Royal Enfield Himalayan FI Vs BMW G 310 GS Vs Kawasaki Versys X 300 Vs Benelli TRK 502: Real World Performance Comparison

We compare these four sub-Rs 5 lakh ADV’s on the basis of real-world numbers 

ADV’s have been gaining popularity in recent times and enthusiasts on a budget of Rs 5 lakh now have access to four very capable ADV’s.  They are the Royal Enfield Himalayan FI, BMW G 310 GS, Kawasaki Versys X 300 and the Benelli TRK 502. We have not included the Hero XPulse 200 in this list as performance and high-speed touring ability is a major criteria here. Something the relatively small-capacity XPulse 200 misses out on. In this list, you have two single cylinder and two twin cylinder bikes with engine capacities ranging from 300 to 500cc. We have ridden and tested all four bikes extensively in the real world and here are what the numbers indicate.

Also read: 2019 Benelli TRK 502, TRK 502X Review: First Ride

Acceleration:

As expected, the Himalayan is the slowest here owing to its lowest power output of 25PS. The Benelli is quickest off the line thanks to a large 499cc parallel twin motor that makes 47.5 and 46Nm of torque. However, it is also the heaviest here at 235kg and that robs it of performance. It also means the BMW G 310 GS should be able to keep the larger Benelli in its sights with ease. In terms of top speed, both the Benelli and BMW are equally matched.  

Roll-ons:

It is the Kawasaki and Benelli that offer the most tractability with the Versys X 300 being the quickest in the 30-70kmph run and the TRK 502 being the quickest in the 40-80kmph run. While the TRK 502 has that extra torque to help it achieve better figures, the Versys X 300’s shorter gearing and taller gearing make it tractable in the city. The Himalayan suffers due to its taller gearing.

Braking:

Despite being the heaviest, the TRK 502 offers the best braking here. That is thanks to it using road focussed Pirelli Angel ST tyres. The other bikes in the group come with dual-purpose tyres that do not offer as much grip as the touring focussed ones on the Benelli. It also gets superbike spec 320mm twin front discs with radially mounted calipers and a large 260mm rear disc.

Fuel efficiency:

In the city, the BMW G 310 GS is the most fuel efficient thanks to its torquey motor allowing for higher gears at city speeds. On the highway, it is the Himalayan that's the most fuel efficient, thanks to its tall gearing and relaxed nature of its 411cc single cylinder motor. ADV bikes are expected to cover a lot of ground between fuel stops. Here, the G 310 GS disappoints due to its small 11-litre fuel tank. The TRK 502 offers the most range owing to its 20-litre fuel tank which is the largest here.