&width=72&height=72&bgcolor=rgba_39_42_44_0&mode=crop "Author: nastynils")
Today, we take a closer look at six absolute cracker entry-level naked bikes: Honda CB500 Hornet, Kawasaki Z 500 SE, CF MOTO 450 NK, KTM 390 Duke, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, and Triumph Speed 400.
Honda CB500 Hornet - The Japanese All-Rounder
Let's start with the Honda CB500 Hornet, the all-rounder from the Land of the Rising Sun. This bike is like a well-trained ninja - nimble, powerful, and always ready for action.
Schaaf, our sensei of gentle cornering, was quite taken with the development since the predecessor model. He said the chassis had improved tremendously. While the old CB500 tended to wobble slightly on light waves in lean angle, the new Hornet remains stable and offers pleasant damping at the same time.
Martin Bauer, our track guru, was impressed by the engine's smoothness. However, he found the seating position less direct than that of the Kawasaki - as if you were sitting on the bike rather than merging with it.
Kurt Rubik, our stunt maestro, described the Hornet as the more mature and stable bike compared to the KTM 390 Duke. He said the Hornet always offers reserves and conveys a sense of safety and stability.
Adam Child, our British guest tester, praised the comfortable setup but warned that the chassis might be overwhelmed during sporty riding or with heavier riders. It's like a well-mannered butler - polite and courteous, but not necessarily suited for wild parties.
Marek, our tall rider at 1.86 m, was surprised at how well the Hornet handled despite his size. He even compared the riding feel to that of a pit bike - agile and responsive.
Conclusion on the Honda CB500 Hornet: A solid, mature bike that offers stability and comfort. Perfect for beginners who want to feel safe.
Kawasaki Z 500 SE - The Green Flash
Next up is the Kawasaki Z 500 SE, the green flash from Japan. This bike is like an espresso on two wheels - strong, lively, and guaranteed to wake you up!
Kurt Rubik was so excited about the Z500 SE that he probably would have loved to do a wheelie with it right away. He praised the strong engine and crisp handling. However, he noted more vibrations than with the CF-Moto - apparently, the Kawa likes it when things tingle a bit.
Martin Bauer found the seating position a bit too compact for taller riders - like trying to fit a sumo wrestler into a Mini. But he praised the twin-cylinder engine for its smoothness and good low-end power. He described the clutch and gearbox as buttery smooth.
Schaaf was impressed by the engine, which he described as "brilliant." He praised the light and stable handling, even though he didn't get as much feedback from the chassis - as if the bike was whispering instead of shouting.
Adam Child warned that the seating position might be uncomfortable for taller riders. He praised the strong engine but criticized the conventional electronics and ABS - as if Kawasaki had slept through progress in electronics. The intervention of the ABS dampens the riding pleasure a bit!
Marek preferred the Z500 SE for sporty riding but would choose the Honda for daily use.
Conclusion on the Kawasaki Z 500 SE: A lively, sporty bike that is fun and offers performance. Ideal for riders who like it a bit wilder.
CF MOTO 450 NK - The Chinese Challenger
Kurt Rubik was surprised by the quality of the 450 NK. He praised the comfortable seating position and the well-functioning engine. However, he warned about the rear wheel locking up when downshifting on wet roads.
Martin Bauer was impressed by the smoothness of the twin-cylinder and the clean throttle response. He described the sound as punchy. However, he noted that the fork twists slightly under heavy braking.
Adam Child found that the 450 NK has character and pep. He praised the display but criticized the cheap-looking switches. The bike felt a bit too sluggish for his taste.
Schaaf was impressed by the engine's smoothness on wet roads. He recommended keeping the revs above 4,000 to 5,000 RPM to get the best out of the engine.
Marek had fun with the 450 NK and praised the rev-happy engine and pleasant riding behavior. He was surprised by the comfortable seating position, even though the legroom was limited.
Conclusion on the CF MOTO 450 NK: A surprisingly solid bike that offers more than you would expect. It will make very cautious beginners happy. It rides exceptionally accessible, harmonious, and easy. For ambitious pilots, other models are better suited.
