Chronicling Adventures On Two Stroke

Clash Of The Titans: Kawasaki Z650 Vs Ktm Duke 390 – Which Naked Bike Reigns Supreme?

Highlights

  • The KTM Duke 390 has a trellis frame with a 43mm inverted fork and a WP monoshock rear suspension.
  • The KTM Duke 390 has a slight edge in terms of features, but the Kawasaki Z650 offers a more traditional and user-friendly experience.
  • The Kawasaki Z650 is a more powerful and feature-rich bike, while the KTM Duke 390 is more agile and affordable.

The Kawasaki Z650 and KTM Duke 390 are two of the most popular middleweight motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a great blend of performance, handling, and value. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Kawasaki Z650 and KTM Duke 390 head-to-head to help you make a decision.

Engine and Performance

The Kawasaki Z650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 67 horsepower and 49 lb-ft of torque. The KTM Duke 390 is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that produces 43 horsepower and 26 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Kawasaki Z650 has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the KTM Duke 390 is lighter and more agile, which gives it an edge in acceleration and top speed.

Handling and Suspension

The Kawasaki Z650 has a traditional steel frame with a 41mm inverted fork and a monoshock rear suspension. The KTM Duke 390 has a trellis frame with a 43mm inverted fork and a WP monoshock rear suspension.

Both bikes offer good handling, but the KTM Duke 390 is more agile and flickable. The Kawasaki Z650 is more stable at high speeds, but it is not as nimble as the KTM Duke 390.

Brakes

The Kawasaki Z650 has dual 300mm front brakes and a single 220mm rear brake. The KTM Duke 390 has a single 320mm front brake and a single 230mm rear brake.

Both bikes offer good braking performance, but the Kawasaki Z650 has a slight edge in terms of feel and feedback.

Features

The Kawasaki Z650 comes standard with ABS, a digital instrument cluster, and a USB charging port. The KTM Duke 390 comes standard with ABS, a TFT instrument cluster, and a smartphone connectivity system.

The KTM Duke 390 has a slight edge in terms of features, but the Kawasaki Z650 offers a more traditional and user-friendly experience.

Price

The Kawasaki Z650 has a starting price of $7,299. The KTM Duke 390 has a starting price of $5,499.

The Kawasaki Z650 is more expensive than the KTM Duke 390, but it offers more power, torque, and features.

Final Note

The Kawasaki Z650 and KTM Duke 390 are both excellent motorcycles. The Kawasaki Z650 is a more powerful and feature-rich bike, while the KTM Duke 390 is more agile and affordable.

Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want a powerful and versatile bike, the Kawasaki Z650 is a great choice. If you want a lightweight and agile bike, the KTM Duke 390 is a great choice.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which bike is faster?
A: The Kawasaki Z650 is faster than the KTM Duke 390.

Q: Which bike has better handling?
A: The KTM Duke 390 has better handling than the Kawasaki Z650.

Q: Which bike has better brakes?
A: The Kawasaki Z650 has better brakes than the KTM Duke 390.

Q: Which bike has more features?
A: The KTM Duke 390 has more features than the Kawasaki Z650.

Q: Which bike is cheaper?
A: The KTM Duke 390 is cheaper than the Kawasaki Z650.

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About the Author
Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...