Benelli to launch TRK 502 and TRK 502X tomorrow

The base TRK 502 is expected to be the most affordable mid-size ADV in the market

• Benelli will launch 2 models of the TRK 502. A base road spec version and a more hardcore 502X variant.
• Both bikes will come to India via the CKD route.
• The bike TRK 502 is expected to be priced at Rs 5 lakh while the hardcore TRK 502X is expected to be priced at around Rs 5.3 lakh.
• Both bikes are powered by a 499cc parallel twin motor.

This bike has been a long time coming. Benelli had showcased the TRK 502 first at EICMA 2015 and then at the 2016 Auto Expo. Benelli’s misfortunes with its previous partner, the DSK Group meant the launch of the TRK 502 and also the Leoncino kept getting delayed. Now with the help of its new India partners, Hyderabad based Mahavir Group, things are finally on track. The TRK 502 is finally being launched in India and has us interested for more reasons than one. 

Also read: Benelli TRK 502: All You Need To Know

For starters, the base TRK 502 is expected to be priced at around Rs 5 lakh. That would make it the most affordable mid-size ADV available in India. It’s more hardcore variant is expected to cost Rs 20,000 to 30,000 more. The bikes will come to India via the CBU route.  

Both bikes look properly large and get a massive 20-litre fuel tank. Seat height at 840mm is on par with the competition while kerb weight at 213kg is 3kg lighter than the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 650XT. It is the only bike in its class to get LED headlamps. 

We liked the more hardcore TRK 502X. While the base TRK gets 17-inch alloy wheels for road use, the TRK 502X gets 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels with on-off road biased tyres. Both bikes get a trellis frame and suspension in the form of 50mm front USD forks and adjustable rear monoshock. Braking is via twin 320mm front discs and 260mm rear disc brake with ABS as standard. 

Also read: Benelli TRK 502 Vs Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Vs BMW G 310 GS: Spec Comparison

Power is courtesy of a 499.6cc liquid-cooled parallel twin motor that makes 47.6PS at 8500rpm and 45Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. You do not get riding modes or traction control here and that helps keep costs low. 

When launched, the base TRK 502 will compete against the smaller but capable Kawasaki Versys-X300 while the TRK 502X will rival the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 650. Next from Benelli will be the Leoncino 500cc Scrambler which should come by mid-2019.