Benelli seems to be on a portfolio expanding spree unveiling many new models at the 2015 EICMA in Milan. One of Benelli’s new bikes unveiled at the motorcycle show was the light-weight adventure-tourer, Benelli TRK 502.
Benelli seem to have taken the right direction with the new TRK because there are not many light-weight outright ADV bikes in the market. With an unladen weight of just 210 kg, the TRK 502 comes as an exciting option for riders lamenting about large and heavy ADVs. Benelli say that with the new adventure-tourer they would like to turn each day into a different adventure without any limitations.
From the looks of it, the Benelli TRK 502 looks like a serious ADV machine. The front of the bike looks like a cross of BMW 1200GS and the Ducati Multistrada with a prominent beak and a large windscreen. It features the traditional Benelli steel trellis frame which encloses the all new parallel-twin power plant.
The new 499.6 cc four-stroke liquid-cooled DOHC engine with four valves per cylinder is developed by Benelli for its latest models and comes with electronic fuel injection. The engine develops a maximum power of 47 hp at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 45 Nm at an amazingly low 4,500 rpm. The engine is fitted to a 6-speed transmission featuring a hydraulic clutch. This combination should offer an effortless riding feel with great response in all conditions.
The suspension is chosen to provide maximum comfort for both the rider and pillion during long stints. The front features adjustable USD forks in combination with an adjustable mono-shock unit at the rear, both offering a wide 150 mm travel range. With high priority to stability, safety and precision, the Benelli TRK 502 sports dual 320 mm petal-discs at the front with two-piston floating callipers. The rear is equipped with 260 mm single petal-disc, also with twin-piston callipers.
Benelli will be offering the TRK 502 as both a road going and an off-road variant. The road going version will feature 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels at both ends. The wheels are shod with Pirelli Angel tyres sized 120/70 at the front and 160/60 at the rear. The off-road variant will come with spoke aluminium alloy wheels but with 19-inch at the front and 17-inch at the rear fitted with off-road tyres sized 110/80 at the front and 150/70 for the rear.
Other interesting features are the large 20 litre fuel tank, hand guards and LED headlights. As a whole, the Benelli TRK 502 seems to be a great all-round adventure-tourer package on paper. We will have to wait till the new bikes make their way down to India and review the performance of the bike first hand.