Honda CB500 Hornet vs. Kawasaki Z500

Nippon Naked Showdown: Honda CB500 Hornet vs. Kawasaki Z500

Folks, you wouldn't believe how often I'm asked which bike to buy. At bike shows, at gas stations, even at airport check-ins. But today, we're talking about two hot machines from Japan: the Honda CB500 Hornet and the Kawasaki Z500. Two bikes that at first glance seem as similar as sake and rice wine. But beware, twisties enthusiasts the devil is in the details! Before we dive in, let me ask you: What the heck do you actually plan to do with your bike? Yeah, I see the puzzled faces. But seriously, if you don't know where you're headed, how am I supposed to tell you which bike is right for you? So, think hard while I tell you what these two Japanese 500cc rockets have to offer.

Engine Performance and Character

The Honda CB500 Hornet comes with a 471cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 48 hp at 8600 rpm. The torque of 43 Nm at 6500 rpm will make you grin like a Cheshire cat. The Kawasaki Z500 counters with 451cc, 45.4 hp at 9000 rpm, and 42.6 Nm at 7500 rpm.

Sounds like a tie, right? But friends, numbers are like bikinis they show a lot but not everything. The Honda is as refined as an English butler. Schaaf said it runs so smoothly you could fold origami with it. The Kawa, on the other hand? It's like an espresso on two wheels lively, nimble, and with plenty of grunt. Kurt Rubik felt a few vibrations above 4000 rpm, but hey, who wants a bike that feels like a sofa cushion?

Transmission and Clutch

Both bikes perform flawlessly in the transmission department. The Honda shifts so smoothly it's like each gear has a dollop of butter in it. Martin Bauer was almost ready to propose to the gearbox. The Kawasaki is no slouch either. Valentin Schaaf called it "exceptionally good for this price range." It slips in like sushi into a hungry sumo wrestler.

Electronic Assistance Systems

Here's where the wheat is separated from the chaff, folks. The Honda comes with traction control that works as subtly as a ninja in socks. The Kawasaki? It says, "Electronics? You don't need that, buddy. Just ride!" Both have ABS, but the Kawa's kicks in a bit earlier like it has an overly cautious passenger built-in.

Ergonomics and Handling

The Honda feels like a well-worn meditation cushion. Even our colleague Marek, at 1.86 meters, felt comfortable. The Kawasaki leans more towards sportiness. Smaller riders will find it fits like a tailored kimono, but taller guys might feel like a sardine in a can.

Chassis and Handling

Now it gets exciting! The Honda glides through corners. It feels confident and relaxed. Not sluggish but not nervous either. The Kawasaki, however, feels more playful. It feels less sensible and is the more fun bike. The Kawasaki? It's as agile as a ninja on Red Bull. Kurt Rubik called it "crisp," and the guy knows what he's talking about.

Brakes

When it comes to brakes, the Honda takes the lead. Dual discs up front, braking power like the grip of an angry sumo wrestler. The Kawasaki also brakes well, but the ABS can be a bit too eager like an overzealous intern on their first day.

Conclusion

The Honda CB500 Hornet is like perfectly prepared sushi balanced, refined, and with just the right amount of wasabi kick. The Kawasaki Z500 is more like a teppanyaki grill it sizzles, it pops, and in the end, you have a big grin on your face.

Which bike is right for you? Well, that depends on what you plan to do. Want to cruise around relaxed and look as refined as a tea ceremony master? Then go for the Honda. Are you the type who sees every corner as a personal challenge and likes to elbow out? Then the Kawasaki is your thing. Of course, the Honda can also show its fun side. And of course, the Kawasaki is also good for everyday use. But the fundamental character of the bikes leans in these respective directions!

At the end of the day, both bikes are damn good machines. They'll put a grin on your face wider than Mount Fuji. And isn't that what motorcycling is all about?

The Helmets in the 1000PS Naked Bike Test

Keeping a cool head during this test was the HJC RPHA 71 Carbon. The helmet impressed the 1000PS crew with its pleasantly neutral aerodynamics, which ensure fatigue-free riding even on longer trips. Additionally, the effective ventilation performance and reliable heat dissipation on hot days are noteworthy. The carbon model not only looks super classy but is also noticeably lighter than the base version of the RPHA 71. The visor mechanism with an additional sun visor works flawlessly. The fit is comfortable, and the shape covers a wide range in the 1000PS editorial team - all our editors felt comfortable! We highly recommend it.

https://hjchelmets.eu/products/rpha-71-carbon-solid

Our Motorcycle Clothing in the Naked Bike Test 2024

For this test, we were equipped by our clothing partner IXS with products from the current Sport Collection. Our 1000PS editorial team has trusted the Swiss brand for more than 10 years now. Besides the quality of workmanship, we appreciate that IXS always uses high-quality materials and excellent fit. Even editors who do not fit the standard body type can always find a well-fitting outfit thanks to the availability of long and short sizes. With advanced features like airbag systems and electronically controlled membranes, they aim to provide the highest level of safety and comfort. We really like that!

https://ixs.com/moto-sports-2024

The 1000PS Crew in the Naked Bike Test 2024

• Video, Photo: https://www.instagram.com/motocinematica/
• Video, Photo: https://www.instagram.com/jakob.schabsi/
• Video, Photo: https://www.instagram.com/patbpixx/
• Editor: https://www.instagram.com/christophorvath/
• Test Rider: https://www.instagram.com/mbbikeperformance/
• Test Rider and YouTube English Moderator: https://www.instagram.com/adamchadchild/
• Test Rider and YouTube Poland Moderator: https://www.instagram.com/marek.piechula/
• Test Rider: https://www.instagram.com/named.aj/
• Test Rider: https://www.instagram.com/turboschaaf/
• YouTube Italy Moderator: https://www.instagram.com/weeeslyy/
• Test Rider: https://www.instagram.com/kurtrubik/
• Test Rider: https://www.instagram.com/ewaldbaumgartnerfahrtechnik/
• Test Rider and German Video Moderator: http://zonko.at/
• Producer, Moderator, and Test Rider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nils-mueller-doget-1000ps/
• Editor: Martin "Vauli" Vielhaber: More reports from Vauli

Our Partner in the Naked Bike Test 2024

• Motorcycle Care: https://motorex.com/de-at/moto-line--5616
• Less luggage, no stink! 1000PS trusts Bamigo

Our Test Tracks - Region Bucklige Welt

Motorcycling in the Bucklige Welt offers an exceptionally charming experience, highlighted by the picturesque landscape of this region in Lower Austria. Characterized by gentle hills, expansive meadows, and idyllic small villages, the Bucklige Welt provides the perfect terrain for motorcycle enthusiasts who want to enjoy both the beauty of nature and the thrill of twisty roads. The varied routes lead through forested areas and past historical landmarks, making each tour a journey through the culture and history of the region. Riding is particularly delightful in the spring and autumn months when the landscape is bathed in a spectacular play of colors that invigorates the senses and leaves unforgettable impressions. This makes the Bucklige Welt a hidden gem for bikers seeking authenticity and originality.

1000PS Naked Bike Test 2024 - The Scoring

In the test, we rode a total of 10 motorcycles in a direct comparison. Although the motorcycles were in different displacement classes, we rated them using the same evaluation scheme. The test protocol categories include aspects such as engine comfort and modulation, engine revviness, pull-through, engine power, gearbox, quickshifter, clutch, traction control regulation, traction control adjustment options, switch quality, and control logic. Additionally, aspects such as stability, handling, precision, suspension quality and adjustment range, brakes, modulation, and effectiveness were evaluated. Each test rider gave their individual rating, which was then averaged for each category and finally led to an overall rating. The best motorcycle in each category was rated "1", the worst motorcycle in the category was rated "10". For our readers, these tables are interesting for two reasons. On one hand, they can see in which areas individual motorcycles are above average and in which areas they are below average - always considering that the price and displacement classes are very different. On the other hand, all reports and results can be clicked through here, allowing readers to directly compare their favorites - regardless of price and displacement class.

The end result is astonishing. On one hand, the Honda CB500 Hornet leads in the overall results. It has an average ranking of 5.83 compared to 6.57 for the Kawasaki. However, in the category "I find this bike awesome!", the Kawasaki scores slightly better. Thus, the Honda scores well on pragmatic topics while also being a lot of fun. The Kawasaki, however, seems to be even more fun. Despite the small displacement, it is overall a super cool bike that you also enjoy riding sportily.

In the price comparison on the 1000PS market, the Kawasaki makes a good impression. In practice, it can be found on the market for 500-700 euros cheaper than the Honda. Here is an overview of offers from our 1000PS marketplace dealers.