You have an A2 licence, you are looking for your first serious naked bike and two names stand out on the list: the KTM 390 Duke and the Kawasaki Z500. Both fit the A2 class, both have around 45 hp, both have ABS and their prices are very close. But their characters are different: the Duke is a light, sharp single-cylinder; the Z500 is a parallel twin, a little heavier and calmer. In this guide we put the two models side by side using data from the Pusulamoto catalogue. Prices are October 2026 list prices.
Technical data side by side
| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | Tank (L) | Consumption (L/100 km) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Duke | 399 | 44.3 | 39 | 165 | 800 | 15 | 3.3 | 587,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Kawasaki Z500 | 451 | 44.8 | 42.6 | 167 | 785 | 14 | 3.8 | 556,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Kawasaki Z500 SE | 451 | 44.8 | 42.6 | 168 | 785 | 14 | 3.8 | 589,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
Looking at the table, the first thing to say is this: on paper these two bikes are almost twins. The power difference is half a horsepower, the weight difference 2 kg. What will decide the choice is not so much the numbers as the engine layout, the seat height and your daily riding habits.
Engine character: single or twin?
The KTM 390 Duke uses a 399 cc single-cylinder engine. On singles throttle response generally feels more sudden, vibration is more noticeable at low revs and the engine has a short-geared, "punchy" character. In the city, pulling away from lights and on roads with tight bends, this liveliness is fun.
The Kawasaki Z500, on the other hand, is a 451 cc parallel twin. Because its capacity is larger, the torque figure in the catalogue is also higher: 42.6 Nm against 39 Nm. Twins generally run more smoothly, feel less vibration at motorway speed and gather revs more gently. On a long straight road or when riding with a passenger, this calm is an advantage.
In short: if you want a lively, playful character, the Duke; if you want a more mature bike that you can ride for a long time without getting tired, the Z500 will feel closer to you. The best thing is to try both on a test ride.
Seat height and first-bike ease
The Z500's seat is 785 mm, the Duke's 800 mm. 15 mm may seem small, but it is noticeable especially if you are around 1.70 m tall and often put your foot down in traffic. On your first bike, being able to put both feet down comfortably at the lights gives confidence. In this respect the Z500 is a step ahead. If seat height is decisive for you, take a look at the low-seat bikes guide too.
In weight there is hardly any difference (165 kg and 167 kg). Both are easy bikes when parking and manoeuvring. Note: the catalogue does not state the weight type (dry/wet) for these two models; we give the manufacturer's value as it is.
Consumption and range
According to the catalogue data, the Duke uses 3.3 L/100 km and the Z500 3.8 L/100 km. The tank capacities are 15 L and 14 L. In a rough calculation, on a full tank the theoretical range comes to about 450 km on the Duke and about 370 km on the Z500. Real consumption varies with riding style, load and road; even so, the Duke both uses less and has a tank one litre bigger. If you commute every day or often go out of town, this difference shows up in your pocket at the end of the year. To calculate for your own use you can use the cost calculator.
Price and fixed costs
According to October 2026 list prices, the Kawasaki Z500 is the cheapest option at 556,000 TL. The KTM 390 Duke is 587,000 TL, so about 31,000 TL more expensive. The better-equipped Kawasaki Z500 SE, at 589,000 TL, is on a par with the Duke.
On fixed costs the two are on the same footing. Because both are in the 251–650 cc band, the annual MTV in 2026 for bikes aged 1–3 years is 2,214 TL, paid in two instalments in January and July. For the detailed table you can look at the MTV guide. The traffic insurance premium varies with province and step; since both are in the same capacity class, you should not expect a big difference.
Licence situation
Both models are in the A2 class in the catalogue. So you can legally ride them with an A2 licence. After riding for at least 2 years on an A2 you can move up to the A class; in that case, when you want to move to a bigger bike later, selling the bike you have and moving up is a common route. For licence classes and the process, take a look at the licence page.
What else is there at this price?
Before deciding, it is worth looking at these models in the same A2 band:
- Honda CB500 Hornet: 471 cc, 46.9 hp, 43 Nm, 192 kg, 17.1 L tank, 550,000 TL. Heavier but with a much bigger tank.
- CFMoto 450NK: 449 cc, 46.3 hp, 173 kg, 447,500 TL. A strong alternative if the budget is tighter.
- Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: 399 cc, 45 hp, 434,900 TL. It has a similar underpinning to the Duke, with a different design.
- Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450: 452 cc, 39.5 hp, 780 mm seat, 508,000 TL. A more classic and calmer choice.
To see all A2 options by price, take a look at the cheapest A2-friendly bikes guide or the bike finder.
Which for whom?
- Choose the KTM 390 Duke: if you want lively throttle response and a light, agile ride; if consumption and range matter to you; if seat height does not trouble you.
- Choose the Kawasaki Z500: if you want a smoother-running twin, a lower seat and a slightly better price; if you will do more riding on the motorway and with a passenger.
To see the two models side by side with all the details, open the comparison page.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful?
In the catalogue the Z500 has 44.8 hp and the Duke 44.3 hp. The difference is too small to be felt in practice; in torque the Z500 is ahead with 42.6 Nm.
Which uses less fuel?
According to the catalogue data, the Duke uses less, at 3.3 L/100 km against the Z500's 3.8 L/100 km.
Which is easier as a first bike?
With its lower seat and softer character, the Z500 is slightly more forgiving for a beginner. The Duke can be a first bike too, but getting used to the throttle response can take a few weeks.
Conclusion
It is hard to make a wrong choice between these two models; the numbers are almost the same. If budget and seat height come first, the Z500; if consumption and a sharp character come first, the 390 Duke makes more sense. Before deciding, be sure to try both on a test ride; you understand the difference between a single and a twin best with your hand on the throttle.