MotoSpecs

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs 2020 KTM 790 Duke

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
193 kg / 425.5 lbs
2020 KTM 790 Duke 2020 KTM 790 Duke

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
78 kW / 105 hp @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
169 kg / 372.5 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20182020
Make ModelKawasaki Ninja 650KTM 790 Duke
Dimensions
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in825 mm / 32.4 in
Wheelbase1410 mm / 55.5 in.1475 ± 15 mm / 58 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in186 mm / 7.3 in
Height1135 mm / 44.6 in1059 mm / 41.7 in
Length2055 mm / 80.9 in.2062 mm / 81.2 in
Width740 mm / 29.1 in.904 mm / 35.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-169 kg / 372.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 3.9 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight193 kg / 425.5 lbs-
Performance
Max Power50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8,500 rpm78 kW / 105 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm87 Nm / 63.4 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm
Engine
Displacement649 cc / 39.65 cu /in799 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke83 x 60 mm88 mm x 65.7 mm
Compression Ratio10.8:112.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Exhaust-Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer
Fuel InductionDFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesDell'Orto fuel-Injection
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceBosch EMS with RBW
LubricationWet sumpForced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Final DriveO-ring chainChain 520 X-Ring
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 (39/16) 2nd 1.714 (36/21) 3rd 1.333 (32/24) 4th 1.111 (30/27) 5th 0.966 (28/29) 6th 0.852 (23/27)-
Primary Drive-39:75
Secondary Drive Ratio-16:41
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steelChromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Suspension - Front41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork43mm WP upside-down
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with adjustable preloadWP shock absorber with preload adjuster
Rake-24°
Steering Head Angle-66°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in98 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers2x 300mm discs
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm discSingle 240mm disc
ABS-Bosch 9MP two-channel ABS (incl. Supermoto mode, diesengageable)
Tyres - Front120/70 -17120/70-17
Tyres - Rear160/50 -17180/55-17
Wheels-Cast aluminium
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17 in
Wheels - Rear-5.50 x 17 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 KTM 790 Duke

The 2020 KTM 790 Duke edges out the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, fuel injection, standard ABS, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 825 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2020 KTM 790 Duke - Advantages

  • Lighter: 169 kg vs 193 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Larger displacement: 799 cc vs 649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 186 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 125 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs 2020 KTM 790 Duke - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2020 KTM 790 Duke is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke is lighter at 169 kg compared to 193 kg for the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - a difference of 24 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the lower seat at 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 KTM 790 Duke sits higher at 825 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or 2020 KTM 790 Duke have ABS?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2020 KTM 790 Duke stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

Related Comparisons

All Kawasaki Ninja 650 years All KTM 790 Duke years
Build your own comparison →