Kawasaki Z900RS vs KTM 990 Duke
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Kawasaki Z900RS and KTM 990 Duke: three different takes on what a great bike should be. They land within touching distance on price, so this comes down to character and fit. On paper the KTM 990 Duke leads on power with 123 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 Z900RS
KTM
KTM 990 DukeThe verdict
The Kawasaki Z900RS edges it overall at 8.5/10, but the KTM 990 Duke wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
KTM 990 Duke
123 hp.
KTM 990 Duke
123 hp and 0.65 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Kawasaki Z900RS
Our 8.5/10 at $12,649, the most bike per dollar.
KTM 990 Duke
188 kg with an 825 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Kawasaki Z900RS
Our top score in this matchup at 8.5/10.
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 Z900RS vs KTM 990 Duke: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z900RS or the KTM 990 Duke?
The KTM 990 Duke makes the most power at 123 hp and 103 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Z900RS or the KTM 990 Duke?
The KTM 990 Duke is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $12,499.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z900RS or the KTM 990 Duke?
The KTM 990 Duke is the lightest at 188 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Z900RS or the KTM 990 Duke?
For a new rider we'd point to the KTM 990 Duke: 123 hp and 188 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
