Benelli Launches Updated TRK 502 Range In China; India-bound?

New updates include aluminium swingarm, TFT display and wire-spoked rims with tubeless tyres

Benelli has recently launched the new 2022 TRK 502 and 502X in China giving them new colour options, as well as updated electronics. The TRK 502 now also gets two different variants, namely the standard and top end variant, while the TRK 502X continues to be available in a single trim.

The 2022 Chinese models of the TRK 502 and 502X get a new cast aluminium swingarm, which alone has helped in a weight reduction of 3.6kg. In comparison, the current Indian models feature an asymmetric swingarm made of steel tubes. Additionally, all variants also get a TFT display with mobile phone projection, wire-spoked rims compatible with tubeless tyres, tyre pressure sensors and heated grips.

Mechanically, the bikes remain unchanged and are still powered by the 500cc twin-cylinder motor belting out 47.5 PS and 46 Nm which is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Underpinnings too remain the same as the bike is suspended on an inverted telescopic fork and hydraulic monoshock with preload and rebound adjustability. The main difference between the standard and top variant of the TRK 502 is that the latter comes equipped with KYB suspension.

As the 502X is off-road focussed, it sits on 110/80-19 front and 150/70-17 gold-finished rear spoked wheels wrapped in Metzeler Tourance rubber, while the 502 uses 17-inch wheels at both ends. Additionally, the former also gets a 30mm higher ground clearance, at 220mm, and while the Chinese and Indian versions remain the same visually, the Chinese version does get three additional (new) colours. 

Benelli has also announced that despite the new updates, the price of the 2022 models remain the same as the outgoing model, where the price of the TRK 502 is 35,800 yuan and 40,800 yuan for the standard and top end respectively (equivalent to Rs 4.19 lakh and Rs 4.74 lakh respectively). In India, the TRK 502X retails for Rs 5.89 lakh (ex-showroom), while the TRK 502 is priced at Rs 5.42 lakh (ex-showroom).

While the current Indian TRK 502 and 502X miss out on all the above-mentioned features, expect these upgrades to be rolled out in India with the 2023 iteration of the TRK 502 and 502X this year-end or early next year.  As for the competition, the TRK 502X faces the recently launched Honda CB500X. And if you want something in the 650cc segment instead, there’s the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the more off-road centric Suzuki V-Strom 650XT.