2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport vs 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR

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
2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 75° V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
132 kW / 180 hp
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
180 kg / 396.8 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsMaximum power with RAM Air is 154.5 kW (210 PS) at 10,000 rpm. Small windscreen.-
Year-2021
ColoursGolden Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black-
Make Model-KTM 1290 Super Duke RR
Total Produced-500 Units
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)4.9 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)125 mm-
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in.837 mm / 32.9 in
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in.-
Ground Clearance-160 mm / 6.2 in
Height1170 mm / 46.1 in.-
Length2170 mm / 85.4 in.-
Width770 mm / 30.3 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-180 kg / 396.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity22.00 litres / 5.81 US gallons16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Wet Weight268.0 kg / 590.8 lbs-
Performance
Max Power-132 kW / 180 hp
Max Torque162.5 Nm (16.6 kgf-m or 119.9 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions"140 Nm / 103 lb-ft
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)84.0 x 65.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.3 x 2.6 inches-
Displacement (cc)1441.0 cc-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement (ci)87.93 cubic inches-
Displacement-1301 cc / 79.3 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, 75° V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. 44 mm x 4 (Mikuni)-
Bore x Stroke-108 x 71 mm
Compression Ratio12.3:1-
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Emissions-EURO5
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler-
Exhaust-Akrapovič "slip-on line" exhaust system, Made from titanium with a carbon fiber end cap
IgnitionDigitalKeihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
Lubrication-Forced oil lubrication with 3 oil pumps
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualPASC (TM) slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final DriveChain   (final drive)525 X-Ring
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Transmission / Drive-6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMonocoque, pressed-aluminiumChrome-moly tubular space frame, powder-coated
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs. Compression damping: 18-way. Rebound damping: 15-way. Spring preload: Fully adjustable.Fully adjustable WP APEX PRO 7548 close cartridge forks
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 adjustableAPEX PRO 7746 Monoshock
Rake23.0°-
Steering Head Angle-65.6°
Subframe-Carbon fiber
Trail93 mm / 3.7 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front117 mm / 4.6 in.130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear124 mm / 4.9 in.140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Dual radial-mount, Brembo M50 monobloc, opposed 4-piston.2 x 320 mm Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Opposed, twin-piston caliper.Single 240 mm disc
ABS-Bosch 9.1MP 2.0 (with cornering ABS and SUPERMOTO ABS)
Rims - Front-3.5 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17Michelin Power Cup2
Tyres - Rear-Michelin Power Cup2
Wheels-7 spoke forged wheels

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR edges out the 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel 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 837 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More ground clearance: 160 mm vs 125 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 124 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 117 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport vs 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport and 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR?
The 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR is powered by Four stroke, 75° V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport or the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR?
The 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR sits higher at 837 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport or 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR have ABS?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR is listed with ABS as standard. The 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport or the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR stands out for liquid cooling and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.