The Benelli TRK 502 and 502X adventure tourers were supposed to be the next motorcycle to be launched in India before the brand’s local partner DSK Motowheels was shuttered down due to a fraud case involving its parent company. Now that Benelli has chosen Hyderabad-based Mahavir Group as its new partner, the launch will happen sooner than later.
The TRK 502 and 502X are two of the 12 new motorcycles that Benelli plans to launch in the country as a part of its revival strategy. The company is currently building a CKD plant in association with its partner near Hyderabad which is reported to be ready by late 2018. The mid-sized tourer is expected to be one of the first motorcycles to be introduced by the new alliance.
The new Benelli 500 cc adventure motorcycles will be playing in a relatively new niche which was inaugurated by the Kawasaki Versys 650 in India. With the newly launched BMW G310GS, and the upcoming TRK 251, the premium adventure tourer segment is India will soon have an offering to suit everybody’s budget and performance requirements.
In terms of styling, the Benelli TRK 502 and 502X can stand shoulder to shoulder with any other adventurer tourer in the world. A sharp beak, prominent fairing and a tall stance make for a majestic road presence.
The high ground clearance facilitates decent off-roading ability. If at all there is a limit to the TRK 502’s skills, it could come from the exhaust canister which is mounted low (not a usual setup on an adventure tourer). An upward sweeping canister would have given the motorcycle a much better water wading ability.
The Benelli TRK 502 and 502X is powered by a 499.6 cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine which is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. With 47 hp and 45 Nm of torque, performance will be more than adequate for most of the prospective customers in this segment. The inverted front fork and rear monoshock are adjustable.
If Mahavir and Benelli can keep the on-road price of the motorcycle in the ballpark of Rs 5-6 lakhs, it would be a very compelling proposition which has the potential to lure the riders who are eyeing something like the Kawasaki Versys X-300 or BMW G310GS.
