Benelli has just launched both variants of the TRK 502 in India. The standard model has been priced at Rs 5 lakh, while the higher-spec model costs Rs 5.40 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom Delhi). While both models are mid-capacity adventure motorcycles, the 502X is more off-road focused owing to its wire-spoke wheels.
The 502X was first spotted testing in India back in November 2018. Which is when we informed you of its arrival to the Indian market before March 2019. The TRK would have gone on sale much earlier, but for the company’s previous partner, the DSK Group, facing financial trouble that caused operations for the brand to come to a stop. However, the bike is now here thanks to the new tie-up Adishwar Auto Ride India (AARI), a subsidiary of the Hyderabad-based Mahavir Group.
The TRK 502X is the more off-road focused model and features a larger, 19-inch wire-spoke wheel at the front and a 17-inch wheel at the rear, as compared to the 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends on the standard TRK 502. Suspension is handled by a 50mm USD fork and a monoshock on both versions. While the suspension is not adjustable at the front, the rear can be tweaked with for rebound and pre-load adjustment. Stopping power comes from ABS-equipped, 320mm twin-discs up front and a 260mm disc at the rear. Benelli has also mentioned that the ABS is switchable, but hasn’t yet clarified whether it is only for the rear brake or both.
The seat height on the standard model is 800mm and it's 840mm on the X. Similarly, the ground clearance is also higher on the X at 220mm as compared to the 190mm on the standard model. Also different are the tyre sizes. They measure 120/70-17 and 160/60-17 on the standard bike (Pirelli) and 110/80-19 and 150/70-17 on the X (Metzeler). The standard model weighs-in at an immense 235kg, kerb. This means the TRK weighs five kilos more than a Triumph Tiger 800 XCx, a bike which makes more than double the power.
Propulsion on the TRK 502 (both variants) comes from a 499.6cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor making 47.5hp at 8,500rpm and 46Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Both variants also use the same steel trellis frame and 20-litre fuel tank.
At this price, the TRK 502s undercut other adventure motorcycles like the Kawasaki Versys 650 (Rs 6.69 lakh), SWM Superdual T (Rs 6.50 lakh) and the Suzuki V-Strom 650XT (Rs 7.46 lakh; all prices, ex-showroom India).
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
