KTM Duke 490 vs Honda CB500X : If you are stuck between going forward with an upcoming KTM Duke 490 or a go-anywhere Honda CB500X, you’re not alone. Each bike presents unique possibilities in the midrange, serving different ways of riding and catering to divergent tastes. Let’s go into a more detailed comparison to enable you to make an educated choice.
Engine and Performance
The KTM Duke 490 is expected to be powered by a 490cc DOHC engine, which is likely to churn out about 43.5PS of power @ 9000 rpm and 37Nm of torque at 7000 rpm, something to keep you entertained with raw shove at any open throttle position. The performance-oriented aspects relate to sharp-acceleration-for-urban-commuters characteristics. Its predicted top speed is probably going to vary between 195 kilometers per hour and 200 kilometers per hour through a minor step-up or downhill section and about 25 kmpl.
On the other hand, the Honda CB500X has a parallel-twin 471.03cc mill that is anticipated to churn out 47.58PS of power @ 8500 rpm and 43.2Nm of torque @ 6500 rpm. This decently powerful engine is more inclined toward a relaxed riding experience, allowing for every kind of riding, be it cruising around town or touring. The top speed expectedly lies somewhere near 185 kilometers per hour, whereas the mileage should stand around 28.6 kmpl.
Design and Comfort
KTM has always injected a steep dose of aggressive styling with sharp edges and compactness, which is all about appearing sporty and dynamic, setting Duke 490 apart. Moreover, the less weight and a tall riding stance have all played a part in making it that much more enjoyable on the street.
CB500X, in complete contrast, proposes that the aerodynamic tank shape with flared-up fairings looks perfect for your wonderfully stretched riding positions.
The predominant antithesis to this appreciation of biking is its soft seductiveness in long travel capability. It surely demonstrates the comfort it relays via the ergonomics provided and the various touring conveniences as a complete package, starting with the pompous windscreen.
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Features and Technology
Both bikes cover the same generational elephant in the room with COVID-19: modernity. The Duke 490 is likely to have the future-oriented features like digital instrument clusters, ESP, possible cornering ABS and Traction control, additional LED lights for all-around vision, and a confident front braking system; this is an ideal travel partner in your route of exploration, technology, and mysterious urban experience.
The extras-on-the-Honda CB500X, soft on technology-oriented aspects, are much more practical and convenient in terms of a vertical long ride distance vis-a-vis their main lifestyle ways, being better comfort and reliability priority. It is certainly a better choice for long-distance touring enthusiasts.
Price in India
Human expectation suggests that the upcoming KTM Duke 490 shall be priced at ₹3.5 lakh (ex-showroom), thus instilling pretty good sense for those who value the performance and agility for which KTM designs come at a bargain price.
Honda, on the other hand, has reasonably high expectations for the CB500X, retailing at ₹5.80 lakh (ex-showroom), a price likely comparable with most other touring premium bikes in the segment.
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Choose the Duke 490 if you are keener on performance and sporty feeling, agility, and plain fun. Forget it though, and go for the Honda CB500X if you want comfort and amenities and a laid-back mode of riding. Both have their own unique selling points catering to quite different tastes.