MotoSpecs

1985 Honda NS 400R vs 2014 KTM 390 Duke

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1985 Honda NS 400R 1985 Honda NS 400R

Sport

Engine
V3
Power
59 hp @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
207.0 km/h
Weight
423.3 pounds
2014 KTM 390 Duke 2014 KTM 390 Duke

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
32 kW / 43.5 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
139 kg / 306 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year19852013 - 14
Make ModelHonda NS 400RKTM 390 Duke
Dimensions
Seat Height780 mm / 30 in800 mm / 31.4 in
Wheelbase1385 mm / 54.5 in1367 mm / 53.8 in
Ground Clearance-172 mm / 6.8 in
Height1150 mm / 45.2 in-
Length2065 mm / 81.2 in-
Width720 mm / 28.3 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight163 kg / 259.3 lbs139 kg / 306 lbs
Fuel Capacity19 Litres / 5.02 US gal11 L / 2.9 US gal / 2.4 Imp gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-335 kg / 739 lbs
Oil Capacity-1.6 L / 1.7 US qt / 1.4 Imp qt, SAE 15W/50
Wet Weight183 kg / 403.4 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed202 km/h / 125.5 mph-
Max Power 72 hp / 52.5 kW @ 9500 rpm 32 kW / 43.5 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Power - Rear Tyre59 hp @ 8500 rpm-
Max Torque5.1 kgf-m @ 8000 rpm35.3 Nm / 3.6 kg-m / 26 ft-lb @7000rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.03 sec / 164.2 km/h-
Engine
Stroke2-
Engine TypeV3-
Fuel ControlMembrane-
Displacement387 cc / 23.6 cu-in373.4 cc / 22.7 cu-in
Engine DetailTwo stroke, 90°V-three cylinder, reed valveFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke57 x 50.6 mm89 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio6.7:112.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid Cooled
Fuel Consumption30 mpg-
Fuel Induction3x 26mm Keihin carburetorsBosch electronically controlled injection
Fuel Reserve-1.5 L / 1.6 US qt / 1.3 Imp qt
IgnitionCDI Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Lubrication-Forced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps
Spark Plug-Bosch VR 5 NE
StarterKickElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-FTZ-9, 12V 8Ah, maintenance free
Drivetrain
Clutch-Wet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Final DriveChainChain 5/8 x 1/4" X Ring
Final Drive Ratio-15:45
Gear Ratios1st 2.500 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.333 / 4th 1.111 / 5th 0.965 / 6th 0.8661st 12:32 / 2nd 14:26 / 3rd 19:27 / 4th 21:24 / t5th 23:22 / 6th 25:21
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive Ratios-30:80
Transmission / Drive6 speed 6 Speed, claw shifted
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble cradleSteel trellis
Suspension - FrontAir assisted forks. adjustable anti-diveWP inverted fork ø 43 mm
Suspension - RearPro-link adjustable preloadWP monoshock
Steering Head Angle-65°
Trail-100 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear100 mm / 3.9 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 256mm discs 2 piston calipersSingle 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 230 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliper
Tyres - Front100/90 -16110/70 - ZR17 M/C 54W TL, Metzeler SPORTEC MS
Tyres - Rear110/90 -17150/70 - ZR17 M/C 66W TL, Metzeler SPORTEC MS

Verdict

Winner on specs

2014 KTM 390 Duke

The 2014 KTM 390 Duke edges out the 1985 Honda NS 400R thanks to its lighter kerb weight, fuel injection, 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

1985 Honda NS 400R - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 72 hp vs 32 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 800 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2014 KTM 390 Duke - Advantages

  • Lighter: 139 kg vs 183 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 100 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

1985 Honda NS 400R vs 2014 KTM 390 Duke - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1985 Honda NS 400R and 2014 KTM 390 Duke?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R uses V3, while the 2014 KTM 390 Duke is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2014 KTM 390 Duke?
The 2014 KTM 390 Duke is lighter at 139 kg compared to 183 kg for the 1985 Honda NS 400R - a difference of 44 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2014 KTM 390 Duke?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R produces more peak power at 72 hp, compared to 32 kW for the 2014 KTM 390 Duke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2014 KTM 390 Duke?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2014 KTM 390 Duke sits higher at 800 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2014 KTM 390 Duke?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R has the larger tank at approximately 19 litres vs 11 litres for the 2014 KTM 390 Duke. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 316-380 km vs 183-220 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2014 KTM 390 Duke?
Both are strong choices. The 1985 Honda NS 400R has the edge in more peak power and larger fuel tank, while the 2014 KTM 390 Duke 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.

Related Comparisons

All Honda NS 400R years All KTM 390 Duke years
Build your own comparison →