2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport vs 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
590.8 pounds
2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Sport

Engine
75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves
Power
173 hp / 129 kW @
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
225.4 kg / 497 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsMaximum power with RAM Air is 154.5 kW (210 PS) at 10,000 rpm. Small windscreen.-
Year-2020
ColoursGolden Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black-
Make Model-KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)4.9 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)125 mm-
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in.835 mm / 32.9 in
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in.1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ± 0.59 in
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1170 mm / 46.1 in.-
Length2170 mm / 85.4 in.-
Width770 mm / 30.3 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity22.00 litres / 5.81 US gallons23 Litres / 6.1 US gal
Wet Weight268.0 kg / 590.8 lbs 225.4 kg / 497 lbs
Performance
Max Power-173 hp / 129 kW @
Max Torque162.5 Nm (16.6 kgf-m or 119.9 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions"141 Nm / 104 lb-ft @
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement (ci)87.93 cubic inches-
Displacement (cc)1441.0 cc-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.3 x 2.6 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)84.0 x 65.0 mm-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement-1301 cc / 79.4 cu in
Engine Detail-75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves
Fuel SystemInjection. 44 mm x 4 (Mikuni)-
Bore x Stroke-108 x 71 mm
Compression Ratio12.3:1-
Cooling System-Liquid cooling
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler-
Fuel Induction-Keihin EFI, throttle body 56 mm
IgnitionDigitalKeihin EMS with RBW, dual ignition
Lubrication System-Pressure lubrication, 3 Eaton pumps
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualPASC slipper, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChain   (final drive)Chain
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Transmission / Drive-6-Speed with up/down quickshifter
Chassis
Frame TypeMonocoque, pressed-aluminiumChromemoly steel trellis
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs. Compression damping: 18-way. Rebound damping: 15-way. Spring preload: Fully adjustable.WP Semi-Active, ø 48 mm
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak, Öhlins TTX39 rear shock with piggyback reservoir and remote preload adjuster. Compression Damping: 22-wayRebound Damping: 22-way. Spring Preload: Fully adjustableLinkage-assisted WP semi-active shock
Rake23.0°24.9°
Trail93 mm / 3.7 in.107 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front117 mm / 4.6 in.125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear124 mm / 4.9 in. 129.5 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Dual radial-mount, Brembo M50 monobloc, opposed 4-piston.2x 320 mm floating discs, Brembo calipers, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Opposed, twin-piston caliper.Single 240 mm disc, Brembo caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 x 17, Pirelli Angel GT
Tyres - Rear-190/55 x 17, Pirelli Angel GT
Wheels - Front-Aluminium, 3.50 x 17 in
Wheels - Rear-Aluminium, 6.00 x 17 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT edges out the 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport thanks to its liquid cooling, greater ground clearance and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 800 mm vs 835 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 140 mm vs 125 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 125 mm vs 117 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport vs 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport and 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?
The 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is powered by 75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport or the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?
The 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT sits higher at 835 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport or the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT stands out for liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.