2019 KTM 1090 Adventure vs 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2019 KTM 1090 Adventure 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure

Sport touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
451.9 pounds
2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Sport touring

Engine
Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Power
206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2020 - 21
ColoursBlack/Orange-
Make Model-Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)8.7 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)220 mm-
Seat Height850 mm / 33.5 in.835 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1560 mm / 61.4 in.1480 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in
Height-1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262mm / 49.6 in
Length-1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262 mm / 49.6 in
Width-775 mm / 30.5 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 451.9 lbs-
Fuel Capacity23.00 litres / 6.08 US gallons19 Litres / 5 US gal
Wet Weight-256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs
Performance
Max Power-206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque-137.3 Nm / 101.3 ft-lb @ 9500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.6018 HP/kg-
Engine
Displacement (cc)1090.0 cc-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.5 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)103.0 x 63.0 mm-
CO2129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement (ci)66.51 cubic inches-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Displacement-998 cc / 60.9 cub in
Engine Detail-Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Bore x Stroke-76 x 55 mm
Compression Ratio-11.2:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Fuel Consumption5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Fuel injection: φ40 mm x 4 with dual injection
IgnitionDigetalDigital
Lubrication-Forced, wet sump with oil cooler
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSlipper clutchWet multi-disc, manual.
Final Drive-Chain
Final Drive Ratio-2.444 (44/18)
Gear Ratios-1st 3.077 (40/13) 2nd 2.471 (42/17) 3rd 2.045 (45/22) 4th 1.727 (38/22) 5th 1.524 (32/21) 6th 1.348 (31/23)
Primary Drive Ratios-1.480 (74/50)
Transmission / Drive-6-speed, return, dog-ring
Chassis
Frame TypeChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coatedTrellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plate
Suspension - FrontWP upside-down Ø 43 mm43 mm Inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Suspension - RearWP monoshockUni-Trak with gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, rebound damping and preload adjustability, and top-out spring
Rake-24.7°
Steering Angle-30° Right / 30° Left
Trail-103 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front185 mm / 7.3 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear190 mm / 7.5 in.139 mm / 5.5 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliperDual 320 mm discs, radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake discSingle 250mm disc, opposed 2-piston calipers
Tyres - Front-120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)
Tyres - Rear-190/55 ZR17 M/C (75W)

Verdict

Winner on specs

2019 KTM 1090 Adventure

The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure edges out the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja thanks to its lighter kerb weight, dual front discs, 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 KTM 1090 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 205 kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 220 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 139 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 185 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2019 KTM 1090 Adventure vs 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure and 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja is powered by Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type.
Which is lighter, the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure is lighter at 205 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - a difference of 51 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja has the lower seat at 835 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure sits higher at 850 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 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure has the edge in lighter kerb weight and dual front discs, while the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja stands out for liquid cooling 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.