2017 KTM RC 390 vs 2014 Honda CBR 500R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 KTM RC 390 2017 KTM RC 390

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder
Power
32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
149 kg / 328.5 lbs
2014 Honda CBR 500R 2014 Honda CBR 500R

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
46.9 hp / 35 kW @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
425.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: CBR500R
Year20172014
Colours-Black, Pearl White/Blue/Red, Red
Make ModelKTM RC 390Honda CBR 500R
Warranty-One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.5 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-140 mm
Seat Height820 mm / 32.2 in784 mm / 30.9 in
Wheelbase1340 mm / 52.7 in1400 mm / 55.5 in
Ground Clearance179 mm / 7.0 in-
Height1267 mm / 49.9 in1,165 mm / 45.9 in.
Length2002 mm / 78.8 in2,075 mm / 81.7 in.
Width873 mm / 34.4 in740 mm / 29.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight149 kg / 328.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity10 Liters / 2.64 US gal15.5 Litres / 4.1 US gal
Wet Weight-194 kg / 428 lbs
Performance
Max Power32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm46.9 hp / 35 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque35.3 Nm / 26 lb-ft @7250 rpm43 Nm / 31.7 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Engine
CO2-58.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement373 cc / 22.7 cu-in471 cc / 28.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinderFour stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm67.0 x 66.8 mm
Compression Ratio12.6:110.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Meets current EPA standards. California version meets current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
Engine Lubrication-Forced pressure and wet sump
Engine ManagementBosch EMS with RBW-
Fuel Consumption-2.52 litres/100 km (39.7 km/l or 93.34 mpg)
Fuel InductionBosch InjectionPGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies
Ignition-Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operatedWet multiplate with coil springs
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑RingO-ring-sealed chain
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-O-ring-sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame made from steel, powder-coatedBack Bone
Suspension - FrontWP Suspension Up Side Down41mm Telescopic fork
Suspension - RearWP MonoshockPro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability;
Rake-25.5°
Steering Head Angle65 ° -
Trail100mm / 3.9 in103mm / 4.05 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in122 mm / 4.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in105 mm / 4.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc 4 piston radial caliperSingle 320mm wave disc 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 240mm wave disc 1 piston calipers
Tyres - Front110/70 R17120/70-17
Tyres - Rear150/60 R17160/60-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 KTM RC 390

The 2017 KTM RC 390 edges out the 2014 Honda CBR 500R thanks to its lighter kerb weight, fuel injection, greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 149 kg vs 194 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More ground clearance: 179 mm vs 140 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 105 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2014 Honda CBR 500R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 784 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 471 cc vs 373 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2017 KTM RC 390 vs 2014 Honda CBR 500R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 KTM RC 390 and 2014 Honda CBR 500R?
The 2017 KTM RC 390 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder, while the 2014 Honda CBR 500R is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2017 KTM RC 390 or the 2014 Honda CBR 500R?
The 2017 KTM RC 390 is lighter at 149 kg compared to 194 kg for the 2014 Honda CBR 500R - a difference of 45 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 KTM RC 390 or the 2014 Honda CBR 500R?
The 2014 Honda CBR 500R has the lower seat at 784 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 KTM RC 390 sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 KTM RC 390 or the 2014 Honda CBR 500R?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 KTM RC 390 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and fuel injection, while the 2014 Honda CBR 500R stands out for lower seat height and larger displacement. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.