2012 Honda NC700X vs 2013 KTM 500 XC-W

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Honda NC700X 2012 Honda NC700X

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
480.6 pounds
2013 KTM 500 XC-W 2013 KTM 500 XC-W

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
114 kg / 251 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: TRX680FA-
Year-2012 - 13
ColoursRed/black, black, silver/black, black/white-
Make Model-KTM 500 XC-W
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)165 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)6.5 inches-
Seat Height830 mm / 32.7 in.970 mm / 38.19 in
Wheelbase1,540 mm / 60.6 in.1482 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance-345 mm / 13.58 in
Height1,285 mm / 50.6 in.-
Length2,210 mm / 87.0 in.-
Width830 mm / 32.7 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity14.10 litres / 3.73 gallons8.5 L / 2.2 US gal / 1,9 Imp gal
Wet Weight218.0 kg / 480.6 lbs114 kg / 251 lbs
Performance
Max Torque60.00 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 44.3 ft.lbs) @ 4750-
Engine
Displacement (cc)670.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (in,)1.4 x 2.9 inches-
Fuel ControlOverhead Valves (OHV)-
Bore x Stroke (mm)36.0 x 73.0 mm-
Displacement (ci)40.88 cubic inches-
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke-
Displacement-510.4 cc / 31.1 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke-95 x 72 mm
Compression Ratio10.7:111.9:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
EmissionsMeets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) off-road emissions standards.-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Fuel Induction-Keihin MX FCR 39
Fuel Reserve4.54 litres / 1.20 gallons-
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advanceContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type Kokusan
StarterElectricKick and electric
Drivetrain
ClutchManual (DCT version = D mode/S mode/Manual mode)Multidisc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically activated
Final DriveChainChain 5/8 x 1/4"
Final Drive Ratio-13:50
Gearbox3-speed-
Primary DriveDirect front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential-
Primary Drive Ratios-32:76
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Central double-cradle type 25CrMo4
Suspension - Front41mm telescopic fork, 153.5mm travelWP-USD ø 48 mm
Suspension - RearMonoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 150mm travelWP PDS-Federbein
Steering Head Angle-63.5°
Wheel Travel - Front175 mm / 6.9 in.300 mm / 11.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear203 mm / 8.0 in.335 mm / 13.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle 260 mm disc
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 220 mm disc
RimsMulti-spoke cast aluminium-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR1790/90 - 21
Tyres - Rear160/60-ZR17120/90 - 18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 KTM 500 XC-W

The 2013 KTM 500 XC-W edges out the 2012 Honda NC700X thanks to its liquid cooling, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Honda NC700X - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 830 mm vs 970 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2013 KTM 500 XC-W - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 345 mm vs 165 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 335 mm vs 203 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 175 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 Honda NC700X vs 2013 KTM 500 XC-W - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda NC700X and 2013 KTM 500 XC-W?
The 2012 Honda NC700X uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda NC700X or the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W?
The 2012 Honda NC700X has the lower seat at 830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 KTM 500 XC-W sits higher at 970 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Honda NC700X or the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda NC700X has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W stands out for liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.