One of the more interesting unveils from Benelli at the 2016 Auto Expo was the TRK 502 middleweight adventure tourer that will be arriving in the country later this year. The automaker is banking towards the growing affinity towards performance tourers and the lack of offerings in the sub Rs. 10 lakh range from other manufacturers. As a result, Shirish Kulkarni, Chairperson, Motowheels has stated that the TRK 502 will be priced in the vicinity of Rs. 6-6.5 lakh (ex-showroom) with the model coming in via the CKD route.
Benelli has lined up four launches for this year which includes the TRK 502, Naked T-135, BX-250 Motard and the Tornado 300. Each of the models have a unique selling proposition to itself and the TRK 502 does look promising for those bit by wanderlust. In terms of design, the Benelli TRK 502 looks decidedly adventurous with the dual headlight cluster, while a tall windshield ensures minimal wind blast at high speeds on open roads.
You also get knuckle guards on the handlebar, whereas the 230mm ground clearance ensures a rough terrain isn't a hassle. You also get an engine underbody protector to wade rocks and pebbles. The step-up style seat ensures the rider and luggage or pillion are accommodated with equal ease. Power on the TRK 502 comes from the newly developed 500cc, parallel twin-cylinder engine tuned to produce 48PS at 8500rpm and 45Nm of torque at 4500rpm. The 6-speed gearbox serves purpose for sending power to the rear wheel and is controlled by a hydraulic clutch.
The fuel tank capacity stands at an impressive 20-litres, promising a decent range. Being all terrain friendly, the new Benelli TRK 502 is loaded with USD front forks and a swingarm with monoshock at the rear suspension setup, both of which come with 150mm of travel. Braking performance comes from dual 320mm front and a single 260mm rear disc brake. It is likely that Benelli will be offering the TRK 502 in two versions when launched with the tourer trim riding on Pirelli Angel tyres, whereas the off-road version getting Metzeler sourced rubber.
Furthermore, Shirish Kulkarni also confirmed that the Benelli TRK 502 will get ABS as standard with the launch scheduled around September this year. The model will see real competition directly from the Kawasaki Versys 650 that is also assembled in the country and comes with ABS. The manufacturer will be sending the bikes for homologation soon.
In addition to the four new products scheduled for launch this year, Benelli has plans to introduce the three new motorcycles next year, while two new engines are also under development. Benelli's next major launch this year though will be the Tornado 300 that is set to arrive in July.
