2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 vs 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
590.8 pounds
2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
130.2 kW / 177 hp @ 8870 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
195 kg / 430 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmall windscreen.-
Year-2017
ColoursMetallic Carbon Gray/Galaxy Silver-
Make Model-KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)125 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)4.9 inches-
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in.835 mm / 32.9 in
Wheelbase1,480 mm / 58.3 in.1482 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance-141 mm / 5.5 in
Height1,170 mm / 46.1 in.-
Length2,170 mm / 85.4 in.-
Width770 mm / 30.3 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-195 kg / 430 lbs
Fuel Capacity22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons18 Litres / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp galUnleaded premium fuel (95 RON)
Wet Weight268.0 kg / 590.8 lbs-
Performance
Max Power-130.2 kW / 177 hp @ 8870 rpm
Max Torque158.20 Nm (16.1 kgf-m or 116.7 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions141 Nm / 14.4 kgf-m / 104 ft-lb @ 7000rpm
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.3 x 2.6 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)84.0 x 65.0 mm-
Displacement (ci)87.93 cubic inches-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement (cc)1441.00 cc-
Displacement-1301 cc / 79.3 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Mikuni-
Bore x Stroke-108 x 71 mm
Compression Ratio12.3:113.2:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooling
Emissions-Euro 4 compliant
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler-
Engine Management-Keihin EMS with RWB, double ignition and cruise control
IgnitionDigitalContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Lubrication-Pressure lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V 11.2Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualPASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChainChain 520 X-ring
Final Drive Ratio-17:38
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Primary Drive Ratios-40:76
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMonocoque, aluminiumChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs. Compression damping: 18-way. Rebound damping: 15-way. Spring preload: Fully adjustable.WP-USD ø 48 mm fork
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock. Compression damping: Stepless. Rebound damping: Stepless. Spring preload: Fully adjustable.WP-Monoshock
Rake23.0°24.9°
Steering Head Angle-65.1°
Trail93 mm / 3.7 in.102 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front-125 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-156 mm / 6.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston, 4-pad.2 x 320mm Floating discs, Brembo monoblock 4 piston radial fixed calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Opposed, twin-piston caliper.Single disc, Brembo 2 piston fixed calipers
ABS-Two-channel Bosch 9.1 MP ABS (incl. Cornering ABS and Supermoto mode Disengegable)
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 ZR17 Metzeler M7RR
Tyres - Rear190/50-ZR17190/55 ZR17 Metzeler M7RR
Wheels - Front-17x 3.5 in., cast aluminum alloy
Wheels - Rear-17x 6.0 in., cast aluminum alloy

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R

The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R edges out the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 800 mm vs 835 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R - 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: 141 mm vs 125 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 vs 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 and 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R?
The 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 or the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R?
The 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R sits higher at 835 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 or 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have ABS?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R is listed with ABS as standard. The 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 or the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R 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.