The Benelli TRK 502 is a name that resonates with adventure enthusiasts and motorcycle aficionados in India, offering a compelling blend of rugged design, versatile performance, and affordability in the middleweight adventure-touring segment. Manufactured by the Italian brand Benelli, which has a rich legacy dating back to 1911, the TRK 502 marks its presence as a motorcycle designed to cater to riders who crave exploration without breaking the bank. Launched in India in 2019, this bike has steadily carved a niche for itself, appealing to those who seek a balance between long-distance touring comfort and light off-road capability. With its robust build, approachable pricing, and a powerful 500cc engine, the TRK 502 stands as a testament to Benelli’s commitment to delivering value-driven performance motorcycles tailored to diverse riding conditions.
The TRK 502 is not just a motorcycle; it’s a statement of freedom and versatility. Whether you’re navigating the chaotic streets of metro cities like Delhi or Mumbai, cruising along the highways of Bangalore, or tackling the rugged terrains of the Himalayas, this adventure tourer promises to be a reliable companion. Available in two distinct variants—TRK 502 STD and TRK 502X—it caters to different riding preferences, with the latter being more off-road oriented. In a market dominated by competitors like the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Honda NX500, the TRK 502 distinguishes itself with its aggressive styling, practical features, and a price point that undercuts many of its rivals. This detailed exploration of the Benelli TRK 502 will dive into its technical specifications, design elements, variants, pricing across metro cities, and how it stacks up against its closest competitors.
Technical Specifications
The heart of the Benelli TRK 502 lies in its technical prowess, which defines its capability on and off the road. Below is a comprehensive table summarizing its key specifications, sourced from reputable platforms like BikeDekho and BikeWale, ensuring accuracy as of April 10, 2025.
| Category | TRK 502 STD | TRK 502X |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, Parallel-twin | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, Parallel-twin |
| Displacement | 500 cc | 500 cc |
| Max Power | 46.9 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 46.9 bhp @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 46 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 46 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 25 kmpl | 25 kmpl |
| Mileage (User Reported) | 23-30.16 kmpl | 23-33.77 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 liters | 20 liters |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual | 6-speed Manual |
| Bore x Stroke | 69 mm x 66.8 mm | 69 mm x 66.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Length | 2200 mm | 2200 mm |
| Width | 915 mm | 915 mm |
| Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1505 mm | 1505 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm | 210 mm |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 840 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 228 kg | 235 kg |
| Front Suspension | 50 mm USD Forks | 50 mm USD Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock, Preload & Rebound Adjustable | Monoshock, Preload & Rebound Adjustable |
| Front Brake | Dual 320 mm Discs with ABS | Dual 320 mm Discs with ABS |
| Rear Brake | 260 mm Disc with ABS | 260 mm Disc with ABS |
| Tyre Size (Front) | 120/70-17 (Tubeless) | 110/80-19 (Tubeless) |
| Tyre Size (Rear) | 160/60-17 (Tubeless) | 150/70-17 (Tubeless) |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Spoke (TRK 502X) / Alloy (STD) |
These specifications highlight the TRK 502’s ability to handle diverse terrains while maintaining rider comfort and safety, thanks to features like dual-channel ABS and a sizable fuel tank.
Variants
The Benelli TRK 502 comes in two distinct variants, each tailored to specific riding needs:
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| TRK 502 STD | The road-biased version, ideal for highway touring and city commuting with a lower seat height. |
| TRK 502X | The off-road-focused variant with higher ground clearance, spoke wheels, and a taller seat height. |
Both variants share the same engine and core features but differ in suspension tuning, wheel design, and ergonomics to suit their intended purposes.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Benelli TRK 502 varies across metro cities in India due to differences in RTO charges, insurance, and local taxes. Below is a table reflecting the approximate ex-showroom and on-road prices as of April 2025, based on data from BikeWale and BikeDekho:
| City | TRK 502 STD (Ex-Showroom) | TRK 502 STD (On-Road) | TRK 502X (Ex-Showroom) | TRK 502X (On-Road) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs. 5,85,000 | Rs. 6,76,689 | Rs. 6,35,000 | Rs. 7,59,781 |
| Mumbai | Rs. 5,85,000 | Rs. 7,34,960 | Rs. 6,35,000 | Rs. 7,95,586 |
| Bangalore | Rs. 5,85,000 | Rs. 7,36,122 | Rs. 6,35,000 | Rs. 7,97,165 |
| Kolkata | Rs. 5,85,000 | Rs. 6,76,689 | Rs. 6,35,000 | Rs. 7,36,689 |
| Pune | Rs. 5,85,000 | Rs. 7,25,602 | Rs. 6,35,000 | Rs. 7,85,586 |
These prices are indicative and may vary slightly based on dealership offers, color options, and additional accessories.
About the Benelli TRK 502
Engine and Performance
At the core of the Benelli TRK 502 is a 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, a powerplant that delivers a healthy 46.9 bhp at 8500 rpm and 46 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. This engine, compliant with BS6 Phase 2 norms, is paired with a slick 6-speed gearbox, ensuring smooth power delivery across a variety of riding conditions. The parallel-twin configuration provides a balanced mix of low-end grunt and mid-range punch, making it ideal for highway cruising and tackling inclines during off-road adventures. While it may not match the outright power of higher-displacement rivals like the Kawasaki Versys 650, the TRK 502’s engine is tuned for practicality and efficiency, offering a claimed ARAI mileage of 25 kmpl, with real-world figures ranging between 23-33.77 kmpl depending on riding style and terrain.
The engine’s refinement is notable, with minimal vibrations even at higher speeds, a testament to Benelli’s engineering finesse. Riders often praise the distinctive exhaust note, which adds character to the ride, enhancing the bike’s road presence. However, some critiques point out that the TRK 502 lacks the explosive acceleration of its competitors, making it more of a relaxed tourer than a performance beast. For Indian roads, where traffic and diverse landscapes dominate, this tuning suits the bike’s purpose perfectly, offering enough power for overtakes while keeping fuel stops infrequent with its 20-liter fuel tank.
Design and Exteriors
The Benelli TRK 502’s design is one of its standout features, exuding a rugged yet sophisticated aura that appeals to adventure seekers. Its front fascia is dominated by a twin-pod headlight setup with LED DRLs, complemented by a beak-style design that’s synonymous with adventure motorcycles. The semi-fairing, tall windshield, and robust steel trellis frame give it an imposing stance, while the knuckle guards with aluminum brackets (a feature updated in the BS6 model) add both protection and style. The TRK 502X takes this a step further with spoke wheels and a higher stance, enhancing its off-road-ready appeal.
Available in a palette of striking colors—including Metallic Dark Grey, Pure White, Benelli Red, and Yellow—the TRK 502 turns heads wherever it goes. The TRK 502 STD rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with Pirelli Angel GT tires, while the TRK 502X opts for a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear combination, better suited for dirt trails. The bike’s dimensions—2200 mm in length, 915 mm in width, and a height of 1450 mm (STD) or 1480 mm (X)—ensure it commands attention without feeling unwieldy. However, its kerb weight of 228 kg (STD) and 235 kg (X) has drawn mixed reactions, with some riders appreciating the stability it offers on highways, while others find it cumbersome in tight city traffic.
Interiors and Ergonomics
While motorcycles don’t have “interiors” in the traditional sense, the TRK 502’s rider interface and ergonomics deserve a spotlight. The seat height of 800 mm on the STD variant makes it accessible to a wide range of riders, including those with shorter inseams, while the 840 mm height on the TRK 502X caters to taller riders or those needing extra clearance off-road. The seat itself has been revised in the BS6 model with improved cushioning, ensuring comfort during long rides—a critical factor for a touring bike. The upright riding position, aided by a wide handlebar and well-placed footpegs, reduces fatigue, making it a favorite for riders planning multi-day journeys.
The instrument cluster is a semi-digital unit featuring an LCD display with orange backlighting and an analog tachometer. It provides essential readouts like speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip meters, though it lacks advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth, which some competitors offer. The backlit switchgear, another BS6 update, enhances usability in low-light conditions, while the adjustable handlebar on the TRK 502X allows riders to fine-tune their riding posture. Critics note that the slim midsection makes it harder to grip the bike with legs off-road, forcing reliance on upper body strength—a minor ergonomic flaw in an otherwise well-thought-out design.
Advanced Features
The Benelli TRK 502 isn’t laden with cutting-edge electronics, but it offers practical features that enhance safety and convenience. The standout is its switchable dual-channel ABS, which provides confidence-inspiring braking on both tarmac and loose surfaces. The braking setup—dual 320 mm front discs with radial calipers and a 260 mm rear disc—delivers ample stopping power, though some riders feel it could be sharper. Other updates in the BS6 model include larger rearview mirrors for better visibility, aluminum-frame knuckle guards for hand protection, and new handlebar grips for improved control.
While it misses out on features like a quick shifter, slipper clutch, or traction control—common in higher-end ADVs—the TRK 502 compensates with its robust build and touring-friendly additions like a gear shift indicator and a three-year/unlimited kilometers warranty. For riders prioritizing reliability over gadgetry, these features strike a practical balance, though tech-savvy enthusiasts might find the lack of modern aids a drawback compared to rivals.
Ride and Handling
The TRK 502’s ride quality is a highlight, thanks to its 50 mm USD front forks and preload and rebound-adjustable rear monoshock. The suspension soaks up bumps effectively, making it a joy on highways and decently capable on light off-road trails. The TRK 502X, with its 210 mm ground clearance (versus 190 mm on the STD), excels in rougher conditions, though its 235 kg weight can feel taxing when navigating tricky terrain. On the flip side, the bike’s heft lends stability at high speeds, a boon for long-distance touring.
Handling is where opinions diverge. The TRK 502 feels planted and confident on open roads, but its weight and wide turning radius make it less agile in city traffic. The Pirelli tires offer excellent grip, and the 19-inch front wheel on the TRK 502X enhances its off-road prowess, though it sacrifices some on-road nimbleness. Overall, it’s a motorcycle that rewards a relaxed riding style, excelling as a mile-muncher rather than a corner-carving machine.
Close Competitors
In India’s adventure-touring segment, the Benelli TRK 502 faces stiff competition from several established players. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Kawasaki Versys 650: Priced at Rs. 7.77-8.69 Lakh (ex-showroom), the Versys 650 boasts a 649cc engine producing 66 bhp and 61 Nm, outpacing the TRK 502 in power and refinement. It offers adjustable suspension and a more premium feel but comes at a significantly higher cost, making the TRK a better value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
- Honda NX500: Launched as a successor to the CB500X, the NX500 costs around Rs. 5.90 Lakh (ex-showroom) and features a 471cc engine with 47 bhp and 43 Nm. It’s lighter at 196 kg and offers modern features like a TFT display and traction control, appealing to tech-savvy riders. However, its smaller fuel tank (17.5 liters) and higher price per cc ratio give the TRK 502 an edge in touring range and affordability.
- Moto Morini X-Cape: Priced at Rs. 5.99 Lakh, this 649cc bike delivers 60 bhp and 54 Nm, blending off-road capability with a modern TFT display and adjustable suspension. While it’s more powerful and feature-rich, its service network is less extensive than Benelli’s, a critical factor in India.
- CFMoto 650MT: At Rs. 5.29-5.97 Lakh, the 650MT offers 60 bhp from its 649cc engine and comes equipped with a windshield and pannier mounts. It’s a strong contender in terms of power and price, but its brand presence and resale value lag behind Benelli.
The TRK 502’s key advantage lies in its lower entry price, larger fuel tank, and a design that rivals more expensive bikes. It may not match the power or tech of its rivals, but for riders seeking an affordable, versatile ADV with decent performance and a strong service network, it’s a compelling choice.
Verdict
The Benelli TRK 502 is a motorcycle that embodies the spirit of adventure without overwhelming the rider with complexity or cost. Its 500cc engine delivers adequate power for Indian conditions, while its 20-liter fuel tank ensures fewer stops on long journeys. The STD variant excels as a highway tourer, and the TRK 502X adds off-road flair, making it a versatile pick for explorers. While its weight and lack of advanced electronics might deter some, its rugged charm, comfortable ergonomics, and competitive pricing—starting at Rs. 5.85 Lakh—make it a standout in the middleweight ADV segment.
For riders dreaming of a Ladakh trip or a cross-country tour on a budget, the TRK 502 offers a practical, stylish solution. It may not outshine the Kawasaki Versys 650 in power or the Honda NX500 in tech, but it holds its own as a reliable, value-for-money companion. With Benelli’s growing presence in India and a focus on affordability, the TRK 502 is poised to remain a favorite among adventure enthusiasts for years to come.
