Benelli 502 C India Unveiling Tomorrow, Rivals Upcoming Honda Rebel 500

Benelli’s only cruiser is likely to demand a premium of Rs 20,000 over the Leoncino

• Powered by a 500cc parallel-twin engine.
• Gets a 21-litre fuel tank.
• Will rival the upcoming Honda Rebel 500.

In a surprise move, Benelli has announced that it will be unveiling its 502 C cruiser tomorrow in India, and commence pre-bookings, followed by its launch at the end of this month. This will be the third bike from the manufacturer based on the 500cc platform, after the Leoncino and TRK 502. It is likely to carry a premium of Rs 20,000 over the Leoncino, which is priced at Rs 4.69 lakh.

The Benelli 502 C is the first modern cruiser from Benelli in India. Of course, there’s no denying that the bike clearly draws design inspiration from the Ducati Diavel 1260, except for the robo-face headlight. Everything else -- the muscular tank, roomy seat, and split tail light -- is similar to the Italian performance cruiser. 

The 502 C uses the same 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor developing 47.6PS at 8,500rpm and 46Nm at 6,000rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

Benelli has used a steel trellis frame suspended onto a USD fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock. Anchoring this urban cruiser are twin 280mm discs paired with 4-piston calipers at the front and a single 240mm disc with dual piston caliper, aided by dual-channel ABS. 

Yes, it is touted as an urban cruiser. But thanks to the large 21-litre fuel tank, adjustable footpegs, and the 750mm saddle height, the Benelli 502 C could be a great touring machine too.

The Benelli 502 C has no natural rival in the country, and hence, will be a unique proposition. Considering that at this time, the only mid-displacement cruiser in India is the Kawasaki Vulcan S, the Benelli 502 will certainly be a more affordable alternative. That said, the Benelli will soon face the heat from the Honda Rebel 500, which is likely to launch in the coming months.