The Honda CB500X and KTM 390 Adventure are superb motorcycles that provide a wonderful blend of performance, features, and price. In the end, personal preference and intended application will determine which of the two to choose.
Popular adventure touring motorcycles with excellent value for the money are the KTM 390 Adventure and the Honda CB500X.
The KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CB500X are suitable for various types of riding due to their significant qualities. The Honda CB500X is more suited for commuting and highway cruising, whilst the KTM 390 Adventure is better for off-road adventures.
Here are some key differences between the two:
KTM 390 Adventure
A dual-sport motorcycle suited for both on- and off-road adventures is the KTM 390 Adventure. It is powered by a single-cylinder, 373cc liquid-cooled engine that generates 27.3 lb-ft of torque and 43 horsepower. A frictionless clutch is included in the six-speed transmission that the engine is connected to for speedier downshifts.
The WP APEX 43mm upside-down fork and WP APEX shock absorber make up the long-travel suspension system of the KTM 390 Adventure, which also has a lightweight steel trellis frame. It can handle tough terrain because to its 200mm ground clearance as well.
The KTM 390 Adventure also has a full-color TFT display, LED lighting, an adjustable windscreen, and switchable traction control, among other outstanding features. Additionally, it has components designed specifically for off-road use, like a bash plate, knobby tires, and a high-mounted exhaust.
The KTM 390 Adventure is an affordable option for motorcyclists searching for a strong adventure motorcycle because its starting price is under $6,300.
Honda CB500X
The Honda CB500X is a multipurpose off-road and light on-road adventure touring motorbike. A parallel-twin, 471cc liquid-cooled engine with 47 horsepower and 31 lb-ft of torque powers it. A sliding clutch is included in the six-speed transmission that the engine is connected to for slicker downshifts.
The CB500X has a steel diamond-tube frame and a suspension system made up of a Pro-Link single shock absorber at the back and a 41mm telescopic fork up front. The motorcycle can manage light off-road conditions because to its 180mm ground clearance.
The CB500X also has a full-color LCD screen, LED lights, an adjustable windscreen, and an optional ABS system. It is suited for long-distance touring because of its comfortable upright riding position.
The Honda CB500X has a starting price of roughly $6,800, making it an affordable option for motorcyclists searching for a dependable and adaptable adventure touring motorcycle.
10 Key Differences Between KTM 390 Adventure vs Honda CB500X
Here are some additional differences between the KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CB500X:
1. Engine
A single-cylinder, 373cc liquid-cooled engine with 43 horsepower and 26 lb-ft of torque powers the KTM 390 Adventure. For fluid gear changes, the engine is connected to a 6-speed transmission with a quick-shifter.
On the other hand, the Honda CB500X is propelled by a 471cc parallel-twin engine with liquid cooling that generates 47 horsepower and 31 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch is connected to the engine.
The KTM engine is more high-revving and sporty while the Honda engine is smoother and more refined. Both engines are built to deliver an excellent mix of power and efficiency. The decision between the two will ultimately come down to taste and riding technique.
2. Weight
The Honda CB500X is heavier than the KTM 390 Adventure. The curb weight of the Honda CB500X is 430 pounds, but the KTM 390 Adventure has a dry weight of 348 pounds (158 kg) and a curb weight of 392 pounds (178 kg) (195 kg).
The KTM 390 Adventure is more maneuverable and manageable because to its lower weight, especially off-road where it may be a big benefit. Because to its heavier weight, the Honda CB500X is more stable and may be more comfortable for lengthy highway journeys.
In general, the weight of a motorbike is an important aspect that can affect its handling and performance, therefore it’s important to take it into account when choosing a motorcycle based on your riding demands and preferences.
3. Suspension
Several suspension configurations are available on the KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CB500X to fit different riding styles:
With long-travel suspension, the KTM 390 Adventure is better suited for off-road riding. A WP Apex shock absorber with 177mm of travel at the back and a 43mm upside-down fork with 170mm of travel at the front provide the suspension. Excellent handling and off-road capability are provided by the long-travel suspension, although stability can be compromised when traveling at high speeds on the road.
For riding on paved surfaces, the Honda CB500X’s suspension has a reduced travel range. A Pro-Link monoshock with 5.9 inches (150mm) of travel in the back and a 41mm telescopic fork with 5.9 inches (150mm) of travel in the front make up the suspension systems. While offering a more stable and pleasant ride on the road, the shorter travel suspension may have limited off-road performance.
Your riding style and the terrain you intend to ride on will ultimately determine which suspension you should use. The KTM 390 Adventure’s long-travel suspension is a superior choice if you intend to undertake more off-road riding. The Honda CB500X’s shorter travel suspension will offer a more comfortable ride if you intend to do more road riding.
4. Features
Both the KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CB500X come with several features to enhance the riding experience:
KTM 390 Adventure features:
- TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation
- LED lighting and DRLs (daytime running lights)
- Adjustable windscreen
- Slipper clutch for smoother downshifts
- Brembo brakes with switchable ABS
- Quick-shifter for seamless gear changes
- Engine modes and traction control system
Honda CB500X features:
- LCD instrument panel with gear position indicator, fuel gauge, and other vital information
- LED lighting and DRLs (daytime running lights)
- Adjustable windscreen
- Slipper clutch for smoother downshifts
- Switchable ABS and traction control system
- 12V power outlet for charging electronic devices
- Assist and slipper clutch for smoother gear changes
Both motorcycles come with a good range of features to enhance the riding experience.
The KTM 390 Adventure offers a more high-tech TFT display and Bluetooth connectivity, while the Honda CB500X offers a power outlet and assist and slipper clutch.
5. Price
Although prices can vary by location and dealer, the KTM 390 Adventure is often slightly less expensive than the Honda CB500X.
The KTM 390 Adventure’s MSRP (Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Price) is approximately $6,599 in the US, whereas the MSRP of the Honda CB500X is approximately $6,999. Nonetheless, costs can differ based on things like dealer markup, taxes, and fees.
Other regions, including Europe, may have different prices because of different regional taxes and other variables.
In the end, a number of variables, like as personal preference, riding style, and budget, will determine which motorbike is best for you. Both motorcycles deliver a wonderful riding experience and outstanding value for their respective purchase costs.
6. Riding Position
The KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CB500X have slightly different riding positions because of how they are designed to be used:
With a forward lean and a more upright posture, the rider of the KTM 390 Adventure adopts a more aggressive riding position. This riding position offers better control and visibility and is better suited for more dynamic riding and navigating off-road terrain. Moreover, the footpegs are raised to improve ground clearance and avoid impediments.
The Honda CB500X sports a more upright riding position, allowing the user to sit more comfortably and enjoy a more stable and comfortable ride. This riding position offers a more relaxed and pleasant feel, making it more suited for longer rides and highway cruising.
The riding style you intend to do and your own preferences will determine which riding position you choose.
The KTM 390 Adventure’s more aggressive riding position might be a better option if you intend to undertake more off-road riding. The more upright riding position of the Honda CB500X might be a better option if you want to ride more on paved surfaces.
7. Brakes
Both the KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CB500X have dependable brake systems that offer powerful, secure stopping:
Brembo provides the braking system for the KTM 390 Adventure, which consists of a 320mm single-disc front brake with a 4-piston radial caliper and a 230mm rear disc brake with a 1-piston caliper. To improve control and safety on various surfaces, the brakes are outfitted with switchable ABS.
The single-disc front brake on the Honda CB500X has a 310mm rotor with a 2-piston caliper, and the single-disc rear brake has a 240mm rotor and a 1-piston caliper. To improve control and safety on various surfaces, the brakes are outfitted with switchable ABS.
Both motorcycles have trustworthy braking systems that offer strong stopping force. Although the Honda CB500X’s brakes are also competent for the majority of riding circumstances, the KTM 390 Adventure’s Brembo braking system may provide somewhat better performance.
8. Fuel Economy
Different engine sizes and riding styles between the KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CB500X may have an impact on how efficient they are with fuel:
A single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a 373.2cc displacement powers the KTM 390 Adventure. It can hold 3.8 gallons (14.5 liters) of petrol and achieves an estimated fuel economy of 64 miles per gallon (27.2 km/L), while actual mileage will vary with driving habits and road conditions.
A parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine with a 471cc displacement powers the Honda CB500X. It can hold 4.6 gallons (17.4 liters) of fuel and achieves an estimated fuel economy of 64 miles per gallon (27.2 km/L), while actual mileage will vary with driving habits and road conditions.
In relation to their respective engine sizes and riding styles, both motorcycles have good fuel efficiency. The Honda CB500X has a somewhat bigger gasoline tank, which might result in a marginally longer range between fill-ups, but both motorcycles are effective and ought to provide most riders with good fuel economy.
9. Seat Height
For riders with shorter high waisted pants or those who might have trouble reaching the ground, the seat height is a significant factor when buying a motorcycle:
The seat height of the KTM 390 Adventure is 33.6 inches (853 mm), making it marginally taller than several other adventure motorcycles in its class. To the contrary, the seat is narrow and sloped towards the front, making it easier for riders with shorter high waisted pants to reach the ground.
The KTM 390 Adventure has a seat height of 32.7 inches (830 mm), while the Honda CB500X’s seat height is marginally lower at 32.7 inches (830 mm). To aid riders in getting to the ground more quickly, the seat is slightly narrower at the front.
Both motorcycles have generally high seat heights, which could be an issue for some riders, particularly those with shorter inseams. Although riders may want to explore aftermarket seats or seat height adjustments if necessary, the small seat designs of both motorcycles can assist overcome this problem.
10. Maintenance
The Honda CB500X and KTM 390 Adventure may also need the following maintenance:
To keep the engines on both motorcycles running smoothly, the air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. Every 10,000 kilometers (6,000 miles), or once every year, whichever comes first, the KTM 390 Adventure advises air filter cleaning or replacement. The Honda CB500X advises cleaning or replacing the air filter once a year or after 16,000 miles (25,750 km).
Valve adjustments may be necessary for both motorcycles to make sure the engines are running smoothly and effectively. The valve clearance of the Honda CB500X should be checked once a year or every 16,000 miles (25,750 km), whereas that of the KTM 390 Adventure should be checked every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Both motorcycles employ a liquid-cooled cooling system, which necessitates routine coolant checks and replacements to keep the engine at the right temperature. Coolant must be replaced in the KTM 390 Adventure every two years or 18,600 miles (30,000 km), whichever comes first. Every three years or 22,500 miles (36,250 km), whichever comes first, the Honda CB500X needs new coolant.
To ensure effective engine ignition, both motorcycles require routine spark plug changes. Spark plugs for the Honda CB500X should be changed every 16,000 miles (25,750 km) or once a year, whereas spark plugs for the KTM 390 Adventure should be changed every 9,300 miles (15,000 km) or once a year.
Conclusion
Both motorcycles need a similar amount of care, including routine coolant changes, air filter cleaning or replacement, valve adjustments, and spark plug replacements to keep the engine operating smoothly.
Due to its off-road characteristics, the KTM 390 Adventure may need more regular attention for some jobs, but the Honda CB500X may need less frequent attention due to its more road-oriented design.