Benelli has confirmed that it will launch the TRK 502 and TRK 502 X in India on February 18, 2019. While both variants are adventure bikes the 502 X is more off-road focused thanks to its wire-spoke wheels. This variant was also spotted testing in India for the first time in November 2018 and we also told you, at the time, about its arrival into the Indian market before March 2019.
The adventure-tourer was first shown in India at the 2016 Auto Expo. But Benelli’s former partner, the DSK Group, faced financial trouble which caused operations for the brand to come to a halt. However, the Italian brand was revived in India a few months ago owing to a new tie-up with Adishwar Auto Ride India (AARI), a subsidiary of Hyderabad-based Mahavir Group.
The TRK 502 will be the first all-new product to be launched since the new venture commenced operations. It will be available in two variants which share the ADV bodywork and powertrain. The X is the more off-road focused model features a larger, 19-inch wire-spoke wheel at the front and a 17-inch wheel at the rear, as compared to the 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends on the standard TRK 502. Taking care of suspension is a 50mm USD fork and a monoshock on both versions. Stopping power comes from ABS-equipped, 320mm twin-discs up front and a 260mm disc at the rear.
Powering the TRK 502 is a 499.6cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor producing 47.6hp at 8,500rpm and 45Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed transmission. Both variants also come equipped with a 20-litre fuel tank, which should give them impressive range. The standard TRK 502 has a claimed dry weight of 213kg which is, for reference, a full 14kg more than the new Triumph Tiger 800 XR.
The Benelli TRK 502 siblings are expected to be priced in a range of around Rs 5 to 6 lakh (ex-showroom), with the X variant being the more-expensive model. At that price, the TRK 502 will undercut rivals such as the SWM Superdual T base variant (Rs 6.80 lakh), Suzuki V-Strom 650XT (Rs 7.46 lakh) and the Kawasaki Versys 650 (Rs 6.69 lakh; all prices, ex-showroom India) although its output figures certainly suggest it will offer a lower degree of performance as the others in this class.