Benelli has introduced the TRK 800 at the EICMA 2021 event. The TRK 502 has grown to be quite popular in some European markets and the Chinese-owned Italian company has now revealed its bigger brother.
Uses a 754cc twin cylinder engine that makes 76.2hp
Uses a different chassis to the TRK 502
Could arrive in India in late 2022
The TRK 800 carries a familiar yet evolved version of the TRK 502’s design with more rounded surfaces and smoother proportions. The shape of the 22-litre fuel tank is less abruptly vertical than its smaller sibling and the overall design is more visually appealing without losing any of the presence. The subframe that holds the full LED headlamp and 7-inch TFT instrument console is now visually separated from the steering headstock area which also helps manage the sense of bulk in the design. The seats are both large and spacious and this bike should be comfortable for two-up riding over long distances.
The TRK 800 uses the same liquid cooled 4-valve 754cc inline twin cylinder engine from the Leoncino 800, which produces 76.2hp at 8500rpm and 67Nm at 6500rpm. The bike runs a 6-speed gearbox with a slip/assist clutch.
The bike uses a different trellis frame from the TRK 500 and the swingarm is a new unit as well. Suspension is handled by a 50mm USD fork with 170mm of travel, while the monoshock at the rear provides 171mm of rear wheel travel. The front suspension is fully adjustable while the monoshock can be adjusted for preload and rebound damping.
The TRK 800 rides on 19-inch/17-inch spoked aluminium (rims and hubs) wheels that support tubeless tyres, while the braking is taken care of by twin 320mm front discs and a single 260mm disc. The bike has a ground clearance of 211mm and all of this means that it should have decent off-road ability.
The seat height has been set at a relatively manageable 834mm and Benelli has kept the weight reasonably in check as well. At 221kg dry, this bike will probably be only a few kilos heavier than the TRK 502, which weighs in at around 235kg fully fuelled.
Benelli says that the new TRK 800 will be in showrooms internationally by the second half of 2022 – there’s a chance that the bike might make it to India later next year as well. There is no word on pricing yet, but expect it to be priced far lower than the likes of the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport and closer to bikes like the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT.
Also see:
2021 Benelli TRK 502 review, test ride