Kawasaki Z900 vs KTM 125 Duke
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Kawasaki Z900 and KTM 125 Duke are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The KTM 125 Duke undercuts the Kawasaki Z900 by about $4,300, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Z900 leads on power with 124 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickKawasaki
Kawasaki Z900
KTM
KTM 125 DukeThe verdict
The Kawasaki Z900 edges it overall at 8.3/10, but the KTM 125 Duke wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
KTM 125 Duke
A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Z900
124 hp and 0.58 hp/kg, the strongest here.
KTM 125 Duke
Our 8.2/10 at $5,499, the most bike per dollar.
KTM 125 Duke
159 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Kawasaki Z900
Our top score in this matchup at 8.3/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Kawasaki Z900 vs KTM 125 Duke: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z900 or the KTM 125 Duke?
The Kawasaki Z900 makes the most power at 124 hp and 98.6 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Z900 or the KTM 125 Duke?
The KTM 125 Duke is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,499.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z900 or the KTM 125 Duke?
The KTM 125 Duke is the lightest at 159 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Z900 or the KTM 125 Duke?
For a new rider we'd point to the KTM 125 Duke: A2-legal, 15 hp and 159 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
