The Moto Ref

Honda CB750 Hornet vs KTM 790 Duke

Two naked bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits.

Honda

CB750 Hornet

60.6

/ 100

vs

KTM

790 Duke

60.8

/ 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 790 Duke0 km/h
790 Duke

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
CB750 Hornet
15.2
790 Duke
20.0

Handling and chassis

out of 20
CB750 Hornet
7.2
790 Duke
12.7

Value

out of 20
CB750 Hornet
13.5
790 Duke
8.2

Practicality

out of 15
CB750 Hornet
11.6
790 Duke
4.9

Technology

out of 10
CB750 Hornet
7.1
790 Duke
8.3

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
CB750 Hornet
6.0
790 Duke
6.7

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: Honda CB750 Hornet versus KTM 790 Duke
SpecHondaCB750 HornetKTM790 Duke
Engine
EngineParallel twin, liquid cooled, UnicamLC8c parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement755 cc799 cc
Power91.8 hp at 9,500 rpm95 hp at 9,500 rpm
Torque75 Nm at 7,250 rpm87 Nm at 8,000 rpm
Power to weight0.48 hp/kg0.52 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight190 kg184 kg
Front suspensionShowa 41 mm SFF-BP, 130 mmWP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 140 mm
Front adjustabilityNon-adjustableNon-adjustable
Rear suspensionShowa monoshock, 150 mmWP APEX monoshock, 150 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload onlyPreload only
Front brake296 mm, radial 4-piston300 mm, radial 4-piston
ABSStandard ABSCornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height795 mm825 mm
Wheelbase1420 mm1475 mm
Fuel capacity15.2 L14 L
Claimed consumption4.3 L/100 km4.5 L/100 km
Fuel range353 km311 km
Ownership
Price€7,990€8,999
Service interval12,000 km15,000 km
Valve check24,000 km30,000 km
Warranty2 years2 years
Equipment
DashTFTTFT
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesYes
QuickshifterOptionalOptional
Cruise controlNot availableNot available
ConnectivityYesYes
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Verdict

The KTM 790 Duke wins this comparison narrowly, 60.8 points to 60.6.

The gap of 0.2 points is built mostly in practicality, where the 790 Duke takes 6.7 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 790 Duke is the quicker machine: 95 hp and 87 Nm moving 184 kg, against 91.8 hp and 75 Nm moving 190 kg for the CB750 Hornet. That is 0.52 hp per kilo playing 0.48.

The CB750 Hornet costs €7,990, which leaves €1,009 in your pocket against the 790 Duke at €8,999. Service intervals run 12,000 km on the CB750 Hornet and 15,000 km on the 790 Duke.

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 790 Duke

95 hp pushing 184 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 790 Duke?
The KTM 790 Duke. It carries 0.52 hp per kilo (95 hp, 184 kg wet) against 0.48 hp per kilo for the Honda CB750 Hornet (91.8 hp, 190 kg).
Is the Honda CB750 Hornet cheaper than the KTM 790 Duke?
The Honda CB750 Hornet is cheaper at €7,990 list, €1,009 less than the KTM 790 Duke at €8,999.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The Honda CB750 Hornet. Its 795 mm seat is 30 mm lower than the KTM 790 Duke, and at 190 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the CB750 Hornet or the 790 Duke?
The KTM 790 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 Honda CB750 Hornet: 353 km from its 15.2 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 311 km for the KTM 790 Duke.
Which bike wins overall?
The KTM 790 Duke, scoring 60.8 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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