Ktm 1290 Super Duke R vs Kawasaki Z900
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Ktm 1290 Super Duke R vs Kawasaki Z900. Ktm 1290 Super Duke R: 180 hp @ 9,500 rpm hp, 189 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 270 km/h, Motoryk rating 8.5/10. Kawasaki Z900: 125 hp @ 9,500 rpm hp, 214 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 225 km/h (estimated; electronically influenced), Motoryk rating 8.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Ktm 1290 Super Duke R
Kawasaki Z900
Horsepower (hp)
180 hp
125 hp
Torque (Nm)
140 Nm
98.6 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
270 km/h
225 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
189 kg
214 kg
Type
Naked
Naked
Horsepower
180 hp @ 9,500 rpm
125 hp @ 9,500 rpm
Torque
140 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
98.6 Nm @ 7,700 rpm
Top Speed
270 km/h
225 km/h (estimated; electronically influenced)
Weight
189 kg (wet/curb weight)
214 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
7.5 L/100km (typical real-world average)
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approx. 15–18 km/L, typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Ktm 1290 Super Duke R
8.5/10
"The ultimate naked bike — if your wallet and skill match its ambition."
Pros
+Savage LC8 V-twin performance
+World-class Brembo brakes
+Excellent semi-active suspension
Cons
−Expensive dealer servicing costs
−Electronics failures on early models
−Punishing without full history
Kawasaki Z900
8.5/10
"The used streetfighter benchmark that rivals struggle to beat at this money."
Pros
+Fantastic power-to-price ratio
+Chassis feedback genuinely excellent
+Parts and servicing affordable
Cons
−Pre-2020 forks underwhelming
−Vibes above 8,000rpm noticeable
−Wind protection essentially nonexistent
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
