Kawasaki Z400 Vs KTM 390 Duke | Best Lightweight Naked?
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- Опубліковано 4 бер 2021
- A comprehensive specs showdown between the Kawasaki Z400 & KTM 390 Duke.
Kawasaki’s little lightweight ripper that is based off of their extremely popular Ninja 400, the Z400. And the learner approved naked from KTM that has taken the world by storm, the 390 Duke. These are two of the most popular and well received beginner naked motorcycles in the world right now, and for good reason.
Hi! I’m Kwackajack and welcome to another video in the versus series. Today we are putting the very evenly matched Kawasaki Z400 and KTM 390 Duke up on the chopping block to go head to head in a direct specs comparison. We’ll be comparing the claimed Engine & power specs, exhaust notes, Weight, Suspension & brakes, Fuel economy, features & price to see which one comes out on top.
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***Thanks for watching this Episode of the Versus Series!***
Are you Team Green or Orange on this one??
Make sure to come find me on Instagram @Kwackajack_ for loads more motorcycle content, community discussion and to get involved in future giveaways!
See you there!
most definitely team orange!! 🔥🔥🔥
Team Green because Team Orange is too high for me.
Just bought my first motorbike, went for the z400
the quality of this content deserves more views and likes!
Means a lot, thanks mate!
This week i bought the z400 performance and i never doubted that it was the best of the medium displacements.
I commute 60 miles a day every other week when in the office, on my 2020 Duke 390 (7500 miles 1 year in) and it never fails to make me smile. Best tool for the job, light, responsive and 78mpg, with two teeth less on rear sprocket and still fast enough for the motorway/traffic light grand-prix and London traffic.......I've been riding bikes since 1987, have bought, sold, swapped more than I care to remember from RD250LCs to VTR1000 Firestorms but this one is a keeper. My BMW F800 hates it as she ends up staying in the garage whilst I play out with the mistress. Same colours, mine has a top box and rack from Givi fitted, which is also excellent.
I own a MT09 and im not happy, it is fast but it is too much to ride in a country where the speed limit is 120km/h , i feel it is too much , overpowered and im thinking to go to a lighter and cheaper bike
@@michaelnoardo3315 As well as the Duke, I also have an XSR900 (LC) and love it though am always in fear of losing my license. A friend just bought an RC390, hmmmm
Lower seat height is huge for me, I like the Z400 👍🏻
Just bought a Kawasaki 400z 2023. Couldn't be happier
I bought the duke mainly for its style and it’s handling. I haven’t had any issue with vibrations even with my phone mount. The amount of compliments I get are insane. It looks like a alien spaceship, something Elon musk would create😅
if Elon created it, it would be over-blown, made with tax dollars, not be what was promised and would have smashed it up on stage claiming it couldn't be broken with a brick.
Same I get compliments every time I’m out with it
I can't agree anymore.❤
Iv been researching for weeks on getting my first bike, I'm really learning towards this z400. Thanks for the content.
Glad I could help!
Same!
Great content, very informative i love it both these bikes. Thanks for sharing. Full support to bro. Keep safe. Ride safe! 🙏
Great content, very helpful. I'm looking at both bikes right now
Glad I could help, thanks for watching
I had doubts to buy one of them and finally I decided the z400. Personally, it looks more agressive and it’s worth every euro!
Only in video, it's trash when compared to Duke 390, Ktm improved a lot of things now
@@zed5129 2nd gen Duke 390s have very little reliability issues.
As someone who has ridden(and tracked) bikes for 4 decades and owned everything from Honda Minitrail 50s & CR500s to liter bikes and a H2(and a busa) it more times than not is the idiot owner ignoring break in reqs and service intervals and running the bike like they stole it from day 1.
In your world though it is always apparently the bike and never the owner.
@@ilearner3319 the only thing they have good for them is the tft display and traction control which aren't even that necessary. Power wise, you got higher power on the z4 and twin cylinders. The KTM, however, is cheaper to buy but more expensive to keep.
Great review, as a first time rider. Was looking at these 2 bikes. Both have great features. Was looking at a crusier but seeing the price of these beasts. I am looking towards these 2.
on point comparison! both great bikes, i have the Z4 and loving it!
Good to hear!
Thanks for the video !
ball vibrator and smoother twin , KTM being fast and light and feature, Kawi good riding experience
Subbed, great content bro, keep doin this great vids.
watching from Philippines great reviews and comparison Thanks
Would love the Kawasaki, but being 6'3 I'd have to go with the KTM with the higher seat height.
Excellent , so good I'll probably subscribe.
The only problem I have with this channel is how underrated it is!! your reviews are informative and enjoying to watch. Looking to buy my first bike for a rider who is 5’11 would you recommend the Ninja 400 or Z400? Keep it up mate you definitely have a new subscriber :)
Thanks for the kind words mate and welcome to the channel :)
I have a video specifically for the question you asked about the ninja 400! Here’s the link;
ua-cam.com/video/NNdbszUv3_4/v-deo.html
Fairings and bar position is the biggest difference. If you want a more upright seating position and ease of working on the bike, get the Z400. If you plan on going on the highway alot, the aerodynamics of the fairings and more forward seating position of the Ninja 400 is better.
I went with the Duke because of the unique look, TFT display/connectivity to my Cardo and phone for music and phone calls, and honestly, the KTM dealership is closer than the Kawasaki dealership. I’ve had zero problems, and have 5800 miles on my 2019. I’m sure the Z400 is cool, KTM fit my needs a little better.
for me....the z400 is more of a daily bike hero....and the duke 390 is more of a hooligan hero.....
Using this vid to decide on my first ride. Svartpilen401 vs z40. Hoping to see you on the brissy/gc roads, kwacka
I love my 2019 KTM Duke 390. It's a great looking bike and fun to ride. Especially, since I've done a few mods. Thanks for doing the comparison and sharing your feedback.. Much appreciated. Aloha from Maui :)
Great review. I just hate the look of the KTM. If it came in different colours then they would sell more. So it has more features than the z400, big deal. The z400 looks good and has a more powerful engine. z400 all the way for me if I had the choice.
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! No denying the z400 is a great bike
I guess everyone's perspective is very different. I find the KTM's look to be a beast. The new bs6 2021 models seems a little better but are more expensive
@@NeverGoingToGiveYouUp000 what bullshit 6 are you talking about?
@@glennrn368 What bullshit are you on about
They sell a lot in the south, also hard to keep in stock. I know that because every time I tried to buy one it was either on hold for someone else or already sold. They look nicer in person
Nice giving us a price in Philippines,nice one kwakjack ❤
Here in Brazil I have just went for a 2017 (the old 2016 model for the rest of the world) Duke 390, cause these bikes are now very expensive here as new. Just loving the bike. It's a blast and lightweight. As you said, a pocket rocket! Best
very helpful....beginner noob. Was looking at Husqvarna/Ktm for first bike but they all got bought up in my area. Considering Kawasaki Z400/Ninja cuz it seems the perfomances is close but the price for Kawasaki is soooo tempting. TY
Very nice review!
Glad you enjoyed it
I wish they had the Z400 when I was looking at my first bike. I went with the Ninja 400 though since the KTM's are so much more expensive up here in the U.S. Plus good luck finding a KTM dealer willing to let you take one out for a test ride. I tested the Ninja 400 and bought same day. Now that I'm back looking at a bike again, I'm finding the same issue with the KTM. I would look more at the Z400, but I'm wanting a bit more oomph these days from my bike. Both seem to be great choices, especially now that KTM has fixed some of the heating and head issues on their single engines.
Yeah I really would like a KTM but having to go > 100 miles to find a dealer (and their mandatory dealer service during the warranty period) is a big turn-off. I'm actually looking for a smaller bike for more nimble fun this year.
I have a kawa z400 and swear these comparisson videos dont do it justice. Coming from KTM, the body position, the engine smoothness and note and the top end power are so much better on the kawasaki.
The build quality too, the kawi is much more solid!
Did you experience hand numbing vibration on the KTM?
@@4paapii did not do long rides on it at all, so no, i did not
New Filipino subscriber brader!
Personally, the z400 looks good in real life. Just rode beside one yesterday in grey/blue color scheme & pictures don’t really do it justice.
in real life z400 looks bigger.
Hi, thanks for the review. What was the conclusion about how these go at 110-120kph on the motorway? Do they get pushed around by the wind / truck turb? I'm looking at the Honda CB500F in anticipation of it being better able motorways, as well as being practical for a quick trip in/around town... or are the Z400 / KTM 390 equivalent? Thanks again.
Good content AND Aussie?! I already liked and now I subbed 🙂
Awesome! Thank you!
There is a KTM showroom at my hometown, but no Kawasaki. I have seen this 390 Duke in real life. Riders love it here. If I had to pick one, I would go with the 390 Duke.
Hi ! Great video, thank you. Just curious about both bikes and the highway wind, you didn't say much about it...
I've owned both and think I enjoyed the way the KTM delivered power more than the less aggressive Ninja. The spec numbers are very similar, but the bikes ride quite differently. The KTM is tuned for the tarmac and is very tight. The Ninja suspension is more forgiving though still a little bit tight if you want to take the bike on dirt roads. The KTM pulls harder and the Ninja pulls more linearly. That could be due to the difference in stroke between the single and the Ninja twin cylinder motor. Now there are other bikes to consider. The Fantic Caballero 500, and the Triumph 400 Scrambler, both with similar horse power and torque. But the Caballero is twice the price of the KTM and Ninja. And the Triumph? Don't know yet. What about the Caballero 700, with the Yamaha CP2 engine. But that's another story. I'm happy with the Ninja, but I could easily go back to the more exciting ride of the KTM. We'll see next year.
Very well done.
I go for z400 , reliability alone.
Came there to say this.
I just chose a Z400 over the Duke 390 for this exact reason.
Japanese bikes seem to have cheaper parta. KTM prices suck
The Z400 has a major reliability flaw, that can be easily fixed. The o-ring gasket. But the aftermarket sells a redesigned version that eliminates folding. You also forgot to mention the service interval between the two. Oil changes and especially valve adjustments. The KTM is a race bike, and I will need to be periodically checked every 5K miles, vs 25K for the Kawi.
I live the style and color of the KTM, but their reliability, maintenance, and defects lean me for the Kawi.
I For z 500
6000 euro in Germany and 4 year warenty
Duke 390 6600 and 2 years
Very Helpful content, new filipino subscriber here
Awesome! Thank you!
The z400 has Kawasaki's Positive Neutral Finder which is awesome (I didn't hear that mentioned?). Also the z400 won't blow up like the KTM's do! I've ridden both bikes back to back, and its a very difficult decision to choose. I went with z400 for the reliability, and I love how it rev's out further, but I would still love to have a duke too for its low down torque.
how the z's torque on low end?
KTM reliability questions are rubbish, maybe 10 years ago they had issues, not now.
@@peacebewu Its certainly not as good as the Duke. The Duke throws all the torque straight up and launches off the line, the z400 take's a bit to wake up but once it does it leaves the duke behind. The z400 is geared quite high, so you can just gear it down a fair bit and then it launches off the line same as the duke, and they still have about the same top speed.
Got a Kawasaki z 400 2022. Drove it from the dealership. 48 mpg top speed 95. Did my 600 break in period with amzoil oil and filter Wx. Got 54 mpg and 110 mph. Now it's a matter of all the racing
accessories which is from the Kawasaki 400 Ninja. So I'm turning my Z into a sleeper.
@@rogerkay8603 educate yourself please. These 390 engines specifically have issues with heat.
I looked at the z400 and you can tell the quality isn't there...now the KTM Duke WOW love the bike! The Duke is very easy to ride, easy to work on, and have many accessories you can buy. I completely upgraded my bike and I get complements ALL the time. If you want a bike that is a show stopper the Duke is it. When it comes to buying a bike looks is big to me then functionality.
With a couple of tweaks, I think the z400 could be the perfect bike (well, at least FOR ME!). I wish it had a flat seat and one more gallon of fuel. It would be a great solo light touring bike for smaller people: just add a dry duffel bag to the seat and, maybe, a quick-release windshield and GO!!! The KTM is awesome, too; however, the US dealer network is really thin and I'm leery of their reliability issues.
was considering a z400 last year until i seen it in person and sat on it. it was ok but it felt really cheap especially when i started looking around at the different parts on the bike. i felt the same way about the yamaha r3. settled on the 390 just for the better fit and finish and got a good deal on one- 2019 all stock with 900 miles for $4,500. very happy with the bike
It felt cheap? Lmfao u are clueless
@@campenelloyt2967 felt just like the Chinese mini bike I bought from Home Depot
@@campenelloyt2967 don’t lie to yourself
@@ZackaryTheGreat lmao
@@ZackaryTheGreat u are lost dude
Love my Duke 390, with the only exception on freeways.. get pushed around with wind, considering getting a large windscreen to see if that helps.. However sidewind/crosswinds is where it really takes some effort to try and relax your riding posture and awareness of lane awareness in case you get a major gust pushing you suddenly across your lane onto someone elses :(
I'm considering the KTM right now and I think I may have to pick one up
i love my ktm 390 because of its aggressive and sharp look..ktm are the torquest bike ever...next video should be z125 pro(2021) vs ktm 125 duke (2021)
I'm still undecided but narrowed my choices down to these 3 bikes:
1) 2020 duke 390
2) 2021 Honda cb500f
3) 2021 Z400
I'm in my mid 50's and getting ready to get a motorcycle license. I'm from the USA and wanted to get some opinions from you and everyone. Great video and please consider me a subscriber. Ride Safe...
The Kawi and Honda will be more comfortable than the KTM, if that's a factor for you. If you're planning to do highway miles factor in what I mentioned in the video about the lightness of the bikes too
@@Kwackajack what about engine reliability comparison? Comfort aside,
Honda or the KTM?
@@Robocoppat id say the honda because the ktm has only one cylinder which is a little more.. harsh dont know how to put it in words properly but with the cb500f putting more highway miles feels way better. Also honda is known for their engines very long life span and with ktm services tend to cost a bit more from my expirence. I wouldnt say ktm is unreliable not at all actually but there might be a small issue here and there but with honda its been the complete opposite for me.
@@Robocoppat Hard to beat Honda reliability, they know how to make bulletproof bikes.
does tkm 390 make a trouble at hot country (summer time over 35 at least) cos of heating engine issue..?
I'm just realizing that the Z4 would be the better choice, with it's twincyl engine and being a Kawasaki vs the Duke's reliability questions. Plus another deal-breaker is that KTMs pricing on this segment is a bit high for a singlecyl.
You may be right, but the Drive by wire and TFT features plus the different modes of riding on the Duke kills the deal
@@glennrn368 Those are just tech perks, I can live without those features. The longevity of the motorcycle I think would be the deciding factor for most.
I’m going to go out on a limb and just make the assumption that the KTM‘s supply chain, parts, maintenance etc. are all more expensive that alone means you should go with the Kawasaki
Well I'm in a bit of a stand still at the moment I'm wanting a bike for myself to run about the town with and for my 21 year old son to use as well so it's between the ktm 390 duke or the z400 and we were thinking about the mt 03 aswell so I still like all 3 of them but great video
I will definitely take the kawasaki because of tye Japanese bike reliability
I've never ridden a motorcycle in my life. I have drove manual cars including a Z28 but never touched a bike. These two bikes I've been looking and looking at a 2018 KTM 390 that's for a good price. Are they good bikes for someone who's never drove a bike?
It's now May 2023 and I've been scouting out these 2 bikes, still a difficult decision but you really gave great info for both! Thanks so much!
Get the KTM. You will never find it boring.
KTM's engine transfers vibration to the whole bike. It was fun in the Beginning but now I regret the purchase
In the Asian Market KTM Duke and the Kawasaki Dominar 400cc share a motor case built by the same company. This is what I thought that you were giving a comparison of at first
hello there matey! great video! only made my decision even easier, have had my eyes on a 390 duke for some time now! definitely be buying the 2021 model thats for sure! loving the new colour schemes for the duke this year! now just have to save! not many reviews on the duke within the uk, but seems extremely popular no matter where its sold, which tells me its a very good choice! any chance of a 390 duke full review video on the 2021 model? haha 👌 keep up man! look forward to the next one!
I’d love to get my hands on a 390 Duke to have the time to film a full review! Glad you enjoy the videos, thanks for watching :)
Goodluck on the engine problems
I'm simping pretty hard for the KTM after seeing this vid, thanks!
I'm in the market right now, and would prefer the Duke, except for two things: They apparently require you to go to the dealer regularly to hook up to their computer to retain warranty, and they charge > $100 US for that every time. I do all my own wrenching and I do not like having a few hundred dollars a year extra tacked on. And second, my nearest dealer is 120 miles away. They have a terrible dealer network in the midwest. As a result of these things I'm going to probably go with the Z400.
just booked my ktm390 bs6 yesterday 😌 and at my place i got it brand new for 4400$ (US)
Did you ride either of these bikes? Does the 390 vibrate much at freeway motorway speeds? 55-75 mph? To me it’s about throttle smoothness, vibration 55-75 mph, and handling.
Ride my 390 on the motorway most days, 70-85mph and no issues, plus it does 78mpg.......
I'll pick the Z400 then put a duke 390 headlight on it
Lol 😁
I’m still so torn. I hear great things about the KTM in videos but comments from users on those videos seem to say different. But then when I go to videos comparing the two it’s always people saying the KTM is better. May come down to me going hands on. Of course the only shop that sells KTM is over an hour away while the shop selling the Z400 is just down the road.
Got my first bike yesterday I chose a z400!
Congrats mate!
@@Kwackajack thank you!
After watching this video, it looks like KTM is underpriced as compared to Kawasaki . I see a lot of people are commenting that Kawasaki is reliable since it’s a Japanese bike and I totally understand that but the looks, design, sound and the dashboard features makes it amazing and unique. And I would like to watch a new video on 2024 models of the same bikes. Thank you
KTM now has quick shifter+ don't forget
Good point!
@@Kwackajack quick shipter and quich heater
not in the US tho.
@@aravsandhala6821 soon probably wait
@@darleneborlado4767 ahem
Bought a Z400 as my first motorcycle purchase, the only complaint I have about it (besides the exhaust) is the dash is not very good for sunny days. I struggle to read it as it's not very bright.
I recommend Leo Vince Slip on Exhaust it’s cheap but looks and sounds amazing 🤩 !!
I’m getting my 2022 Z400 soon this is will be my first mod if I can find one there all sold out lol.
Both are attractive, and seem very competent, but I would pick the KTM. I prefer the less traditional styling of the Duke.
I love my z400 and despite being an entry level she is still a head turner here in the PH. Duke 390 tho has quality issues and parts would break as early as the 1st month even the tft display gets humidity in it after a light rain.
Thanks for the info... 🤔
I have a son named Duke, so I guess I'll go for the Z already
Lets check out the 650 Royal Enfield Interceptor & the Continental.
i go for z400..parallel twin will always b beter tham single cylinder...
you should include handling and parts parts and availability
Hey I really like your video, but I think that the 3re pic of the duke is actually a 790 instead of a 390
It is! Good spotting 😉
i am a die-hard kawasaki fan but that ktm looks purdy good too ................
It does doesn't it. I feel the same
The z400 really should have used the analog tach of the ninja. Not a fan of those gauges
I agree!
I would go for the Kawasaki Z400 .
Ride both,
Not sure if I would buy either of these bikes used tbh. Beginner bikes tend to be either treated exceptionally well or run ragged. I would just finance a new one.. whichever you choose.. though I am partial to a twin engine just for the sound.
I tried both and now own a svartpilen 401, and let me tell you, the duke feels much faster even though it isn´t, it´s more comfortable, looks better and has better components. So of course I would go for the duke, as I have, because at the end of the day, even if the kawis beat me on a straight line (assuming they are skilled and light enough), I can still beat them on the twisties and have more fun doing so. Great video as usual! have a nice day.
Very happy with my Duke 🙂
Me too
Looking at buying one of these bikes leaning more towards the z400 as iv heard a lot of reliability issues with the duke
I've heard the same about the KTM, because it's a single cylinder. But I think the newer models are better than the older ones
@@Kwackajack iv heard that as well. All through parts will be more accesable and cheaper for the z400 for my area as well.
i owned a ktm 2021 for 8 months never had an issue with it and my garage got broken into an it was taken so now im going to get the z400 when insurance comes through an ride that xd but ktm solid choice but repairs are a bit higher aswell imo
@@CaptainKaos420 im sorry to hear that. People suck my man. I bought a honda over either haha.
@@gtlogic2362 nice choice ill be joining u in a few weeks when my insurance pays out xd happy riding man an lock her up safe xd
It's nice to see dr strange keeping himself busy while the mcu is resting...
There were 14,000,605 outcomes for what I could've done, and I chose motorcycle videos on UA-cam.
@@Kwackajack ahaha...hey no offense meant. Great videos!
Haha no offence taken! Not the first time someone’s said I look like Benedict!
But can the duke do 120? Love my kawi though I do wish I had the supermoto mode and I hear the torque is a lot of fun on the duke
I just got my '22 Duke 390.. and I can tell you.. 120 clicks and more easy without a problem in a blink of an eye
KTM is a great little bike
Both bikes come with two years warranty I've ridden both. The duke is more vibey and not as good as Z4 on freeway also KTM stands for KEEP THROWING MONEY. In the end I went with the Z4 lower seat more comfortable position less vibes two cylinder more power less maintenance cost 7500 miles service intervals no regrets love this thing. I like the exhaust note better as well. My buddy had a Duke, and the service light would come on, so you had to take it to a KTM dealer to reset no thanks.
I noticed in the video when the Duke was revving it sounded a bit more farty like a little trail bike. It does sound nice but the Z400 definitely sounds a bit nicer/sportier.
I’d like to see the Cb300r vs z400 vs the 390 duke
At 1:20 I don't think in diz photo it iz Duke390.
You are correct
Its hard to say thy both are good 👍
Is ride by wire really a “feature”?
What about cylinders?
I was considering the Duke, but the TFT display is horrible. So laggy and hard to see in the sun. The last thing you want out of a tach is for it to lag behind the actual machine. The Z400's display, while not a "color TFT" (do people care about this lol?) is good looking, responsive, and visible in all lighting conditions. I'm also not a huge fan of drive/ride by wire the Duke has.
The duke is a little too funky looking for the sheilas in my area so.
Z4 it is.
Plus, what's sexier than a naked ninja?
something which is not mentions, in developing countries like Vietnam, the quality of petrol is questionable, I see so many newer KTM 390s have so many engine problems with only 16 000kms but bikes like the ninja 400 run fine post 30 000kms. the KTMs seem to be a bit weak in the engine deparment
It's not just petrol... Ktms have a bit of problem with their quality...
Perhaps you didn’t mention the refinement aspect of the two bikes - Single cylinder KTM has more vibrations than the Kawi..
On the looks, too bold and bright KTM may not appeal to all the buyers compared to the subtle looks of Kawi
Of course all personal opinion. I'm guessing you'd go for the Z400?
@@Kwackajack More Vibrations on KTM aren’t my personal opinion 😄
Z400 isn’t available in India, so I don’t have an option but to choose KTM.
Even if it were available, it’d we way too expensive since it’d be imported as CKD and assembled here. Note that KTM 390 is manufactured in India ( for both local and worldwide markets ), so it’s quite inexpensive.
@@sathishrao7926 well now that you've mentioned it, I'd go for the Z 400
@@glennrn368 Good luck ! BTW.. I’ve been riding Kawi Vulcan 650 for 3.5 years !
The only problem with a Kawasaki is the Hideous styling, especially the front headlight area.
If these two bikes got together and had a baby, that would be the bike I would get. However, I just can't look past that awful fly's head shaped headlight on the Duke. Wish Kawasaki would have thrown a TFT on the Z400, but it would still be my choice for reliability and the network of dealers and service should you ever need it.
Looks department ktm will win, overall reliability the z400 is the way to go
Love the trellis frame on the Kwak, engine is on the belly making it feel lighter then the MT03 which feels heavy if your a small rider of around 5.5ft. MT03 has a diamond frame which pushes the engine upfront making the front end heavy.
So basically this mean me mrs has gone for the Kwak instead, due to this negative feature from the MT03
Awesome man the ktm is a great little bike.