KTM 990 Duke versus Kawasaki Z 900

KTM 990 Duke

Naked

Kawasaki Z 900

Naked

Do you still need the 1390 Super Duke R?

The new KTM 990 Duke fits perfectly between the 790 Duke and the 1390 Super Duke R. It replaces the 890 Duke and, according to KTM, consists of 94% new parts. Volker and Dietmar have developed the new... weiter

KTM 990 Duke im Test

Gallery

The small, green leprechaun in new freshness

Since 2017, Kawasaki has had a real bestseller in its range with the Z 900. But the years pass, and the customers demand once again a facelift of the crisp naked bike. Ideally, a facelift serves to strengthen the strengths... weiter

Kawasaki Z 900 (2020)

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2024 bis 2024~

Built von 2020 bis 2024~

RRP 14.490 €

RRP 10.295 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Engine with endless power
nice babbling sound
Precise chassis
Logically structured operating concept
technically very well equipped

Pros:

Powerful engine
Precise chassis
Easy-to-control brakes
Value for money

Cons:

QuickShifter only at extra cost
Ambitious price
Brake needs some force

Cons:

Pillion comfort
Partial operation

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.476 mm
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.128 mm
Seat : 825 mm
Weight : 190 (max: 390 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.455 mm
Length : 2.070 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat : 830 mm
Weight : 212 kg

Engine

Motor design: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, in-line engine 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 947 ccm
Hub: 70 mm
Hole: 93 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Motor design: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 948 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 73 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 240 km/h
Performance: 123 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 103 NM bei 6.750 U/Min

Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 315 km

Maximum speed: 240 km/h
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

Frame type:
Chrome-molybdenum steel frame, motor is structural component, powder coated (steel)

Front suspension:
WP APEX 43, fully adjustable (travel 140 mm)

Rear suspension:
WP Apex monoshock shock, spring preload and rebound adjustable (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120 / 70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180 / 55 ZR 17

Frame type:
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

Front brake
Double disc, 2 x radially mounted four-piston caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 2-piston caliper (∅ 240 mm)

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 250 mm)

Conclusion on the new Duke 990

The new KTM 990 Duke packs a punch. The rascal twin has become even more powerful, especially in the mid-rev range. Equipment, quality and finish are superb. Above all, the operation has benefited from the new switches and the new cockpit. All in all, a real fun rocket at an ambitious price.

The test bike was kindly provided to us by Motorrad Ruser from Haseldorf. There is the new Duke as a presenter - and not only him. The new giant hall of Motorrad Ruser (near Hamburg) is full of the most beautiful KTM's and Yamaha's, a visit is always worthwhile. If only because of the equally excellent coffee machine. Tip: Cappuccino. Let's go to Haseldorf !

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.