Benelli TRK 502X Spied Testing In India

The bike spotted testing in camouflage hints at an imminent India launch

• The Benelli TRK 502X was spotted testing on Indian roads.
• Suggests that it could be launched in the country soon.
• Features 19-inch spoked wheels shod with dual-purpose tyres.
• Powered by a 499.6cc, parallel-twin motor that produces 48PS and 45Nm.
• Expected to be launched mid next year with an expected price tag of Rs 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

A couple of months ago Benelli partnered with Hyderabad-based Mahavir Group and outlined its future plans for India. This comprised of a range of new bikes alongside a few re-launches. While we await the launch of the much-anticipated Leoncino range, another bike has made its appearance on Indian roads. We are talking about none other than Benelli’s mid-displacement adventure tourer, the TRK 502X. The bike that’s been spotted testing in camouflage suggests that it could be launched in the country soon.

The ‘X’ variant is the more off road-focused version in the TRK range. Notably, both the standard TRK 502 (road-biased version) and the 502X are already on sale in international markets. While both bikes share the same engine and styling, they differ in terms of mechanical components. For instance, the road-biased version employs 17-inch alloys and road-going tyres at both ends while the off-road TRK 502X features a 19-inch spoked wheel up front and a 17-incher at the rear shod with dual-purpose tyres. Both bikes also come equipped with a USB charging socket and an semi-digital instrument console. 

Powering both the bikes is the same 499.6cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor that makes 48PS of power at 8500rpm and 45Nm of torque at 5000rpm. A 6-speed transmission transfers power to the rear wheel via chain drive. It misses out on items like ride-by-wire, rider modes, traction control and a slipper clutch, stuff that most modern bikes now come kitted with. It gets a massive 20-litre fuel tank which should be ideal for touring.

Suspension duties for both bikes are handled by fat 50mm USD forks and a fully adjustable rear monoshock. Likewise, in terms of braking, both bikes get twin 320mm discs brakes up front and a single 260mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS comes as standard. Surprisingly, the bike weighs in at 213kg, which is quite heavy for a mid-displacement adventure tourer. Moreover, its seat height of 840mm will be a bit much for most average-sized riders in India. 

The Benelli TRK 502X is expected to be launched in India around mid-2019 with an expected price tag of around Rs 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Once launched, it will undercut the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT and the SWM Superdual 650 T, although it does not have any direct rival as such currently. RE’s bigger Himalayan somewhere down the line might be going up against it but nothing is concrete on that front for now.

Image courtesy: Autocar India