Benelli is said to be developing a brand-new adventure motorcycle with a V-twin engine layout, according to the design papers being filed by its parent company, Qianjiang, in China. 

• Based on a new platform

• Expected to get a 650cc, V-twin engine

The images suggest that Benelli’s new V-twin Adventure motorcycle has a completely new design, a departure from the bulky-looking TRK 502.  The face looks flat, with a centrally mounted headlamp that’s flanked by turn indicators. A small windscreen sits at the top and should be adjustable. The bodywork around the headlamp extends downwards to double up as tank shrouds. Speaking of which, the tank is placed quite high up, in relation to the rider’s seat. It is reminiscent of the Honda Africa Twin. The tail section is minimal and has dedicated slots to attach panniers as well as a luggage rack.

Underneath the bodywork, you can spot the new 650cc V-twin engine whose design and dimensions are supposedly inspired by the Suzuki V-strom 650’s motor. There’s talk that this engine should make around 70hp. At present, neither Benelli nor QJ Motor offer a V-twin setup and we’ve only seen parallel-twin engines so far from both of them.

In the chassis department, it looks like the bike has a tubular steel trellis frame, suspended by a USD fork (possibly adjustable) and monoshock. The bike seems to be riding on tubeless wire spoke wheels, and given its road-orientation, it could be a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear.

The V-twin adventure motorcycle is a new chapter for Benelli, and it’ll be interesting to see what they come up with. Stay tuned for more. 

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