The Honda CB500 Hornet impresses with its parallel-twin engine, praised for its smooth running and even power delivery. With 48 hp, it edges slightly ahead of the KTM 390 Duke, which extracts 45 hp from its single-cylinder engine. In practice, the Hornet proves to be especially pleasant to ride in the low and mid rev range. The throttle response is described as smooth and precise, which particularly benefits beginners.
The KTM 390 Duke, on the other hand, presents itself as a lively character. Its single-cylinder engine is described as revvy, though with a rather narrow usable rev range. Some testers felt the engine setup wasn't optimal, which shows up as somewhat uneven power delivery.
In our rating table, the Honda scores markedly better in "Engine Comfort and Fueling" 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 figures underline the testers' comments describing the Honda as more balanced and easier to master.
Which bike suits whom in terms of engine?
If you're a beginner looking for a smooth, 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 good-natured, which is especially appreciated on longer routes and under varying road conditions. The Hornet conveys a secure riding feel and remains stable even at higher speeds.
The KTM 390 Duke presents itself as the more agile and sportier bike. Its chassis is described as firm but precise. The low weight of just 162 kg (compared to the Honda's 190.5 kg) is especially noticeable in tight corners and quick direction changes.
The rating table clearly shows this difference: in handling, the KTM leads with 4.00, far ahead of the Honda's 5.82. However, the Honda scores well in stability with 5.45 versus the KTM's 8.91.
Which bike suits whom in terms of chassis?
If you're mostly riding in the city and want an agile, easy-to-maneuver bike, the KTM 390 Duke could be the better choice. For riders who also cover longer distances and prefer more balanced riding performance, 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 pleasant position on the Hornet.
The KTM 390 Duke splits opinions here. Some testers describe the seating position as compact and sporty, which particularly suits smaller riders. Others find the position, especially the knee angle, somewhat uncomfortable over longer distances.
This is reflected in the rating table: in ergonomics, the Honda leads with 6.09 over the KTM's 7.18. The Honda's seat is also rated better at 4.64 versus the KTM's 8.64.
Which bike suits whom in terms of ergonomics?
If you frequently ride longer distances or prefer a more comfortable seating position, the Honda CB500 Hornet is the better choice. For sportier-minded riders or those who prefer a more compact seating position, the KTM 390 Duke could be more suitable.
Electronics and equipment:
Here the KTM 390 Duke shows its strengths. It comes with an extensive electronics package, including an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), lean-angle-sensitive traction control, and cornering ABS. A quickshifter is also fitted.
The Honda CB500 Hornet offers a more conventional package with traction control and ABS. A quickshifter is not available.
This difference is clearly reflected in the rating table: for traction control regulation, the KTM leads with 4.88 over the Honda's 7.00. The KTM also scores well in traction control adjustability with 4.83 versus the Honda's 6.83.
Which bike suits whom in terms of electronics?
If you value cutting-edge electronics and a wide range of adjustment options, the KTM 390 Duke is clearly ahead. For riders who prefer things simple and uncomplicated, the Honda CB500 Hornet offers a solid basic setup.
Conclusion and recommendation:
Both bikes, the Honda CB500 Hornet and the KTM 390 Duke, are excellent beginner models, though they set different priorities.
The Honda CB500 Hornet is recommended for beginners and returning riders who value a smooth, predictable engine character, high comfort, and stability. It's the ideal choice for longer distances and tours, offers balanced performance, and is excellently suited for everyday use. With its high-quality build and mature overall concept, it's a reliable companion for many years.
The KTM 390 Duke is the perfect choice for sportier-minded riders looking for an agile, lightweight bike. It offers an exciting riding experience, cutting-edge electronics, and is particularly well suited to twisty roads or reckless stunts. Its compact size and low weight make it the ideal choice for smaller riders or those looking for a particularly nimble bike.
In the overall ranking, the Honda CB500 Hornet achieves a better result with an average placement of 5.83 compared to the KTM 390 Duke's 6.63. This underlines the Honda's more balanced overall performance, while the KTM shines 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 into the world of naked bikes. Both bikes have also proven themselves in testing compared to more expensive and more powerful bikes. They offer plenty of riding pleasure at a reasonable price.
Whichever bike you choose, both the Honda CB500 Hornet and the KTM 390 Duke will bring you plenty of joy and are ideal companions on your path to becoming an experienced rider. We recommend test riding both bikes to feel for yourself which one better suits you and your riding style. Because in the end, it's not just about the technology, but above all about the feeling and the fun you experience on the bike.
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