Benelli TRK 502: Same Price, Other Options

What else can you buy for the price of the new 500cc ADV?

The new Benelli TRK 502 and TRK 502X have been launched at Rs 5 lakh and 5.4 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. At this price, they are the most affordable midsize ADV’s in the market. So if you are on the lookout for a bike and have a similar buying budget, the TRK 502 makes great sense for the genre. However, there are other alternatives you can look towards as well. Alternatives that cost Rs 40,000 higher or lower than the TRK 502’s Rs 5 lakh price tag. Let's check them out.

Also read: 5 Most Affordable ADV’s In India: RE Himalayan, Kawasaki Versys-X 300, BMW G 310 GS and more

Kawasaki Ninja 400 (Rs 4.69 lakh)

At the same price point, you can get the smaller but capable Versys-X 300 but the Ninja 400 offers a lot more in terms of serious on-road performance. It looks much larger and purposeful than its predecessor, the Kawasaki Ninja 300. The brand new 399cc liquid-cooled parallel twin motor offers 49PS at 10,000rpm and 38Nm of torque at 8000rpm. A tested 0-100kmph time of 5.4 seconds makes it the fastest bike you can buy under Rs 5 lakh. And it's not just the motor that's new. The Ninja 400 gets a new lightweight trellis frame, new 41mm front forks, gas-charged rear monoshock and larger, stickier Dunlop Sportmax radial tyres. These new updates make it quite agile in corners while the steering feels quick and intuitive. The Ninja 400 is the one to go for if you crave performance and dynamics and do the occasional trackday.

Also read: Benelli India To Launch More Bikes This Year

Harley-Davidson Street 750 (Rs 5.33 lakh)

If you prefer a slightly laidback riding style but do not want to compromise on performance, the Street 750 should be right up your alley. For Rs 33,000 more than what you pay for the TRK, you get better performance courtesy its 749cc liquid-cooled V-twin motor that puts out 59Nm of torque at a low 3750rpm. This is a refined motor which was very un-Harley like when it burst onto the scene in 2014. Under tests, it goes from 0-100kmph in 6.19 seconds. Gear shifts too are positive while clutch effort is low. Another positive is the low 720mm seat height, a boon if you are a shorter rider. Ride comfort is the best in its class while handling is limited only by its low cornering clearance and not sporty-enough MRF rubber. The Street 750 has evolved quite a bit since its launch in 2014, especially in the braking department. On the current model, you get dual-channel ABS that offers surefooted braking and the bike now comes to a stop in double quick time.  

Kawasaki Z650 (Rs 5.29 lakh)

Fun fact: all the options here feature a twin-cylinder engine layout, which is one of the easiest ways to have a multi-cylinder experience. One such example is the Kawasaki Z650 whose 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin motor makes 67PS at 8000rpm and 65.7Nm of torque at 6500rpm. While the figures are the highest among this lot, the Z650 is also the quickest here, doing the 0-100kmph run in 4.48 seconds. This number also makes it the fastest in the segment, quicker than bikes like the Honda CBR650F and Ducati Monster 797. This is in parts due to the motor’s torquey nature, shorter gearing and the ease of launching it from standstill. Underpinnings include a lightweight trellis frame, 41mm front forks and preload-adjustable rear monoshock. This suspension setup is tuned towards comfort than handling and this factor will leave the enthusiast disappointed on twisty roads. Where the Z650 impress though is in the city. Its compact dimensions and upright seating position make it handle almost like a 200cc motorcycle and easy to weave through traffic. The tractable motor is another plus and you can potter around in higher gears all day long. We did feel that the engine could do with more character though the Z650 is a good step up for someone looking to upgrade from a sub-400cc motorcycle.