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Ktm 1290 Super Duke R Vs Kawasaki Zh2: Battle Of The Beasts!

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...

What To Know

  • The KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki ZH2 are two of the most powerful and technologically advanced naked motorcycles on the market.
  • The Kawasaki ZH2 is also a very agile motorcycle, but it is not as responsive as the Super Duke R.
  • The ZH2 is also a very agile motorcycle, but it is not as responsive as the Super Duke R.

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki ZH2 are two of the most powerful and technologically advanced naked motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer blistering performance, but they do so in very different ways. The Super Duke R is a traditional V-twin powered machine, while the ZH2 is powered by a supercharged four-cylinder engine.

Design

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a muscular and aggressive-looking motorcycle. It has a sharp, angular design with a prominent trellis frame and a single-sided swingarm. The Kawasaki ZH2, on the other hand, has a more sleek and aerodynamic design. It features a fairing with integrated headlights and a dual-sided swingarm.

Engine

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is powered by a 1,301cc V-twin engine that produces 177 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki ZH2 is powered by a 998cc supercharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque.

Performance

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a very fast motorcycle. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds and has a top speed of over 160 mph. The Kawasaki ZH2 is even faster. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of over 200 mph.

Handling

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a very agile and responsive motorcycle. It has a sharp steering response and a well-balanced chassis. The Kawasaki ZH2 is also a very agile motorcycle, but it is not as responsive as the Super Duke R. It has a slightly heavier steering response and a more planted chassis.

Braking

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R has excellent brakes. It has dual 320mm discs up front and a single 240mm disc in the rear. The Kawasaki ZH2 also has excellent brakes. It has dual 300mm discs up front and a single 250mm disc in the rear.

Technology

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is equipped with a variety of electronic rider aids, including traction control, wheelie control, and launch control. The Kawasaki ZH2 is also equipped with a variety of electronic rider aids, including traction control, wheelie control, and cruise control.

Price

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R has a starting price of $17,999. The Kawasaki ZH2 has a starting price of $17,000.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki ZH2 are both excellent motorcycles. The Super Duke R is a more traditional naked motorcycle with a powerful V-twin engine and a sharp handling. The ZH2 is a more technologically advanced motorcycle with a supercharged four-cylinder engine and a sleek design.

Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a powerful and agile naked motorcycle, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a great choice. If you are looking for a technologically advanced motorcycle with blistering performance, the Kawasaki ZH2 is a great choice.

What You Need to Learn

1. Which bike is faster, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R or the Kawasaki ZH2?

The Kawasaki ZH2 is faster than the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of over 200 mph. The Super Duke R can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds and has a top speed of over 160 mph.

2. Which bike is more agile, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R or the Kawasaki ZH2?

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is more agile than the Kawasaki ZH2. It has a sharp steering response and a well-balanced chassis. The ZH2 is also a very agile motorcycle, but it is not as responsive as the Super Duke R.

3. Which bike has better brakes, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R or the Kawasaki ZH2?

Both the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki ZH2 have excellent brakes. The Super Duke R has dual 320mm discs up front and a single 240mm disc in the rear. The ZH2 has dual 300mm discs up front and a single 250mm disc in the rear.

4. Which bike is more comfortable, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R or the Kawasaki ZH2?

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is more comfortable than the Kawasaki ZH2. It has a more upright riding position and a more comfortable seat. The ZH2 has a more aggressive riding position and a firmer seat.

5. Which bike is better for long rides, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R or the Kawasaki ZH2?

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is better for long rides than the Kawasaki ZH2. It has a more comfortable riding position and a larger fuel tank. The ZH2 has a more aggressive riding position and a smaller fuel tank.

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Matthew

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 current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
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