KTM 890 Duke R versus Kawasaki Z 900
KTM 890 Duke R
Kawasaki Z 900
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- Power
- Precise chassis
- Brakes very powerful
- Fast Quickshifter
- Powerful engine
- Precise chassis
- Easy-to-control brakes
- Value for money
- Suitability for touring
- Pillion comfort
- Partial operation
Dimensions & Weight
Seat : 834 mm
Weight : 185 kg
Length : 2.070 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat : 830 mm
Weight : 212 kg
Engine
Displacement: 890 ccm
Hub: 69 mm
Hole: 91 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 948 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 73 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Performance: 121 HP at 9.250 U/Min
Torque: 99 NM bei 7.750 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 295 km
Performance: 125 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 99 NM bei 7.700 U/Min Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 315 km
Chassis
Chrome-molybdenum steel frame, motor is structural component, powder coated (steel) Front suspension:
WP Apex 43 USD fork (travel 140 mm) Rear suspension:
WP central strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Alu two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70-17
Rear tyres: 180/55-17
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
Brakes
Double disc, Brembo Stylema Monoblock four-piston radial fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo single-piston floating caliper (∅ 240 mm)
Double disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 250 mm)
Character-strong machine
At the end of the day it is clear that the KTM 890 Duke R is the most sporty model on offer of the Austrians, only the 1290 Super Duke R can compete. But even this model, which is superior in performance, has to be plugged in when it comes to pure curveability.
The new one is thus clearly positioned: If you want to drive corners, then drive corners and plan to push a bend later, there is hardly anything better. For anyone who is looking for a more versatile model, which should be more suitable for touring, for example, the 790 remains the first choice. It's not a scalpel from a marketing point of view, but it doesn't bother.
The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann and Söhne in Hamburg-Harburg.
Good - if you like athletes
What remains? At 9,845 euros, the Kawasaki Z 900 of the 2020 vintage has become more expensive, but with its electronic equipment it has also become considerably more valuable, especially in the area of security. She has lost nothing of her qualities – at least for sporty riders.
However, it is a very animating motorcycle: the bike appeals to the rider on an emotional level. Only the message is always the same: finally turn to the stop! If you like this and don't need a socioseat, you have a fully everyday athlete colleague here. If this is too hectic, the new features will not convince you either.
The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.
