2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport vs 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport 2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
590.8 pounds
2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Sport

Engine
75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve
Power
129 kW / 173 hp @
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
228 kg / 506 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsMaximum power with RAM Air is 154.5 kW (210 PS at 10,000 rpm.-
Year-2016
ColoursBlack/green-
Make Model-KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)4.9 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)125 mm-
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in.835 mm / 32.9 in
Wheelbase1,480 mm / 58.3 in.1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ±0.59 in
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1,170 mm / 46.1 in.-
Length2,170 mm / 85.4 in.-
Width770 mm / 30.3 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons23 Litres / 6.1 US gal
Wet Weight268.0 kg / 590.8 lbs228 kg / 506 lbs
Performance
Max Power-129 kW / 173 hp @
Max Torque162.50 Nm (16.6 kgf-m or 119.9 ft.lbs) @ 6100 Revolutions144 Nm / 14.68 kgf-m @
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement (cc)1441.00 cc-
Displacement (ci)87.93 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)84.0 x 65.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.3 x 2.6 inches-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement-1301 cc / 79.4 cu in
Engine Detail-75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve
Fuel SystemInjection. 44 mm x 4 (Mikuni)-
Bore x Stroke-108 x 71 mm
Compression Ratio12.3:1-
Cooling System-Liquid cooling
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler-
Fuel Induction-Keihin EFI, throttle body 56 mm
IgnitionDigitalKeihin EMS with RBW, dual ignition
Lubrication System-Pressure lubrication, 3 Eaton pumps
Starter-Electric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V, 12 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualPASC slipper, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Transmission / Drive-6-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMonocoque, pressed-aluminiumChrome-moly steel trellis
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs Compression damping: 18-way Rebound damping: 15-way Spring preload: Fully adjustableWP Semi-Active, ø 48 mm
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock Compression damping: Stepless Rebound damping: Stepless Spring preload: Fully adjustableWP Semi-Active monoshock, single sided swingarm
Rake23.0°24.9º
Trail93 mm / 3.7 in.107 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front-125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-156 mm / 6.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc320 mm Dual floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston calipers, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc240 mm Single disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT
Tyres - Rear190/50-ZR17190/55 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT
Wheels - Front-Aluminium, 3.50 x 17"
Wheels - Rear-Aluminium, 6.00 x 17"

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport and the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 800 mm vs 835 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 140 mm vs 125 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport vs 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport and 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?
The 2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is powered by 75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?
The 2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 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 2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT stands out for liquid cooling 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.