Benelli TRK 251 Review: Likes And Dislikes

The most affordable TRK is here, but is it a little too late to the party?

India's sub-400cc adventure motorcycle segment is swarming with products, ranging from off-road-focused bikes like the Hero XPulse 200 4V to more versatile options like the KTM Adventure twins and the BMW G 310 GS.

Now, Benelli has stepped into the game with the TRK 251, its most affordable adventure tourer. But is it a little too late to the party, or have we found the missing link in the segment with the baby TRK? We have thoroughly tested the bike, and here's what we liked and disliked about this new ADV.

LIKES

A Looker
The Benelli TRK 251 looks like a scaled-down TRK 502, but with bits that make it look more premium. Thanks to the brow-style LED DRL and the LED indicators integrated into the tank extensions, the bike definitely warrants a second look.

Benelli has stepped up its quality big time. The panel gaps are consistent, the paintwork is decent, and there's no rattling noise from the body panels or the windshield even when treading rough terrain.

Built For The Distance

The TRK 251 packs a bunch of nifty features to make touring comfortable. Benelli has added a USB charger near the triple clamp, making it convenient to charge your phone if you are mounting it on the handlebar or the windshield brace. Then there are the span-adjustable levers, allowing for a better reach for riders with smaller hands. In addition to the rear luggage rack, the Benelli TRK 251 has a provision for a saddle brace hidden by rubber mounts under the rear panel.

Couch-like Comfort

For a bike that's meant to do some serious mile-munching, Benelli has nailed this aspect with the TRK 251. The rider's triangle is comfortable for long hours on the saddle, thanks to the tall handlebar angled towards the rider and mid-set pegs like a naked. And though its 18-litre fuel tank is the biggest in the segment, it tapers towards the seat, which, coupled with the saddle's shape, makes it easier to grip the tank and keep your feet firmly on the ground.

Excellent City Manners

The 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine shines in the city. It is tractable, allowing you to carry speeds as low as 30kmph in the sixth gear. In fact, the motor pulls cleanly from 3,000rpm in the fifth cog, even when doing speeds under 40kmph. Benelli's cleverly designed cooling system directs the heat away from the legs, so even though you'd find the radiator kicking in quite often in the city, your legs won't bear the brunt.

Handles Like A Naked

The Benelli TRK 251 is surprisingly agile and firm-footed. Zipping your way through rush-hour traffic? No problem. Carving through fast corners? No problem. Thanks to its taut 1,390mm wheelbase and the sticky Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres, it handles almost like a naked motorcycle.

Some credit goes to its suspension setup as well. It is firm enough to not unsettle the bike when encountering undulations mid-corner. But more on the suspension later.


DISLIKES

Not A Vibe-free Experience
The 249cc single-cylinder engine is prone to vibrations (particularly in the mid-range), which becomes irritating, especially on long journeys. More so because the vibes aren't felt on the handlebar or the seat, but just on the footpegs.

Disheartening Performance
The Benelli TRK 251's performance isn't as exciting as you'd expect from a 250cc motorcycle. Though the bike is 0.5 seconds quicker than the KTM 250 Adventure in the 0-60kmph run, the Benelli is slower than the KTM by over three seconds in the sprint to 100kmph.

Doesn't Like Bad Roads
The Benelli TRK's suspension sure does a good job on smooth roads and in corners, but riding over bad roads isn't a great experience. It doesn't soak up sharp bumps or big potholes, forcing you to dodge them -- something you wouldn't really be keen on doing with an ADV.

Poor Braking Hardware

The confidence inspired by the chassis and the sticky tyres is hampered by the poor braking system. While the braking performance isn't bad in itself, the lack of feedback and the intrusive ABS system keep you from relying on its brakes. Even at the slightest hint of gravel or uneven surface, the ABS kicks in, which could be scary at times, especially under heavy or moving traffic.

Shoddy Clutch

As much as we loved the tractability of the motor, the clutch isn't the best out there. Clunky or even dead shifts are regular occurrences, and shifting through gears requires effort. That said, clutchless shifts are spot on.

Outdated Console

Keeping aside fancy TFTs and Bluetooth connectivity (which at this price should have been part of the package), the LCD display feels outdated for 2022. It packs basic info like clock and gear position indicator; however, bits like average fuel consumption or distance-to-empty have been skipped, which would have been worthy additions to a tourer.

Verdict

The Benelli TRK 251 presents a strong case for itself with its handling, tractable motor, and comfortable ergonomics. Furthermore, the big 18-litre fuel tank, USB charger, and provision for mounting luggage make it apt for long-distance touring too.

However, the poor braking performance and clutch may be a deal-breaker for some; that's because you would not expect these issues from a bike that costs Rs 2.51 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

When you bring in its competition – KTM 250 Adventure (Rs 2.35 lakh), Royal Enfield Himalayan (Rs 2.14 lakh onwards), and Yezdi Adventure (Rs 2.08 lakh onwards), the high asking price is certainly questionable. Not only are the rivals priced lower, but they also pack an array of features, ranging from slipper clutch to navigation. So, is Benelli a little too late to the party?

Maybe, but the Benelli TRK 251 is a good choice if you're looking for a bike that can handle the everyday hustle and then some spirited highway riding too.