2024 KTM 250 Duke vs 2024 Kawasaki Z500
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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.
Technical score (estimate)
Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.
Usage fit (estimate)
Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.
City / commute
Touring / long rides
Sporty riding
New rider friendly
Seat height (cm)
Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.
- 2024 KTM 250 Duke 80 cm Tallest seat here
- 2024 Kawasaki Z500 78.5 cm Lowest seat here
Spread in this comparison: about 1.5 cm.
Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).
Auto summary from specs
Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.
- Power spans 31.5 hp (2024 KTM 250 Duke) up to 52 hp (2024 Kawasaki Z500).
- Torque spans 25 Nm (2024 KTM 250 Duke) up to 42.6 Nm (2024 Kawasaki Z500).
- Weight spans 148 kg (2024 KTM 250 Duke) to 181 kg (2024 Kawasaki Z500).
- Displacement spans 250 cc (2024 KTM 250 Duke) to 500 cc (2024 Kawasaki Z500).
Reader votes so far — total 2: 2024 KTM 250 Duke (1); 2024 Kawasaki Z500 (1).
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| Specification | KTM 250 Duke | Kawasaki Z500 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | KTM | KAWASAKI |
| Model | KTM 250 Duke | Kawasaki Z500 |
| Engine size | 250cc | 500cc |
| Power | 31.5hp | 52hp |
| Torque | 25nm. | 42.6nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | Single cylinder, 4 valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves |
| Weight | 148kg | 181kg |
| Front brake | Front four-piston radial fixed BYBRE caliper, 320mm brake disc | Single semi-floating disc Ø310mm Balanced actuation double piston |
| Rear brake | 2-piston floating BYBRE caliper, 240mm disc | Single disc Ø220mm Telescopic fork |
| Seat height (cm) | 80cm | 78.5cm |
| Front tyre | 110/70 17 MRF | 110/70R17 M/K 54H |
| Rear tyre | 150/60 R17 MRF | 150/60R17 M/K 66H |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | WP APEX 43 | Telescopic fork Ø41mm |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX - Monoshock | Uni-Trak with lower link, gas-charged shock and spring preload adjustability |
| Motorcycle type | Naked | Naked |
| Top speed | 163km/h | 190km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 13 L – 2.7 L/100km | 14 L – 3.8 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $5200 | $5599 |
| Brand price lists | View KTM price list | View KAWASAKI price list |
| Extra features | -Ride by wire throttle, slipper clutch, digital instrument -Quick start, Cornering ABS, TYPE-C port |
Opinions
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2024 KTM 250 Duke vs 2024 Kawasaki Z500: Which One is Better for You?
2024 KTM 250 Duke and 2024 Kawasaki Z500 offer comparable performance in terms of engine capacity, but usage preferences and driving styles could influence the choice. Additionally, 2024 Kawasaki Z500, with its 52hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.
1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance
2024 KTM 250 Duke and 2024 Kawasaki Z500 are close in engine capacity. 2024 Kawasaki Z500, with its 500cc, provides slightly better performance, while 2024 KTM 250 Duke, with its 250cc, offers a more economical and balanced option.2024 Kawasaki Z500, with its 500cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Experienced riders may prefer it for long-distance journeys.
2. Torque Power
2024 Kawasaki Z500, with its 42.6Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2024 KTM 250 Duke, with its 25Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2024 Kawasaki Z500 is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. This torque value provides economical and sufficient power for city use.
3. Top Speed
2024 Kawasaki Z500, as a Naked, can reach a maximum speed of 190 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2024 KTM 250 Duke, as a Naked, offers a lower maximum speed of 163 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.
4. Cooling System
2024 KTM 250 Duke features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2024 Kawasaki Z500 offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.
5. Design and Comfort
2024 KTM 250 Duke and 2024 Kawasaki Z500 are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2024 KTM 250 Duke, with a seat height of 80cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2024 Kawasaki Z500, with a seat height of 78.5cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.
Conclusion
2024 Kawasaki Z500 emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2024 KTM 250 Duke and 2024 Kawasaki Z500 offer comparable performance in terms of engine capacity. 2024 Kawasaki Z500, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2024 Kawasaki Z500, with a top speed of 190 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2024 Kawasaki Z500 stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of KTM 250 Duke vs Kawasaki Z500?
Kawasaki Z500 is listed at 190 km/h vs 163 km/h for KTM 250 Duke.
Which has more horsepower, KTM 250 Duke or Kawasaki Z500?
Kawasaki Z500 has 52 hp compared with 32 hp on the KTM 250 Duke.
Which is better, KTM 250 Duke or Kawasaki Z500?
It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.
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