KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. Honda CB500F 2021

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

Honda CB500F 2021

Honda CB500F 2021

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Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs Honda CB500F 2021

When comparing the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the Honda CB500F 2021, several key differences and similarities can be observed.

Starting with the technical specifications, both bikes have an inline engine type with liquid cooling. However, the KTM 790 Duke boasts a more powerful engine with 105 HP compared to the Honda CB500F's 48 HP. The KTM also has a larger displacement of 799ccm, while the Honda has a displacement of 471ccm. Both bikes have a 2-cylinder configuration.

In terms of chassis, the KTM 790 Duke features a chromium-molybdenum frame, which is known for its strength and rigidity. On the other hand, the Honda CB500F has a steel frame.

When it comes to braking, the KTM 790 Duke is equipped with double disk brakes at the front with four pistons, while the Honda CB500F has a single disk brake at the front with double pistons.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire width of 120mm and a front tire diameter of 17 inches. However, the KTM 790 Duke has a wider rear tire width of 180mm compared to the Honda CB500F's 160mm. Both bikes have a 17-inch rear tire diameter. The KTM 790 Duke also has a longer wheelbase of 1475mm compared to the Honda CB500F's 1410mm.

When it comes to seat height, the Honda CB500F has a lower seat height of 790mm, making it more accessible for shorter riders. The KTM 790 Duke has a higher seat height of 825mm.

In terms of fuel tank capacity, the Honda CB500F has a larger capacity of 15.7 liters compared to the KTM 790 Duke's 14 liters.

Honda CB500F 2021

Honda CB500F 2021

Moving on to the strengths of each bike, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 offers a lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration. Its chassis is optimally tuned for sporty riding, and it produces an awesome sound even with the series muffler. The KTM also comes with many electronic gimmicks and functions, including an extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier. Additionally, it offers a comfortable seating position.

On the other hand, the Honda CB500F 2021 boasts a full 48 hp in the A2 class, making it a strong contender for riders in that category. It features a high-quality fork and good brakes, providing a reliable and smooth riding experience. The Honda also offers a comfortable seating position and has a low seat height, making it more accessible for a wider range of riders. Its intuitive handling adds to its appeal.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The KTM 790 Duke can be rough to handle at low revs and can feel difficult to maneuver in city traffic. Some riders have also reported oil leaks at the engine block on many 790 Dukes. On the other hand, the Honda CB500F's suspension strut has been reported to bounce on bumpy roads, potentially affecting the overall ride quality.

In conclusion, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the Honda CB500F 2021 offer different strengths and weaknesses. The KTM provides a more powerful and sporty riding experience with advanced electronic features, while the Honda offers a more accessible and reliable option with its A2 class power and comfortable handling. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2018 compared to Honda CB500F 2021

KTM 790 Duke 2018
Honda CB500F 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88 mmBore67 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke66.8 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power48 HP
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement471 ccm

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeSingle disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,475 mmWheelbase1,410 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height790 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity15.7 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

The KTM 790 Duke L is an absolutely sporty naked bike with a high fun factor. Whether a beginner rider can handle it depends very much on his or her personality and riding behaviour. There are certainly motorbikes better suited for learning, but sporty radius hunters will hardly be satisfied with anything else. The 790 Duke L is also rather unenthusiastic about everyday rides in the city. On the country road, however, it's a blast, even with only 48 hp. Simply a fun bike as it is written in the book.

Lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration

optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding

awesome sound even with series muffler

many electronic gimmicks and functions

extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier

comfortable seating position

Rough handling at low revs

bitchy in city traffic

sometimes fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars

oil leak at the engine block on many 790 Dukes

Honda CB500F 2021

Honda CB500F 2021

Honda has significantly improved the rounded package called CB500F for 2022. Thanks to better brakes and a higher-quality chassis, the handling has been significantly upgraded. Both beginners and experienced riders will feel very comfortable on this bike and enjoy it for many years to come. Only the suspension strut is not quite up to scratch - but there still needs to be room for improvement somewhere.

full 48 hp in the A2 class

high-quality fork

good brakes

comfortable seating position

low seat height

intuitive handling.

Suspension strut bounces on bumpy roads

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs Honda CB500F

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2018 and a Honda CB500F 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 790 Duke 2018 is about 50% higher. Compared to Honda CB500F 2021 there are more KTM 790 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 17. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 58 days compared to 80 days for a Honda CB500F. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke and 22 reviews for the Honda CB500F since model year 2013. The first review for the KTM 790 Duke was published on 09/11/2016 and now has more than 160,600 views. This compares to more than 18,500 views for the first review on Honda CB500F published on 10/11/2012.

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CB500F

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Current average market prices

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