The Moto Ref

Honda CB750 Hornet vs KTM 390 Duke

Two naked bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits. These two sit in different classes, so each score is computed within its own class.

Honda

CB750 Hornet

60.6

/ 100

vs

KTM

390 Duke

66.6

/ 100

Winner

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

Honda CB750 Hornet0 km/h
CB750 Hornet
KTM 390 Duke0 km/h
390 Duke

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
CB750 Hornet
15.2
390 Duke
20.8

Handling and chassis

out of 20
CB750 Hornet
7.2
390 Duke
14.9

Value

out of 20
CB750 Hornet
13.5
390 Duke
7.8

Practicality

out of 15
CB750 Hornet
11.6
390 Duke
9.0

Technology

out of 10
CB750 Hornet
7.1
390 Duke
8.3

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
CB750 Hornet
6.0
390 Duke
5.8

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: Honda CB750 Hornet versus KTM 390 Duke
SpecHondaCB750 HornetKTM390 Duke
Engine
EngineParallel twin, liquid cooled, UnicamSingle cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement755 cc398.7 cc
Power91.8 hp at 9,500 rpm45 hp at 8,500 rpm
Torque75 Nm at 7,250 rpm39 Nm at 7,000 rpm
Power to weight0.48 hp/kg0.27 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight190 kg165 kg
Front suspensionShowa 41 mm SFF-BP, 130 mmWP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 150 mm
Front adjustabilityNon-adjustableCompression and rebound
Rear suspensionShowa monoshock, 150 mmWP APEX monoshock, 150 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload onlyPreload and rebound
Front brake296 mm, radial 4-piston320 mm, radial 4-piston
ABSStandard ABSCornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height795 mm820 mm
Wheelbase1420 mm1476 mm
Fuel capacity15.2 L15 L
Claimed consumption4.3 L/100 km3.5 L/100 km
Fuel range353 km429 km
Ownership
Price€7,990€6,299
Service interval12,000 km10,000 km
Valve check24,000 km20,000 km
Warranty2 years2 years
Equipment
DashTFTTFT
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesYes
QuickshifterOptionalOptional
Cruise controlNot availableNot available
ConnectivityYesYes
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Verdict

The KTM 390 Duke wins this comparison clearly, 66.6 points to 60.6.

The gap of 6 points is built mostly in handling and chassis, where the 390 Duke takes 7.7 points out of the CB750 Hornet. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the CB750 Hornet is the quicker machine: 91.8 hp and 75 Nm moving 190 kg, against 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 165 kg for the 390 Duke. That is 0.48 hp per kilo playing 0.27.

The 390 Duke costs €6,299, which leaves €1,691 in your pocket against the CB750 Hornet at €7,990. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the 390 Duke and 12,000 km on the CB750 Hornet.

Better for city and commuting

Honda CB750 Hornet

A 795 mm seat, 353 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

KTM 390 Duke

45 hp pushing 165 kg with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

Honda CB750 Hornet

353 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the Honda CB750 Hornet or the KTM 390 Duke?
The Honda CB750 Hornet. It carries 0.48 hp per kilo (91.8 hp, 190 kg wet) against 0.27 hp per kilo for the KTM 390 Duke (45 hp, 165 kg).
Is the Honda CB750 Hornet cheaper than the KTM 390 Duke?
The KTM 390 Duke is cheaper at €6,299 list, €1,691 less than the Honda CB750 Hornet at €7,990.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The Honda CB750 Hornet. Its 795 mm seat is 25 mm lower than the KTM 390 Duke, and at 190 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the CB750 Hornet or the 390 Duke?
The KTM 390 Duke, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Honda CB750 Hornet counters with a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?
The KTM 390 Duke: 429 km from its 15 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 353 km for the Honda CB750 Hornet.
Which bike wins overall?
The KTM 390 Duke, scoring 66.6 of 100 against 60.6 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

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