What to know
- The KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki Z H2 are two of the most powerful and exhilarating naked motorcycles on the market.
- The KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki Z H2 are two of the best naked motorcycles on the market.
- However, the Super Duke R has the edge in handling and features, while the Z H2 has the edge in power and technology.
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki Z H2 are two of the most powerful and exhilarating naked motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer blistering performance, aggressive styling, and cutting-edge technology. But which one is the better choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the KTM 1290 Super Duke R vs Kawasaki Z H2 in terms of performance, features, pricing, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Performance
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is powered by a 1,301cc V-twin engine that produces 180 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki Z H2 is powered by a 998cc supercharged inline-four engine that produces 200 horsepower and 137 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Kawasaki Z H2 has the edge in power, but the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is no slouch. In real-world riding, both bikes are capable of blistering acceleration and neck-snapping top speeds. However, the Z H2’s supercharger gives it a slight advantage in the low-end, while the Super Duke R’s V-twin engine provides more linear power delivery throughout the rev range.
Handling
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is known for its agile handling and precise steering. The bike’s WP suspension is fully adjustable and provides excellent feedback and control. The Kawasaki Z H2 is also a very capable handler, but it feels slightly heavier and less nimble than the Super Duke R.
Braking
Both the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki Z H2 come equipped with Brembo brakes. The Super Duke R has a pair of 320mm front discs with four-piston calipers, while the Z H2 has a pair of 330mm front discs with four-piston calipers. Both bikes offer excellent braking performance, with strong initial bite and plenty of feel.
Features
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R comes standard with a host of features, including a full-color TFT display, cruise control, traction control, wheelie control, and launch control. The Kawasaki Z H2 also comes standard with a full-color TFT display, but it lacks some of the Super Duke R’s more advanced features, such as cruise control and wheelie control.
Pricing
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R starts at $17,999, while the Kawasaki Z H2 starts at $18,999. Both bikes are priced competitively, but the Super Duke R offers a slightly better value for money with its more comprehensive feature set.
Which bike is right for you?
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is the better choice for riders who want a powerful, agile, and feature-packed naked motorcycle. The Kawasaki Z H2 is the better choice for riders who want a more powerful and technologically advanced motorcycle.
Recommendations: The Ultimate Showdown
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki Z H2 are two of the best naked motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer blistering performance, aggressive styling, and cutting-edge technology. However, the Super Duke R has the edge in handling and features, while the Z H2 has the edge in power and technology. Ultimately, the best bike for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Popular Questions
1. Which bike is faster?
The Kawasaki Z H2 is faster than the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The Z H2 has a top speed of 210 mph, while the Super Duke R has a top speed of 175 mph.
2. Which bike is more powerful?
The Kawasaki Z H2 is more powerful than the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The Z H2 produces 200 horsepower, while the Super Duke R produces 180 horsepower.
3. Which bike is more expensive?
The Kawasaki Z H2 is more expensive than the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The Z H2 starts at $18,999, while the Super Duke R starts at $17,999.
4. Which bike is better for track riding?
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is better for track riding than the Kawasaki Z H2. The Super Duke R has a more agile handling and a more comprehensive feature set, which makes it better suited for track use.
5. Which bike is better for commuting?
The Kawasaki Z H2 is better for commuting than the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The Z H2 has a more comfortable seat and a more upright riding position, which makes it better suited for long rides.
