2 vs 3 vs 4-Cylinder Naked Bike Shootout

The rolling hills of Bucklige Welt are steaming under the July sun as three distinct motorcycle engineering philosophies face off. The Austrian twin-cylinder character clashes with Japanese triple-cylinder perfection and tried-and-true four-cylinder prowess. The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, Yamaha MT-09 SP, and KTM 990 Duke—three naked bikes that couldn't be more different, yet all competing in a similar price range for the riders' favor. What follows is more than just a comparison test. It's a journey through the DNA of the modern naked bike segment, where unique characters meet the uncompromising, and where every engine tells its own story.

Never before has the diversity in the naked bike segment been as vast as it is today. Take the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, with its 157 horsepower, standing like a powerhouse that doesn't deny its roots—a true descendant of the Fireblade, eager to bare its teeth on the road. Next to it, the Yamaha MT-09 SP, packing a characteristic 119 horsepower from the legendary CP3 engine, a motor that has made the hearts of road warriors race for years. Finally, the KTM 990 Duke—a 123-horsepower rebel from Austria, its twin-cylinder soul beating as unmistakably as a heart in first love.

What ties these three contenders together goes beyond mere category affiliation. They represent three fundamentally different approaches to what a modern naked bike should be. With its four-cylinder legacy, the Honda stands for refined high-rev madness, combined with Japanese perfection and an unmatched price-performance ratio. The Yamaha embodies the golden mean between character and reason, enhanced by an Öhlins suspension setup that’s unparalleled in this price range. The KTM, on the other hand, is the individualist, the maverick, with its twin-cylinder heart championing a philosophy that defies mainstream.

As a 1000PS test rider aptly puts it: "The Honda is like a perfectly cut diamond—flawless, but perhaps sometimes too perfect. The Yamaha is like a well-aged whisky—complex, full of character, yet harmonious. The KTM is like a volcano—unpredictable, yet fascinating."

If perfection had a name, it might just be Honda. The CB1000 Hornet SP is living proof that you can create something entirely new from tried-and-true ingredients. Its four-cylinder heart hails from the 2017 Fireblade generation but has been completely retuned for naked bike duties. The result is an engine that delivers its 157 horsepower at 11,000 RPM with unmatched authority. A maximum torque of 107 Nm at 9,000 RPM ensures there's plenty of grunt in the upper mid-range. From the get-go, the Hornet SP exudes the feel of a well-crafted machine. With a seat height of 809 mm, it accommodates riders of various sizes, and the ergonomics make longer rides a breeze.

Yet, the true character of the Honda only reveals itself beyond the 6,000 RPM mark. Here, the four-cylinder comes alive, delivering a surge of power that stands unrivaled. "It's a real streetfighter, an unreasonable road burner," confirms one test rider. The sporty chassis with a fully adjustable Showa SFF-BP upside-down fork up front and a premium Öhlins TTX36 shock at the rear backs up this claim. The latter, by the way, is the highest-spec shock available—hardly any sportier.

The Brembo Stylema calipers at the front provide the necessary bite, although the ABS is somewhat conservative. "You can really brake hard," praises one tester, noting that the ABS tends to engage early under extreme deceleration. Despite its 212.5 kg weight, the bike's performance never feels hindered—instead, it grants the Honda a stability that's appreciated at higher speeds.

What sets the Honda apart is its versatility. It's sporty enough for ambitious track outings, refined enough for relaxed country rides, and accessible enough for less experienced riders to quickly gain confidence. "It instills confidence and forgives the occasional mistake," a test rider confirms. However, it is much more unruly than one would expect from a Honda—and the absence of an IMU slightly dampens the otherwise stellar impression.

The Yamaha MT-09 SP exemplifies how meticulous attention to detail can elevate an already outstanding engine. The legendary CP3 inline-triple, boasting 890 cc and 119 hp at 10,000 RPM, has become an icon among naked bike engines. Its maximum torque of 93 Nm at 7,000 RPM might not seem spectacular on paper, but in practice, it delivers a linearity and responsiveness that's hard to beat.

"The CP3 engine in the MT-09 is arguably one of the best road engines you can imagine," raves a 1000PS test rider. Indeed, the triple shines where most naked bikes spend their time: on twisty country roads. Its power delivery is so smooth and predictable that it instills confidence from the first moment, while still offering enough character to keep things exciting.

What sets the SP version apart from the standard MT-09 is primarily its premium Öhlins suspension. Both the KYB USD fork at the front and the Öhlins shock at the rear are fully adjustable, providing a setup that meets both sporty and comfort-oriented demands. The measured weight of 195.5 kg positively influences its agility without sacrificing stability.

A particular highlight is the braking system. The Brembo Stylema calipers at the front provide excellent modulation, allowing for significant deceleration with minimal hand effort. "The brakes offer tremendous stopping power with little hand pressure," confirms a tester. The ABS system is less conservative than its competitors, allowing for more aggressive braking maneuvers.

The MT-09 SP's seating position is significantly more upright than what is typical for sporty naked bikes. "It's still incredibly upright compared to others," notes a test rider. This ergonomic design makes the Yamaha an ideal companion for long tours, where comfort is prioritized over sheer sportiness.

The short wheelbase of 1,430 mm gives the MT-09 SP an almost supermoto-like handling. In tight hairpins, employing a "pushing riding style" and practically tossing the bike into corners is recommended. Yet, it remains stable and predictable even at higher speeds.

If motorcycles had personalities, the KTM 990 Duke would be the charismatic outsider, unconcerned with conventions. Its 947 cc parallel-twin engine with 123 hp is the heart of a bike that uncompromisingly champions character. Though its maximum torque of 103 Nm is less than its competitors on paper, it compensates with an unmistakable personality.

"If you like the KTM, there's no need to try the others," a test rider sums it up. Indeed, the 990 Duke is the most distinctive bike in the test lineup. Its twin engine needs at least 3,000 RPM to run smoothly, but once there, it delivers power and character like no other. The short gearing means it tops out at 85-90 km/h in first gear—much shorter than the competition.

Weighing in at just 192 kg, its lightness is evident in every riding scenario. "Very nimble, very agile," confirms a test rider. The high center of gravity and supermoto-like seating position create a riding experience reminiscent of a large supermoto. "The bike pops wheelies effortlessly and is an absolute blast," raves a tester.

The KTM's ergonomics are unique in the test field. You sit noticeably higher, making for a more active riding position, yet it offers a comfortable knee angle. "The overall ergonomics will likely benefit taller riders," affirms a tall test rider. The seating position promotes an active riding style and provides excellent front wheel feedback through the handlebars.

The WP APEX suspension at both ends may not be as premium as Öhlins, but it’s perfectly tuned to the bike's character. The front brake with two 300 mm discs bites hard, and the ABS can be adjusted in stages—a feature appreciated by sport-oriented riders.

However, the KTM has its quirks. The gearbox is "rather clunky" and doesn’t always provide clear feedback. A test rider even found himself between gears. The engine's running smoothness isn't as refined as multi-cylinder competitors, but that’s part of its unique charm.

The direct comparison of these three engine concepts reveals fundamental differences in approach. Honda embodies the philosophy of "power through revs." Its four-cylinder engine only reaches its full potential beyond the 6,000 RPM mark, but when it does, it rewards with pulling power unmatched in the test field. "But once you let the Honda rev a bit, you really feel the power," explains a test rider about the essence of this engine.

In contrast, Yamaha represents the middle ground between character and practicality. Its triple offers decent thrust from low revs and remains smoothly controllable. "With the 3-cylinder setup, it pulls exceptionally well from low revs and is also very, very easy to control," praises one tester. Compared to the Honda, the Yamaha engine is significantly more accessible at lower revs but loses ground at higher RPMs.

Finally, the KTM stands for pure character. Its twin-cylinder is the most unconventional engine in the field, needing revs to run smoothly, but then delivering an unmistakable punch. "The way the twin works is a unique trait that KTM has achieved," describes a test rider, highlighting the distinctive temperament of this powerplant.

In modern naked bikes, the suspension is more than just the link between the motorcycle and the road—it significantly defines the character. The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP employs top-tier quality with its Öhlins TTX36 rear shock and Showa SFF-BP fork at the front. This investment pays off, as the Honda provides stability especially appreciated in sporty riding, while never becoming overly nervous or unpredictable. "The suspension itself, the vehicle's stability is really well done. We constantly receive good feedback, and the vehicle never becomes overly nervous," confirms a tester.

The Yamaha MT-09 SP excels with its fully adjustable suspension, offering high comfort with sporty ambitions. "It carries a touch of luxury because everything integrates so beautifully," raves a test rider. The agile handling of the MT-09 is perfectly supported by the high-quality suspension, without compromising stability.

The KTM 990 Duke takes a different approach with its WP APEX suspension. It's less luxurious than the Öhlins competition but perfectly tuned to the bike's character. "It tends strongly towards a supermoto feel," describes a tester regarding the KTM's handling. The high center of gravity makes the bike lively and playful without becoming unstable.

In terms of braking, there are notable differences among the three contenders. The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP relies on proven Brembo Stylema technology with two 310mm discs up front. The braking performance is excellent, and the modulation is precise, though the ABS is somewhat conservatively tuned. "You can brake really hard," praises a tester, but also notes, "The only downside is that the ABS is tuned quite conservatively."

The Yamaha MT-09 SP impresses with its Brembo Stylema setup, offering exceptional modulation. "The brake requires little hand force to deliver significant deceleration," raves a test pilot. Additionally, the ABS system is less conservatively tuned, allowing for more aggressive braking maneuvers, thanks to the more advanced electronics in the Yamaha compared to the Honda.

The KTM 990 Duke features a 300mm front brake setup, providing decent stopping power, but its standout feature is the ability to completely deactivate the ABS on the rear wheel. "This is really a standout feature for KTM," explains a tester. For sport-oriented riders who occasionally hit the track, this feature is invaluable. The KTM's electronics appear very high-quality in terms of control algorithms, and the user interface is highly accessible, placing it on par with Yamaha and notably better than Honda.

The ergonomic differences between the three contenders could not be more pronounced. The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP offers the lowest seat height in the test at 809 mm, making the rider feel deeply integrated into the bike. The machine feels broad, and your freedom of movement is somewhat restricted.

The Yamaha MT-09 SP features a noticeably more upright seating position. Despite this, you get a good sense of the front end. The position is relaxed and comfortable, yet still allows for active riding maneuvers.

The KTM 990 Duke, on the other hand, encourages an active, sporty riding position. You almost feel like you're sitting on the front wheel, with super direct feedback. The bike is a true fun machine, coming across as playful, slightly rebellious, and delightfully unreasonable. It's not quite as wild as a SuperDuke but is overall more charismatic and cheekier than the other two bikes.

After rigorous testing on country roads, racetracks, and supermoto circuits, it's clear: each of the three motorcycles serves a different audience and embodies a distinct philosophy.

The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is the perfect all-rounder for riders looking to balance performance, quality, and value. It offers the highest power in the test, the most premium suspension, yet remains priced within the upper middle class. "It's an incredibly competitive and yet incredibly affordable motorcycle," summarizes one test rider.

The Yamaha MT-09 SP is the top choice for riders who want the perfect combination of character and everyday usability. The CP3 engine is a road genius, the Öhlins suspension offers a luxurious feel, and the ergonomics also support longer tours. It is the most harmonious motorcycle in the test.

Finally, the KTM 990 Duke is the bike for individualists who prioritize character above all else. It is the most distinctive and emotional motorcycle in the test. "Those who embrace the concept will find an engaging naked bike with high entertainment value," confirms the community opinion.

The 2025 Naked Bike Test demonstrates impressively: the diversity in the segment has never been greater. Whether you prefer a refined powerhouse, a characterful all-rounder, or a rebellious individualist—there's a machine for every taste. And that, ultimately, is the true winner of this test.

Three motorcycles, three characters, one helmet: The Arai Quantic accompanied us through all test phases of this engine philosophy comparison. What sets the handcrafted Japanese helmet apart is its uncompromising safety philosophy. Its signature round, smooth outer shell adheres to Arai's core principle: deflect energy rather than absorb it. In the event of an angled impact, the helmet is designed to "glance off" and redirect the force—a philosophy that has proven effective for decades.

In the demanding test environment, ranging from the roughness of twin-cylinder engines to the refinement of four-cylinder machines, the Quantic impressed with details that make a difference: The generous helmet opening facilitates handling between test rides, while the high-quality interior ensures comfort during longer sessions on the winding roads of the Bucklige Welt. Effective ventilation keeps your head cool even in summer temperatures—essential when switching between KTM adrenaline and Honda power. Naturally, the Quantic complies with the latest ECE R22-06 approval. More info on the helmet

When three distinctly different motorcycle characters need to be unified, it's through the tire. The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 was deliberately chosen as the standard tire for all test candidates—and proved to be the perfect choice for this engine philosophy comparison.

Compared to its predecessor, the S22, the S23 offers noticeably better dry grip and improved cornering stability. The innovative Pulse Groove technology and new compound technologies deliver the impressive lateral grip needed by both the agile KTM 990 Duke and the powerful Honda CB1000 Hornet SP. The precise feedback instills confidence from the very first corner—whether dancing through the twisties with the nimble Yamaha triple or revving up with the Honda.

For experienced riders who want to push their naked bike sportily on country roads and occasionally visit the racetrack without sacrificing everyday usability, the S23 is the ideal compromise. It allows each of the three test motorcycles to showcase its individual strengths without becoming a limiting factor. More info on the tire

Seven experienced 1000PS testers, led by our racetrack specialist Martin Bauer, subjected the five leading naked bikes to a systematic evaluation. Each rider brought their own perspective, from everyday riders to racetrack pros, from tech enthusiasts to emotional riders. This resulted in assessments that cover all relevant rider types.

The objective facts speak clearly: each motorcycle was weighed on our 1000PS precision scale, systematically evaluated across numerous categories, and pushed to its limits on twisty country roads as well as the Bad Fischau racetrack and the Pannoniaring. Three different terrains revealed three different characters.

This technical evaluation is complemented by a detailed market analysis and the voices of our 1000PS community. The result is more than just a comparison test—it is a comprehensive analysis of three engine philosophies and their relevance in the modern naked bike segment.

For over 20 years, 1000PS has been passionately committed to authentic motorcycle testing. Our team of editors, video professionals, and industry experts works hand in hand to create well-founded content that reaches over 6 million motorcycle enthusiasts across Europe every month. The trust placed in us by riders, dealers, and manufacturers is both our motivation and benchmark.