2025 KTM 390 Adventure R vs 2024 Honda NX 500

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2025 KTM 390 Adventure R 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves
Power
33 kW / 44.3 hp @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
165 kg / 364 lbs
2024 Honda NX 500 2024 Honda NX 500

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
46.9 hp / 35 kW @ 8600 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
198 kg / 437 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20252024
Make ModelKTM 390 Adventure RHonda NX 500
Dimensions
Seat Height870 mm / 34.3 in830 mm / 32.7 in
Wheelbase1481 mm / 58.3 in1445 mm / 56.9 in
Ground Clearance-180 mm / 7.0 in
Height-1415 mm / 55.7 in
Length-2165 mm / 84.8 in
Width-830 mm / 32.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity14 L / 3.7 US gal17.5 Litres / 4.6 US gal
Oil Capacity-3.2 Litres
Wet Weight165 kg / 364 lbs198 kg / 437 lbs
Performance
Max Power33 kW / 44.3 hp @ 8500 rpm46.9 hp / 35 kW @ 8600 rpm
Max Torque39 Nm / 28.7 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm43 Nm / 31.7 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Engine
Displacement398.7 cc / 24.3 cu-in471 cc / 28.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valvesFour stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke89 x 64 mm67.0 x 66.8 mm
Compression Ratio12.6:110.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsEURO 5+EURO5
Engine ManagementBosch EMS with RBW-
Fuel InductionBosch fuel injection, 46 mm throttle bodyPGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies
Ignition-Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC slipper clutch, mechanically operatedWet multiplate, assisted slipper clutch
Final DriveChain 520-X Ring#520 O-ring sealed chain
Primary Drive86:33-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellis frame, powder coated, with bolt-on subframeSteel diamond
Suspension - Front43mm WP APEX 43, compression and rebound adjustble, 30 clicks41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, pre-load adjustable
Suspension - RearWP APEX Split Piston, preload with top ring and rebound, 20 clicksProlink mono with 5 stage preload adjuster, steel hollow cross swingarm
Rake-27.5°
Steering Head Angle63.1°-
Trail-108 mm / 4.25 in
Wheel Travel - Front230 mm / 9.1 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear230 mm / 9.1 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle2x 296mm wave disc with Nissin radial-mount two piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 240 mm disc, Bybre floating 1 piston caliperSingle 240mm wave disc 1 piston calipers
ABSBosch 10.3 Modular with Offroad mode2 Channel system
Rims - Front-19 X MT2.5
Rims - Rear-17 X MT4.5
Tyres - Front90/90 x R21 M/C 54T M+S110/80R19M/C (59H)
Tyres - Rear140/80 x R18 M/C 70T M+S160/60R17M/C (69H)
WheelsWire spoke, aluminium rimsMulti-spoke cast aluminium
Wheels - Front21 x 1.85-
Wheels - Rear18 x 2.5-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R edges out the 2024 Honda NX 500 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

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 165 kg vs 198 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: 230 mm vs 135 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 230 mm vs 150 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2024 Honda NX 500 - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 43 Nm vs 39 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 830 mm vs 870 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R vs 2024 Honda NX 500 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R and 2024 Honda NX 500?
The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves, while the 2024 Honda NX 500 is powered by Four stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R or the 2024 Honda NX 500?
The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R is lighter at 165 kg compared to 198 kg for the 2024 Honda NX 500 - a difference of 33 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R or the 2024 Honda NX 500?
The 2024 Honda NX 500 has the lower seat at 830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R sits higher at 870 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R or the 2024 Honda NX 500?
Both are strong choices. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R has the edge in lighter kerb weight and fuel injection, while the 2024 Honda NX 500 stands out for higher torque and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.