Benelli has launched its quarter-litre adventure tourer, the TRK 251, at Rs 2.51 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
- Gets fully digital instrumentation and LED lighting
- Borrows its 249cc engine from the Leoncino 250
- Equipped with a USD fork and 18-litre fuel tank
In the BS4 era, Benelli offered a number of 250cc models in India, but ever since BS6 emission norms kicked in, the company's smallest bike for our market has been the 374cc Imperiale 400. Now, the quarter-litre offerings are making a comeback, beginning with the TRK 251 adventure tourer that has just been launched.
It's powered by a liquid-cooled single-cylinder 249cc engine, the same motor which does duty in the Leoncino 250 that was previously offered in India. Output figures stand at 25.8hp and 21.1Nm, which is slightly lower than its direct rival, the KTM 250 Adventure, which offers 29.9hp and 24Nm. The Austrian is also more affordable, at Rs 2.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Holding the little TRK together is a steel trellis frame, suspended on a USD fork and monoshock. While it is marketed as an adventure tourer, its ground clearance stands at only 170mm, which is the same as something like a Yamaha R15 V4. What will help it tour is its large 18-litre fuel tank, which when combined with the 250cc motor, should offer tremendous range.
With 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends, the TRK's road-focus is clear and it rolls on very street-oriented Metzeler Sportec tyres, too. On the features front, you get an LED headlight, fully digital instrumentation, and dual-channel ABS.