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Head to head

KTM 390 Duke vs Honda Rebel 500

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

KTM 390 Duke and Honda Rebel 500: three different takes on what a great bike should be. The KTM 390 Duke undercuts the Honda Rebel 500 by about $600, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Honda Rebel 500 leads on power with 46 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

KTM 390 Duke
Our pick
8.0

KTM

KTM 390 Duke
Honda Rebel 500
7.9

Honda

Honda Rebel 500

The verdict

The KTM 390 Duke edges it overall at 8/10, but the Honda Rebel 500 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

KTM 390 Duke

A2-legal, 44 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Honda Rebel 500

46 hp and 0.24 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

KTM 390 Duke

Our 8/10 at $5,899, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

KTM 390 Duke

168 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

KTM 390 Duke

Our top score in this matchup at 8/10.

Price & rating
Price$5,899$6,499
KickTheStand score8 / 107.9 / 10
Performance
Engine399cc single471cc twin
Power44 hp46 hp
Torque39 Nm43 Nm
Power-to-weight0.26 hp/kg0.24 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension43mm WP Apex USD fork41mm telescopic fork
Rear suspensionWP Apex monoshockTwin shocks
Front brakesSingle 320mm disc, radial 4-pistonSingle 296mm disc
Rear brakesSingle 240mm discSingle 240mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight168 kg188 kg
Seat height820 mm690 mm
Fuel capacity15 L11.2 L
Suitability
ClassNakedCruiser
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersYesYes
Best forcommuting, sport, learningcommuting, cruising, learning

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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KTM 390 Duke vs Honda Rebel 500: your questions answered

Which is faster, the KTM 390 Duke or the Honda Rebel 500?

The Honda Rebel 500 makes the most power at 46 hp and 43 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the KTM 390 Duke or the Honda Rebel 500?

The KTM 390 Duke is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,899.

Which is lighter, the KTM 390 Duke or the Honda Rebel 500?

The KTM 390 Duke is the lightest at 168 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the KTM 390 Duke or the Honda Rebel 500?

For a new rider we'd point to the KTM 390 Duke: A2-legal, 44 hp and 168 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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