Benelli 502C: Pros, Cons, Should You Buy One

We've penned down the bike's strengths and weaknesses which will help you make an informed decision

Benelli recently launched the 502C based on the same platform as the Leoncino 500. But is it really worth the money? Here are the bike's strengths and weaknesses, just in case you’re planning on buying one. 

Pros:

Packs A Capable Engine

It isn’t the liveliest engine in the segment but has a linear and punchy power delivery that will make you fall in love with it. The engine also allows you to ride around the city at 40-45kmph in the top cog, without any qualms. Even on the highway, the motor can cruise at 120kmph. Its sweet spot, though, is 95-100kmph, and when you stick to its calm zone, it delivers great fuel efficiency as well.

Good Handler

Where it really impressed us is in the twisties. The 502C is eager to go down, and thanks to the wide bars, you have ample leverage to quickly change directions. It feels quite stable even in long, sweeping bends. The bike stays calm and can carry quite a lot of speed into the corner.

Cons: 

Mimics the Ducati Diavel

The Benelli 502C looks properly big and even gives off a big cruiser vibe, something most buyers would find really appealing. However, it tries to mimic the Ducati Diavel in many ways, for example, with the LED headlight, its DRLs, the large and bulky tank, the short, stubby seat, and even the airy rear end. 

It doesn’t look quite proportionate either, as you feel certain items are larger or smaller than needed. For instance, the tank looks large but sits on a comparatively small engine. The rear tyre is a mere 160-section unit and not an outrageous 240-section one as the Diavel.

Unsuitable for Shorter Riders

While the wide bars provide enough leverage to flick through traffic, it becomes a bit of a task when taking U-turns. Shorter riders, or those with smaller arms, will have to overextend when taking a U-turn. The wide turning radius doesn’t help matters either. 

Firm Suspension Setup

The suspension setup gobbles up most of the bumps and potholes you come across on your commute. It is only when riding on concrete roads at around 40-45kmph that you feel a bobbing sensation, which gets a bit discomforting. Out on the highway, you need to look out for sharper bumps as they could end up tossing you off your seat.

Cheap Console

The small full-colour console is a let-down. The graphics are subpar for a bike at this price point, and the screen lacks crispness.

Should You Buy One?

Benelli has delivered a likeable cruiser, however, it comes with its flaws. It’s not the most comfortable cruiser out there, neither is it the lightest. The fact that the suspension is on the firmer side means you end up being tossed off the seat quite often. That said, the bike packs a potent engine, handles corners rather well, and has a quite natural and easy-going stance. And for Rs 4.98 lakh (ex-showroom), there’s simply nothing better in the market.