2014 Honda CBR 500R vs 2015 KTM RC 390

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2015 KTM RC 390 2015 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
139 kg / 306.4 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: CBR500R-
Year20142015
ColoursBlack, Pearl White/Blue/Red, Red-
Make ModelHonda CBR 500RKTM RC 390
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)140 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.5 inches-
Seat Height784 mm / 30.9 in820 mm / 32.2 in
Wheelbase1400 mm / 55.5 in1340 mm / 52.7 in
Ground Clearance-179 mm / 7.0 in
Height1,165 mm / 45.9 in.1267 mm / 49.9 in
Length2,075 mm / 81.7 in.2002 mm / 78.8 in
Width740 mm / 29.1 in.873 mm / 34.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-139 kg / 306.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity15.5 Litres / 4.1 US gal10 Liters / 2.64 US gal
Wet Weight194 kg / 428 lbs-
Performance
Max Power46.9 hp / 35 kW @ 8500 rpm32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque43 Nm / 31.7 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm 3.6 kgm /35.3 Nm @7250rpm
Engine
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
CO258.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Displacement471 cc / 28.7 cu-in373 cc / 22.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC; 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies-
Bore x Stroke67.0 x 66.8 mm89 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio10.7:112.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid Cooled
EmissionsMeets current EPA standards. California version meets current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.-
Engine LubricationForced pressure and wet sump-
Fuel Consumption2.52 litres/100 km (39.7 km/l or 93.34 mpg)-
Fuel InductionPGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodiesBosch Injection
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Lubrication-Forced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps
StarterElectric Electric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multiplate with coil springsWet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operated
Final DriveO-ring-sealed chainChain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑Ring
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveO-ring-sealed chain-
Primary Drive Ratios-30:80
Secondary Drive Ratio-15:45
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBack BoneTubular space frame made from steel, powder-coated
Suspension - Front41mm Telescopic forkWP Suspension Up Side Down
Suspension - RearPro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability;WP Monoshock
Rake25.5°-
Steering Head Angle-65 °
Trail103mm / 4.05 in100mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front122 mm / 4.8 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear105 mm / 4.1 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - FrontSingle 320mm wave disc 2 piston calipersSingle 300 mm disc 4 piston radial caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm wave disc 1 piston calipersSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70-17110/70 R17
Tyres - Rear160/60-17150/60 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 KTM RC 390

The 2015 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

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.

2015 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 139 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 vs 2015 KTM RC 390 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2014 Honda CBR 500R and 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 2014 Honda CBR 500R uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2015 KTM RC 390 is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2014 Honda CBR 500R or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 2015 KTM RC 390 is lighter at 139 kg compared to 194 kg for the 2014 Honda CBR 500R - a difference of 55 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Honda CBR 500R or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 2014 Honda CBR 500R has the lower seat at 784 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 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 2014 Honda CBR 500R or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Honda CBR 500R has the edge in lower seat height and larger displacement, while the 2015 KTM RC 390 stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.