2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT vs 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
590.8 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Small windscreen.
Year2016-
Colours-Metallic Carbon Gray/Galaxy Silver
Make ModelKTM 1290 Super Duke GT-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-125 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.9 inches
Seat Height835 mm / 32.9 in800 mm / 31.5 in.
Wheelbase1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ±0.59 in1,480 mm / 58.3 in.
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.5 in-
Height-1,170 mm / 46.1 in.
Length-2,170 mm / 85.4 in.
Width-770 mm / 30.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / 6.1 US gal22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons
Wet Weight228 kg / 506 lbs268.0 kg / 590.8 lbs
Performance
Max Power129 kW / 173 hp @-
Max Torque144 Nm / 14.68 kgf-m @158.20 Nm (16.1 kgf-m or 116.7 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.3 x 2.6 inches
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Displacement (cc)-1441.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-87.93 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-84.0 x 65.0 mm
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement1301 cc / 79.4 cu in-
Engine Detail75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve-
Fuel System-Injection. Mikuni
Bore x Stroke108 x 71 mm-
Compression Ratio-12.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooling-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
Fuel InductionKeihin EFI, throttle body 56 mm-
IgnitionKeihin EMS with RBW, dual ignitionDigital
Lubrication SystemPressure lubrication, 3 Eaton pumps-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V, 12 Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC slipper, hydraulically operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6-Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeChrome-moly steel trellisMonocoque, aluminium
Suspension - FrontWP Semi-Active, ø 48 mm43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs. Compression damping: 18-way. Rebound damping: 15-way. Spring preload: Fully adjustable.
Suspension - RearWP Semi-Active monoshock, single sided swingarmBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock. Compression damping: Stepless. Rebound damping: Stepless. Spring preload: Fully adjustable.
Rake24.9º23.0°
Trail107 mm / 4.2 in93 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear156 mm / 6.1 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front320 mm Dual floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston calipers, ABSDouble disc. Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston, 4-pad.
Brakes - Rear240 mm Single disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper, ABSSingle disc. Opposed, twin-piston caliper.
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT190/50-ZR17
Wheels - FrontAluminium, 3.50 x 17"-
Wheels - RearAluminium, 6.00 x 17"-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 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

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.

2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 - 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 vs 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400?
The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT uses 75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve, while the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400?
The 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 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 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has the edge in liquid cooling and greater ground clearance, while the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 stands out for lower seat height 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.