What To Know
- The Honda CB 500 F has a steel frame and a 41mm fork up front and a monoshock in the rear.
- The KTM Duke 390 has a trellis frame and a 43mm fork up front and a monoshock in the rear.
- The Honda CB 500 F has a single disc brake up front and a single disc brake in the rear.
The Honda CB 500 F and KTM Duke 390 are two of the most popular naked middleweight motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a great combination of performance, comfort, and affordability, but they have some key differences that make them better suited for different riders. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Honda CB 500 F and KTM Duke 390 side-by-side to help you decide which bike is right for you.
Engine and Performance
The Honda CB 500 F is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine that produces 47 horsepower and 32 lb-ft of torque. The KTM Duke 390 is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that produces 43 horsepower and 26 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Honda CB 500 F has a slight advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the KTM Duke 390’s single-cylinder engine is lighter and more compact, which gives it a better power-to-weight ratio. This makes the Duke 390 feel more responsive and agile than the CB 500 F, especially at low speeds.
Handling and Suspension
The Honda CB 500 F has a steel frame and a 41mm fork up front and a monoshock in the rear. The KTM Duke 390 has a trellis frame and a 43mm fork up front and a monoshock in the rear.
The CB 500 F’s suspension is softer and more comfortable than the Duke 390’s, which makes it better suited for long rides and commuting. The Duke 390’s suspension is stiffer and more sporty, which makes it better suited for aggressive riding and track days.
Brakes
The Honda CB 500 F has a single disc brake up front and a single disc brake in the rear. The KTM Duke 390 has a dual disc brake up front and a single disc brake in the rear.
The Duke 390’s dual disc brake up front gives it better braking performance than the CB 500 F, especially at high speeds. The CB 500 F’s single disc brake up front is adequate for most riders, but it can feel overwhelmed under hard braking.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Honda CB 500 F has a more upright riding position than the KTM Duke 390, which makes it more comfortable for long rides. The Duke 390’s riding position is more aggressive, which is better suited for sporty riding and track days.
The CB 500 F’s seat is also wider and more comfortable than the Duke 390’s seat. The Duke 390’s seat is narrower and firmer, which can be uncomfortable on long rides.
Features
The Honda CB 500 F comes with a number of standard features, including a digital instrument cluster, a fuel gauge, and a trip computer. The KTM Duke 390 comes with a more comprehensive suite of features, including a TFT instrument cluster, a quickshifter, and a traction control system.
The Duke 390’s TFT instrument cluster is more informative and easier to read than the CB 500 F’s digital instrument cluster. The Duke 390’s quickshifter is a nice feature that makes it easier to shift gears smoothly and quickly. The Duke 390’s traction control system is a valuable safety feature that can help prevent the bike from sliding out in slippery conditions.
Price
The Honda CB 500 F has a starting price of $6,499. The KTM Duke 390 has a starting price of $5,799.
The CB 500 F is more expensive than the Duke 390, but it also comes with a more comprehensive suite of features. If you’re looking for a bike that’s comfortable, affordable, and easy to ride, the Honda CB 500 F is a great option. If you’re looking for a bike that’s more sporty and performance-oriented, the KTM Duke 390 is a great option.
Which Bike Is Right for You?
The Honda CB 500 F and KTM Duke 390 are both great bikes, but they’re better suited for different riders. If you’re looking for a bike that’s comfortable, affordable, and easy to ride, the Honda CB 500 F is a great option. If you’re looking for a bike that’s more sporty and performance-oriented, the KTM Duke 390 is a great option.
The Verdict: Honda CB 500 F vs KTM Duke 390
The Honda CB 500 F and KTM Duke 390 are both excellent naked middleweight motorcycles. The CB 500 F is a great choice for riders who are looking for a comfortable, affordable, and easy-to-ride bike. The Duke 390 is a great choice for riders who are looking for a more sporty and performance-oriented bike.
Ultimately, the best bike for you is the one that meets your individual needs and preferences. If you’re still not sure which bike is right for you, we recommend test riding both bikes before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which bike is faster, the Honda CB 500 F or the KTM Duke 390?
On paper, the Honda CB 500 F is slightly faster than the KTM Duke 390. However, the Duke 390’s lighter weight and better power-to-weight ratio make it feel more responsive and agile than the CB 500 F, especially at low speeds.
2. Which bike is more comfortable, the Honda CB 500 F or the KTM Duke 390?
The Honda CB 500 F has a more upright riding position and a wider, more comfortable seat than the KTM Duke 390. This makes the CB 500 F more comfortable for long rides and commuting.
3. Which bike has more features, the Honda CB 500 F or the KTM Duke 390?
The KTM Duke 390 has a more comprehensive suite of features than the Honda CB 500 F, including a TFT instrument cluster, a quickshifter, and a traction control system.
