2020 KTM RC 390 vs 2022 Honda CB 500X

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 KTM RC 390 2020 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
2022 Honda CB 500X 2022 Honda CB 500X

Sport

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
46.9 hp / 35 kW @ 8600 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
438.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: CB500XA. Windscreen. Honda Intelligent Security System.
Year20202022
Colours-Grand Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Pearl Organic Green
Make ModelKTM RC 390Honda CB 500X
Warranty-One year. Transferable. Unlimited-mileage.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-7.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-180 mm
Seat Height820 mm / 32.2 in830 mm / 32.7 in
Wheelbase1340 mm / 52.7 in1445 mm / 56.8 in
Ground Clearance179 mm / 7.0 in180 mm / 7.0 in
Height1267 mm / 49.9 in1410 mm / 55.5 in - Low screen 1445 mm / 56.8 in - High screen
Length2002 mm / 78.8 in1410 mm / 55.5 in - Low screen 1445 mm / 56.8 in - High screen
Width873 mm / 34.4 in830 mm / 32.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-3.20 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-3.38 US quarts
Dry Weight149 kg / 328.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity10 Liters / 2.64 US gal17.5 Litres / 4.6 US gal
Oil Capacity-3.2 Litres
Wet Weight-199 kg / 438.7 lbs
Performance
Max Power32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm46.9 hp / 35 kW @ 8600 rpm
Max Torque35.3 Nm / 26 lb-ft @7250 rpm43 Nm / 31.7 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Engine
CO2-83.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (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-EURO5
Engine ManagementBosch EMS with RBW-
Fuel Consumption-3.60 litres/100 km (27.8 km/l or 65.34 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
Chain Size-520
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operatedWet multiplate
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑Ring#520 O-ring sealed chain
Gearbox-6-speed
Number of Chain Links-112
Primary Drive-520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/41T
Sprocket-15/41 (front/rear)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame made from steel, powder-coatedSteel diamond
Suspension - FrontWP Suspension Up Side Down41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, pre-load adjustable
Suspension - RearWP MonoshockProlink mono with 5 stage preload adjuster, steel hollow cross swingarm
Rake-27.5°
Steering Head Angle65 ° -
Trail100mm / 3.9 in108 mm / 4.25 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-LCD Meter with Speedometer, Bar Graph Tachometer, Dual Trip Meters, Fuel Level and Consumption Gauge, Clock, Water Temp, Gear position, Shift UP Indicator
Lighting system-LED lights
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc 4 piston radial caliper2x 296mm wave disc with Nissin radial-mount two piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 240mm wave disc 1 piston calipers
ABS-2 Channel system
Rims-Multi-spoke cast aluminium
Rims - Front-19 X MT2.5
Rims - Rear-17 X MT4.5
Tyres - Front110/70 R17110/80R19M/C (59H)
Tyres - Rear150/60 R17160/60R17M/C (69H)
Wheels-Multi-spoke cast aluminium

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2020 KTM RC 390 and the 2022 Honda CB 500X are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2020 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 149 kg vs 199 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 135 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2022 Honda CB 500X - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Larger displacement: 471 cc vs 373 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2020 KTM RC 390 vs 2022 Honda CB 500X - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 KTM RC 390 and 2022 Honda CB 500X?
The 2020 KTM RC 390 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder, while the 2022 Honda CB 500X is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2020 KTM RC 390 or the 2022 Honda CB 500X?
The 2020 KTM RC 390 is lighter at 149 kg compared to 199 kg for the 2022 Honda CB 500X - a difference of 50 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Does the 2020 KTM RC 390 or 2022 Honda CB 500X have ABS?
The 2022 Honda CB 500X is listed with ABS as standard. The 2020 KTM RC 390 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 KTM RC 390 or the 2022 Honda CB 500X?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 KTM RC 390 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and fuel injection, while the 2022 Honda CB 500X stands out for standard ABS and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.