The Honda CB500 Hornet impresses with its parallel-twin engine, praised for its smoothness and consistent power delivery. With 48 hp, it slightly outperforms the KTM 390 Duke, which extracts 45 hp from its single-cylinder engine. In practice, the Hornet is particularly pleasant to ride in the low and mid-range rpm. The throttle response is described as smooth and precise, which is especially beneficial for beginners.
The KTM 390 Duke, on the other hand, presents itself as a lively character. Its single-cylinder engine is described as revvy, but with a rather narrow usable rpm range. Some testers find the engine setup not optimal, resulting in somewhat uneven power delivery.
In our rating table, the Honda scores significantly better in "Engine Comfort and Modulation" with 3.55 compared to the KTM's 9.09. The Hornet also leads in torque (Honda: 5.64, KTM: 8.91) and engine performance (Honda: 6.00, KTM: 8.18). These numbers underscore the testers' statements that describe the Honda as more balanced and easier to handle.
Which bike is suitable for which rider in terms of the engine?
If you're a beginner looking for a gentle, predictable engine character, the Honda CB500 Hornet is the better choice. More experienced riders or those who prefer a sportier, more exciting character might be happier with the KTM 390 Duke.
Chassis and Handling:
The Honda CB500 Hornet is praised for its stable and comfortable chassis. Testers describe it as balanced and forgiving, which is especially appreciated on longer rides and various road conditions. The Hornet conveys a secure riding feeling and remains stable even at higher speeds.
The KTM 390 Duke presents itself as the more agile and sporty bike. Its chassis is described as firm but precise. The low weight of only 162 kg (compared to the Honda's 190.5 kg) is particularly noticeable in tight corners and quick direction changes.
This difference is clearly reflected in the rating table: In handling, the KTM scores 4.00, well ahead of the Honda's 5.82. However, the Honda scores better in stability with 5.45 compared to the KTM's 8.91.
Which bike is suitable for which rider in terms of the chassis?
If you mainly ride in the city and are looking for an agile, easy-to-maneuver bike, the KTM 390 Duke might be the better choice. For riders who also cover longer distances and prefer a more balanced ride, the Honda CB500 Hornet offers more comfort and stability.
Ergonomics and Comfort:
The Honda CB500 Hornet is praised for its comfortable seating position. Testers describe it as upright and relaxed, which is especially appreciated on longer rides. Even taller riders find a comfortable position on the Hornet.
Opinions are divided on the KTM 390 Duke. Some testers describe the seating position as compact and sporty, which is particularly suitable for shorter riders. Others find the position, especially the knee angle, somewhat uncomfortable for longer distances.
This is reflected in the rating table: In ergonomics, the Honda scores 6.09 ahead of the KTM's 7.18. The Honda's seat is also rated better with 4.64 compared to the KTM's 8.64.
Which bike is suitable for which rider in terms of ergonomics?
If you frequently cover longer distances or prefer a more comfortable seating position, the Honda CB500 Hornet is the better choice. For sportier riders or those who prefer a more compact seating position, the KTM 390 Duke might be more suitable.
Electronics and Features:
Here, the KTM 390 Duke shows its strengths. It comes with extensive electronic features, including an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), lean-angle-sensitive traction control, and cornering ABS. A quickshifter is also included.
The Honda CB500 Hornet offers more conventional features with traction control and ABS. A quickshifter is not available.
This difference is clearly reflected in the rating table: In traction control regulation, the KTM scores 4.88 ahead of the Honda's 7.00. The KTM also scores better in traction control settings with 4.83 compared to the Honda's 6.83.
Which bike is suitable for which rider in terms of electronics?
If you value the latest electronics and a variety of settings, the KTM 390 Duke is clearly advantageous. For riders who prefer it simple and straightforward, the Honda CB500 Hornet offers solid basic features.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Both bikes, the Honda CB500 Hornet and the KTM 390 Duke, are excellent entry-level models that set different priorities.
The Honda CB500 Hornet is recommended for beginners and returnees who value a gentle, predictable engine character, high comfort, and stability. It is the ideal choice for longer distances and tours, offers balanced performance, and is excellent for everyday use. With its high-quality build and mature overall concept, it is a reliable companion for many years.
The KTM 390 Duke is the perfect choice for sporty riders looking for an agile, lightweight bike. It offers an exciting riding experience, the latest electronics, and is particularly well-suited for twisty country roads or spirited riding. Its compact size and low weight make it ideal for shorter riders or those looking for a particularly nimble bike.
In the overall ranking, the Honda CB500 Hornet achieves a better average placement of 5.83 compared to the KTM 390 Duke's 6.63. This underscores the more balanced overall performance of the Honda, while the KTM excels in individual categories. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes depends on your personal preferences and intended use. Both offer excellent value for money and are outstanding entry options in the world of naked bikes. Both bikes have also proven themselves in tests compared to more expensive and powerful motorcycles. They offer a lot of riding pleasure at a reasonable price.
No matter which bike you choose, both the Honda CB500 Hornet and the KTM 390 Duke will bring you a lot of joy and are ideal companions on your way to becoming an experienced rider. We recommend test riding both bikes to feel for yourself which one suits you and your riding style better. In the end, it's not just about the technology, but especially the feeling and fun you experience on the bike.
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