'A2 Supersports Bikes Comparison 2024'

In this comparison test, we take a look at five remarkable A2 supersports: the CFMOTO 450SR S, KTM RC 390, Aprilia RS 457, Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE, and Honda CBR500R. Each of these bikes offers a unique combination of performance, handling, and technology. The CFMOTO 450SR S impresses with its modern features and powerful engine. The KTM RC 390 is known for its agility and dynamic riding style. The Aprilia RS 457 offers advanced features and a lightweight design. The Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE scores with comfort and user-friendliness, while the Honda CBR500R provides a balanced mix of sportiness and everyday usability.

The HJC helmets in superhero design, worn by our editors for the supersports motorcycle test, are not only real eye-catchers but also technically advanced. The RPHA 1 and RPHA 12 models offer a perfect combination of safety, comfort, and stylish design. The RPHA 1 is particularly focused on aerodynamics and stability at high speeds, providing excellent protection through its premium materials. The RPHA 12, on the other hand, impresses with its versatile range of use and excellent ventilation, ensuring pleasant freshness even on longer rides. Both helmets are adorned with striking superhero graphics, making them a special highlight for all comic fans and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Further information can be found here: HJC Helmets.

Our editors not only wore the striking HJC helmets during this supersports motorcycle test but were also dressed in high-quality motorcycle gear from Segura. Segura is renowned for its combination of classic design and top-notch protection. The tested outfits included robust leather jackets, which provide the highest safety due to their abrasion-resistant properties and integrated protectors on the shoulders, elbows, and back. Additionally, breathable and weatherproof pants and gloves offered optimal grip and protection. Segura's motorcycle clothing combines stylish looks with functional details, ensuring our editors were not only well-protected but also comfortable and fashionable on the go.

Further information can be found here: Segura Motorcycle Clothing.

The CFMOTO 450SR S impresses with a powerful twin engine and an impressively aggressive sound. Amelie praised the agility and easy handling, but criticized the throttle response, which has a lot of play in the throttle lever, making it difficult to use engine braking. Alessio criticized the long throttle grip, which makes riding uncomfortable. Martin and Horvath praised the seating ergonomics and the surprisingly good riding feel, although they noted that the traction control often intervenes too early. Despite these shortcomings, the CFMOTO offers solid performance but has weaknesses in electronics and riding feel.

The KTM RC 390 impresses with its lively nature and high riding pleasure, especially on the supermoto track. Amelie found the handling easy and the ergonomics comfortable, but criticized the frequent gear shifts needed due to the sluggish low-end torque. Alessio praised the comprehensive electronics package and the quickshifter, which significantly enhance riding comfort. Martin and Horvath highlighted the good traction control and the ability to gradually disable the ABS. Overall, the KTM RC 390 is an entertaining and easy-to-handle bike, but it falls short in terms of performance.

The Aprilia RS 457 impresses with its powerful engine and excellent ergonomics. Amelie highlighted the stability and smooth handling, which gave her a secure riding feeling. Alessio praised the great sound and pleasant riding experience. However, Martin and Horvath criticized the ABS regulation, which can be problematic in critical situations. Despite these shortcomings, the Aprilia offers a lot of riding pleasure and is particularly suitable for sport-oriented riders. With its balanced combination of performance and handling, it is a recommended choice in the A2 class.

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE impresses with its stable and nimble riding performance. The lively engine and good ergonomics make it an excellent choice. Amelie praised the easy handling and stability, while Alessio highlighted the nimbleness and performance. Martin and Horvath appreciated the combination of stability and neutral cornering technique. A minor criticism is the tight knee angle, which can be uncomfortable on long tours. Overall, the Ninja 500 SE offers excellent value for money and is one of the best options in the A2 class.

The Honda CBR500R impresses with its smooth riding performance and well-tuned chassis and transmission. Amelie found the handling somewhat cumbersome due to the high weight, which is an important aspect for her as a rider. Alessio praised the chassis and the transmission but also criticized the weight, which affects the agility. Martin and Horvath highlighted the good ergonomics and reliable brakes but noted that the CBR500R is more tour-oriented and lacks the sporty character. Overall, the CBR500R is a solid choice, but it lacks the dynamism that is desirable in this class.

Based on the test impressions of Martin Bauer, Horvath, Alessio, and Amelie, a clear ranking of the tested A2 bikes emerges.

1st Place: Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE impresses with its stable and nimble riding performance. The lively engine and good ergonomics make it an excellent choice. Despite the conventional fork, it offers direct handling and a comfortable ride. A minor criticism is the tight knee angle, which can be uncomfortable on long tours. Overall, the Ninja 500 SE offers excellent value for money and is one of the best options in the A2 class.

2nd Place: Aprilia RS 457

The Aprilia RS 457 impresses with its powerful engine and excellent ergonomics. The riding performance is stable and secure, but the ABS regulation shows weaknesses that can be problematic in critical situations. Despite these shortcomings, the Aprilia offers a lot of riding pleasure and is particularly suitable for sport-oriented riders. With a balanced combination of performance and handling, it is a recommended choice in the A2 class.

3rd Place: KTM RC 390

The KTM RC 390 impresses with its lively nature and entertaining riding performance, especially on the supermoto track. It offers excellent ergonomics and handling, supported by a good electronics package and the quickshifter. However, the single-cylinder engine disappoints in the lower RPM range and requires frequent shifting, which somewhat diminishes the riding pleasure. Overall, the KTM RC 390 is a fun and easy-to-handle bike, but it falls short in terms of performance expectations.

4th Place: Honda CBR500R

The Honda CBR500R impresses with its smooth riding performance and well-tuned chassis and gearbox. However, the bike's heavy weight makes it harder to handle, negatively impacting its agility. Although the CBR500R is a solid choice, it lacks the sporty characteristics desirable in this class.

5th Place: CFMOTO 450 SR S

The CFMOTO 450SR S surprises with a powerful twin engine and an impressive sound. The ergonomics and handling are good, but there is criticism of the throttle response and the rudimentary traction control, which often intervenes too early. The long throttle grip also makes riding difficult. Despite these shortcomings, the CFMOTO remains an interesting option in the A2 class, especially due to its aggressive sound and nimble handling.