which motorcycle is faster, the Kawasaki Z900 or the KTM Duke 1290?

The KTM Duke 1290 is faster than the Kawasaki Z900. It has a more powerful engine and a higher top speed.

2. Which motorcycle is more comfortable, the Kawasaki Z900 or the KTM Duke 1290?

The Kawasaki Z900 is more comfortable than the KTM Duke 1290. It has a more upright riding position and a softer seat.

3. Which motorcycle is better for commuting, the Kawasaki Z900 or the KTM Duke 1290?

The Kawasaki Z900 is better for commuting than the KTM Duke 1290. It’s more fuel-efficient and has a more comfortable riding position.

4. Which motorcycle is better for track days, the Kawasaki Z900 or the KTM Duke 1290?

The KTM Duke 1290 is better for track days than the Kawasaki Z900. It has a more powerful engine and better brakes.

5. Which motorcycle is better for long-distance riding, the Kawasaki Z900 or the KTM Duke 1290?

The Kawasaki Z900 is better for long-distance riding than the KTM Duke 1290. It has a more comfortable riding position and a larger fuel tank.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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