Ktm 1290 super duke r vs kawasaki zh2: the ultimate street beast showdown

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki ZH2 are two of the most powerful and exciting naked superbikes on the market. Both bikes offer blistering performance, aggressive styling, and cutting-edge technology. But which one is the right choice for you?

Performance

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is powered by a 1,301cc V-twin engine that produces 175 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki ZH2 is powered by a 998cc inline-four engine that produces 200 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the ZH2 has the advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the Super Duke R is lighter and has a shorter wheelbase, which gives it a slight edge in terms of acceleration and handling.

Handling

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is known for its agile handling and razor-sharp precision. The bike has a stiff chassis and a well-balanced suspension that provides excellent feedback and control. The Kawasaki ZH2 is also a very capable handler, but it is not quite as nimble as the Super Duke R.

Braking

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R has Brembo brakes that provide excellent stopping power and feel. The Kawasaki ZH2 has Nissin brakes that are also very good, but they do not quite match the performance of the Brembos.

Features

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R comes with a wide range of features, including a TFT display, traction control, wheelie control, and launch control. The Kawasaki ZH2 also comes with a TFT display, as well as cruise control, a quickshifter, and a cornering management system.

Price

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R starts at $17,999. The Kawasaki ZH2 starts at $19,999.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is the better choice for riders who want a bike that is agile, precise, and powerful. The Kawasaki ZH2 is the better choice for riders who want a bike that is more powerful and has more features.

Pros and Cons

KTM 1290 Super Duke R

• Pros:
• Agile handling
• Razor-sharp precision
• Excellent feedback and control
• Brembo brakes
• Cons:
• Less powerful than the ZH2
• Fewer features than the ZH2

Kawasaki ZH2

• Pros:
• More powerful than the Super Duke R
• More features than the Super Duke R
• Cruise control
• Quickshifter
• Cornering management system
• Cons:
• Not as agile as the Super Duke R
• Brakes are not as good as the Brembos on the Super Duke R

Final Verdict

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Kawasaki ZH2 are both excellent naked superbikes. The Super Duke R is the better choice for riders who want a bike that is agile, precise, and powerful. The ZH2 is the better choice for riders who want a bike that is more powerful and has more features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which bike is faster, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R or the Kawasaki ZH2?

A: The Kawasaki ZH2 is faster than the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The ZH2 has a more powerful engine and a higher top speed.

Q: Which bike is better for handling, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R or the Kawasaki ZH2?

A: The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is better for handling than the Kawasaki ZH2. The Super Duke R has a stiffer chassis and a well-balanced suspension that provides excellent feedback and control.

Q: Which bike is better for braking, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R or the Kawasaki ZH2?

A: The KTM 1290 Super Duke R has better brakes than the Kawasaki ZH2. The Super Duke R has Brembo brakes that provide excellent stopping power and feel.