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

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year2020 - 21-
Colours-Black/Orange
Make ModelKawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-220 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-8.7 inches
Seat Height835 mm / 32.8 in850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in1560 mm / 61.4 in.
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262mm / 49.6 in-
Length1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262 mm / 49.6 in-
Width775 mm / 30.5 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-205 kg / 451.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity19 Litres / 5 US gal23.00 litres / 6.08 US gallons
Wet Weight256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs-
Performance
Max Power206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm-
Max Torque137.3 Nm / 101.3 ft-lb @ 9500 rpm-
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.6018 HP/kg
Engine
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-66.51 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1090.0 cc
CO2-129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-103.0 x 63.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.1 x 2.5 inches
Displacement998 cc / 60.9 cub in-
Engine DetailFour Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type-
Bore x Stroke76 x 55 mm-
Compression Ratio11.2:1-
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Fuel Consumption-5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)
Fuel InductionFuel injection: φ40 mm x 4 with dual injection-
IgnitionDigitalDigetal
LubricationForced, wet sump with oil cooler-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manual.Slipper clutch
Final DriveChain-
Final Drive Ratio2.444 (44/18)-
Gear Ratios1st 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 Ratios1.480 (74/50)-
Transmission / Drive6-speed, return, dog-ring-
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plateChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - Front43 mm Inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springsWP upside-down Ø 43 mm
Suspension - RearUni-Trak with gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, rebound damping and preload adjustability, and top-out springWP monoshock
Rake24.7°-
Steering Angle30° Right / 30° Left-
Trail103 mm / 4.0 in-
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in185 mm / 7.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear139 mm / 5.5 in190 mm / 7.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDual 320 mm discs, radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floatingDouble disc. Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper
Brakes - RearSingle 250mm disc, opposed 2-piston calipersSingle disc. Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake disc
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)-
Tyres - Rear190/55 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

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 - 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 vs 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja and 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja uses Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type, while the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja or the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
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 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja or the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
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 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja or the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja has the edge in liquid cooling and fuel injection, while the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure stands out for lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.