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Ktm 1290 Super Duke R Vs Kawasaki Z H2: Naked Beast Showdown

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.

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.

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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...