Up Front Research · Comparison
CFMOTO 450NK vs Kawasaki Z500 & KTM 390 Duke
The lightweight nakeds: published 51 hp, TPMS and a slipper clutch standard on the 450NK.
Reviewed & updated by the team at Empire Cycle & Powersports, Spokane Valley.
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CFMOTO pricing for the is not yet announced. Reserve now and we’ll confirm your price the moment CFMOTO publishes it.
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Quick verdict
- Choose the CFMOTO 450NK if you want the most published power and equipment in the lightweight class for the money.
- Choose the Z500 or 390 Duke if you want Kawasaki’s network and resale, or KTM’s razor electronics and enthusiast scene.
Kawasaki doesn’t publish US horsepower for the Z500 — the table says only what sources actually state.
2027 CFMOTO 450NK vs. Kawasaki Z500 & KTM 390 Duke
The lightweight naked class, head-to-head. CFMOTO’s 2027 450NK brings a 449cc parallel twin with a published 51 hp, a slipper clutch and a 5″ color TFT with tire-pressure monitoring standard — equipment the class usually charges extra for. Worth noting up front: CFMOTO publishes its full US specs; several rivals don’t.
CFMOTO450NK Most equipment | KawasakiZ500 | KTM390 Duke | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 449cc twin | 451cc twin | 399cc single |
| Power | 51 hp published | not published (US) | ~44 hp |
| Seat height | 31.3″ | see kawasaki.com | see ktm.com |
| Display | 5″ color TFT ✓ | varies by trim | TFT |
| TPMS tire monitoring | Standard ✓ | — | — |
| Slipper clutch | Standard ✓ | see kawasaki.com | ✓ |
| Price starting MSRP | see live pricing at Empire | see kawasaki.com | see ktm.com |
Where the 450NK makes its case
A published 51-hp twin with big-bike equipment at a lightweight-class price.
- ✓Published power, top of the class. CFMOTO rates the 449cc twin at 51 hp — more than the 390 Duke’s ~44, and Kawasaki doesn’t publish a US figure for the Z500 to compare.
- ✓Equipment the class skips. A 5″ color TFT, tire-pressure monitoring, a slipper clutch, USB-C charging and full LED lighting are all standard.
- ●Where the rivals win. Kawasaki’s dealer network and resale reputation are the class benchmark, and the 390 Duke counters with razor electronics and a huge enthusiast following. Both have longer track records than CFMOTO’s street bikes in the US.
And the price is the price. Our advertised number already includes freight, setup and our documentation fee — only sales tax and title/registration are added.
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the CFMOTO 450NK have?
CFMOTO publishes 51 hp at 9,500 rpm and 29.5 lb-ft at 7,750 rpm for the 450NK’s 449cc parallel twin — with a 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch standard.
Is the 450NK a good first bike?
It’s a strong lightweight-class choice: manageable 51 hp, a 31.3″ seat, and confidence equipment like TPMS and a slipper clutch standard. Riders wanting the smallest, lightest option may also look at 300-400cc singles.
Where can I get the 2027 CFMOTO 450NK near Spokane?
Empire Cycle & Powersports in Spokane Valley, WA has the first 2027 450NK arriving now — reserve with a phone deposit at (509) 892-6368. Up Front Pricing: freight, setup and documentation fee already included.
450NK figures are 2027 specifications published by CFMOTO USA. Kawasaki does not publish US horsepower for the Z500; the KTM 390 Duke ~44 hp figure is approximate. Competitor details vary by trim and model year — verify at kawasaki.com and ktm.com. MSRPs exclude tax and title/registration. Comparison by Empire Cycle & Powersports, Spokane Valley, WA.