Kawasaki Z650 vs KTM 390 Duke
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Kawasaki Z650 and KTM 390 Duke are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The KTM 390 Duke undercuts the Kawasaki Z650 by about $1,350, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Z650 leads on power with 68 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Z650
Our pickKTM
KTM 390 DukeThe verdict
The KTM 390 Duke edges it overall at 8/10, but the Kawasaki Z650 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
KTM 390 Duke
A2-legal, 44 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Z650
68 hp and 0.36 hp/kg, the strongest here.
KTM 390 Duke
Our 8/10 at $5,899, the most bike per dollar.
KTM 390 Duke
168 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
KTM 390 Duke
Our top score in this matchup at 8/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
Still torn between them?
Answer a few questions and we'll rank every bike by how well it fits you.
Kawasaki Z650 vs KTM 390 Duke: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z650 or the KTM 390 Duke?
The Kawasaki Z650 makes the most power at 68 hp and 64 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Z650 or the KTM 390 Duke?
The KTM 390 Duke is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,899.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z650 or the KTM 390 Duke?
The KTM 390 Duke is the lightest at 168 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Z650 or the KTM 390 Duke?
For a new rider we'd point to the KTM 390 Duke: A2-legal, 44 hp and 168 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
