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Head to head

KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO vs Kawasaki Z900

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO and Kawasaki Z900 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Kawasaki Z900 undercuts the KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO by about $11,700, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO leads on power with 190 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.

KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO
Our pick
9.0

KTM

KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO
Kawasaki Z900
8.3

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z900

The verdict

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO edges it overall at 9/10, but the Kawasaki Z900 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Kawasaki Z900

124 hp.

Most exciting

KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO

190 hp and 0.89 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Kawasaki Z900

Our 8.3/10 at $9,799, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Kawasaki Z900

212 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO

Our top score in this matchup at 9/10.

Price & rating
Price$21,499$9,799
KickTheStand score9 / 108.3 / 10
Performance
Engine1350cc twin948cc four
Power190 hp124 hp
Torque145 Nm98.6 Nm
Power-to-weight0.89 hp/kg0.58 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension48mm WP Apex semi-active USD fork41mm USD fork
Rear suspensionWP Apex semi-active monoshockHorizontal back-link monoshock
Front brakesDual 320mm discs, Brembo StylemaDual 300mm discs, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 240mm discSingle 250mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight213 kg212 kg
Seat height834 mm820 mm
Fuel capacity17.5 L17 L
Suitability
ClassNakedNaked
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forsport, track, commutingsport, commuting

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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KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO vs Kawasaki Z900: your questions answered

Which is faster, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO or the Kawasaki Z900?

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO makes the most power at 190 hp and 145 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO or the Kawasaki Z900?

The Kawasaki Z900 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $9,799.

Which is lighter, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO or the Kawasaki Z900?

The Kawasaki Z900 is the lightest at 212 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO or the Kawasaki Z900?

For a new rider we'd point to the Kawasaki Z900: 124 hp and 212 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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