Benelli 502C vs Bajaj Dominar 400: Photo Comparison

How does Benelli’s first power cruiser for India stack up to our home-grown power cruiser, the Bajaj Dominar 400?

Chinese-owned Italian manufacturer Benelli is all set to launch the BS6 502C in India in the sub-600cc cruiser space which is currently dominated by our homegrown Bajaj Dominar 400. So let’s see how these two modern cruisers stack up against each other via a series of images:

Since the two are ‘urban’ cruisers, both Benelli and Bajaj have opted for modern styling. The Benelli 502C seems like a Ducati Diavel on a hunger strike thanks to its identical swept fuel tank and floating tail section. 

The Dominar 400, on the other hand, looks a little more unique with a distinct visual flair.

Both bikes feature an LED headlamp up front. We think the Dominar’s unit is more appealing than the one on the 502C.

From the side, the 502C certainly looks like the bigger bike and should have better road presence. Moreover, the exposed trellis frame on the 502C makes it look a lot sportier than the Dominar’s perimeter frame.

Rounding things off are the tail ends. The 502C’s Diavel-inspired tail end is sleek and the more minimalistic of the two. The Dominar’s tail isn’t too shabby either thanks to its twin LED lights. Overall, we’d say the 502C looks sleeker than the Dominar 400 even though it’s the bigger bike here.

Both manufacturers have equipped their bikes with twin-barrel exhausts. The Dominar gets a beefy 1-into-2 blacked-out unit while the 502C gets a 2-into-1-into-2 sleek slash-cut one.

Where the 502C should shine is in the ergonomics department. It gets a visibly taller handlebar, coupled with a low 750mm seat height and slightly front-set pegs, which should result in a relaxed riding posture. In comparison, the Dominar 400 has a 50mm taller seat, mid-set pegs, and a flatter handlebar.

But if you plan on bringing a plus one, the Dominar 400 should be more accommodating. The 502C’s slim pillion seat looks too small to be comfortable over long rides.

Feature-wise, both bikes are decently equipped. They get all-LED lights, alloy wheels, a USD fork, dual-channel ABS, and an LCD instrument cluster. However, from the looks of it, the Dominar’s negative LCD unit seems a tad more informative than the 502C.

All this aside, the Benelli 502C’s main advantage is the engine and underpinnings department. The 502C is powered by a 500cc twin-cylinder motor putting out 47.6PS and 46Nm, 7.6PS and 11Nm more than what the Dominar’s 373cc single-cylinder engine manages. The Dominar also has a significantly smaller 13-litre fuel tank, compared to the 502C’s massive 21.5-litre tank.

Both bikes are sprung on a USD fork and a monoshock. However, the 502C is stopped by dual 280mm rotors up front and a single 220mm disc at the rear, while the Dominar’s setup comprises 320mm and 230mm disc brakes. Both bikes come with radial calipers up front.

Nevertheless, since the Dominar 400 weighs 184kg kerb (the 502C weighs 216kg), it shouldn’t feel too anaemic even with the power deficit. Not to forget, the Dominar’s smaller fuel tank will also offer a decent range.

The Benelli 502C is expected to be priced at around Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom), twice as much as the Dominar 400’s on-road Delhi price. That’s a steep premium considering the 502C isn’t twice as good as the Dominar 400, at least spec-wise.