2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs 2017 KTM 690 Duke

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
193 kg / 425.5 lbs
2017 KTM 690 Duke 2017 KTM 690 Duke

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve
Power
54.4 kW / 74 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
148.5 kg / 327.4 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20182017
Make ModelKawasaki Ninja 650KTM 690 Duke
Dimensions
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in835 mm / 32.9"
Wheelbase1410 mm / 55.5 in.1466 mm / 57.7"
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in192 mm / 7.55"
Height1135 mm / 44.6 in-
Length2055 mm / 80.9 in.-
Width740 mm / 29.1 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-148.5 kg / 327.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 3.9 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal / 3.1 Imp gal
Oil Capacity-1.7 Litres / 1.8 US qt / 1.5 Imp qt
Wet Weight193 kg / 425.5 lbs-
Performance
Max Power50.2 kW / 67.3 hp @ 8,500 rpm54.4 kW / 74 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm74 Nm / 7.5 kgf-m / 54.6 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Engine
Displacement649 cc / 39.65 cu /in690 cc / 42.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve
Bore x Stroke83 x 60 mm105 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio10.8:112.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionDFIØ with Keihin 36mm Keihin throttle bodiesKeihin EFI, Throttle Body 50 mm
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment
LubricationWet sump-
Lubrication System-Pressure Lubrication with Two Oil Pumps
Spark Plug-Inside: NGK LKAR9BI-10 Outside: NGK LMAR7DI-10
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-CBTX9-BS 12V, 8.6Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualAPTC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated, antihopping
Final DriveO-ring chainChain, 16:40
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 (39/16) 2nd 1.714 (36/21) 3rd 1.333 (32/24) 4th 1.111 (30/27) 5th 0.966 (28/29) 6th 0.852 (23/27)1st 14:35 / 2nd 16:28 / 3rd 21:28 / 4th 21:23 / 5th 23:22 / 6th 23:20
Primary Drive-36:79
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steelChrome-moly steel Trellis frame, aluminum powder coated sub-frame
Suspension - Front41 mm hydraulic telescopic forkWP Performance Systems Upside Down 4357
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link with adjustable preloadWP Performance System emulsion with Pro Lever Linkage
Rake-26.5o
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in-
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in135 mm / 5.3"
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in135 mm / 5.3"
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipersSingle 320 mm disc, Brembo 4 piston fixed caliper, Bosch 9M two channel ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm discSingle 240 mm disc, Brembo single piston floating caliper, Bosch 9M two channelABS
Tyres - Front120/70 -17120/70 - ZR17 M/C 58W TL
Tyres - Rear160/50 -17160/60 - ZR17 M/C 69W TL
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17", cast aluminium
Wheels - Rear-5.00 x 17", cast aluminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 KTM 690 Duke

The 2017 KTM 690 Duke edges out the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 thanks to its fuel injection, greater ground clearance, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 835 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2017 KTM 690 Duke - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 690 cc vs 649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 192 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 135 mm vs 125 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs 2017 KTM 690 Duke - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and 2017 KTM 690 Duke?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2017 KTM 690 Duke is powered by Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the 2017 KTM 690 Duke?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the lower seat at 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 KTM 690 Duke 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 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the 2017 KTM 690 Duke?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2017 KTM 690 Duke stands out for fuel injection 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.