When you think of adventure touring motorcycles, names like BMW GS, Honda Africa Twin, or KTM Adventure probably come to mind. But for riders looking for a more budget-friendly, mid-weight ADV that still delivers in both style and substance, the Benelli TRK 502 is a compelling alternative. Since its debut, the TRK 502 has been carving out a loyal following thanks to its bold design, touring-friendly features, and a surprisingly robust on-road presence.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Benelli TRK 502 a standout in the mid-weight ADV segment, who it’s for, and whether it deserves a spot in your garage.
Design and Build Quality: Italian Flair with Practical Roots
The first thing you’ll notice about the Benelli TRK 502 is its imposing size. At first glance, it resembles a much larger and more expensive adventure bike. Its front beak, tall windscreen, broad fuel tank, and muscular fairings give it an authoritative, go-anywhere presence. The design borrows heavily from its European ADV siblings, giving the TRK 502 a premium aesthetic despite its relatively modest price tag.
Benelli, an Italian brand with Chinese ownership under QJMotor, manages to blend Italian design sensibilities with mass-market practicality. The fit and finish are quite good for its segment. Steel trellis frame, LED lighting, wide handlebars, and crash protection bars (on some variants) round off its adventure touring credentials.
Performance and Engine Characteristics
At the heart of the TRK 502 is a 500cc parallel-twin engine, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected, producing around 47 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 46 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. This places it within the A2 license category in Europe and makes it approachable for beginner to intermediate riders.
While it won’t thrill speed junkies or hardcore off-roaders, the engine offers smooth power delivery and linear torque—perfect for touring, city commutes, and light trail use. The six-speed gearbox shifts cleanly, and the clutch is well-weighted for both short rides and long hauls.
However, some riders might find the engine a bit underpowered on steep mountain climbs or while overtaking at highway speeds, especially when fully loaded with luggage and a pillion. But for its intended purpose—comfortable, capable, budget-conscious touring—it delivers admirably.
Ride Quality and Handling
Weighing in at around 235 kg (kerb), the TRK 502 is no featherweight. Yet, it carries its weight well. The upright riding position, wide seat, and comfortable handlebars make long rides enjoyable. The bike is especially stable at cruising speeds, and the adjustable windscreen does a decent job of reducing wind buffeting.
The suspension setup consists of 50mm USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear—both tuned for comfort rather than aggressive off-roading. It soaks up bumps and potholes effortlessly on highways and gravel roads but may feel a bit soft if you’re pushing it hard off-road.
Braking is handled by twin 320mm discs at the front and a single 260mm disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS as standard. The brakes offer good stopping power, though they lack the sharp bite found on higher-end machines.
Features and Touring Comfort
Benelli has equipped the TRK 502 with several features aimed at long-distance riders:
- 20-liter fuel tank for extended range (up to 450–500 km in ideal conditions)
- Wide, plush seat suitable for rider and pillion
- Adjustable windscreen
- Digital-analog instrument cluster (with basic but readable information)
- Luggage rack and mounting points for panniers and top boxes
However, some riders may miss modern amenities like a full-TFT display, ride modes, traction control, or cruise control—features becoming increasingly common even in mid-weight machines. But considering the price, it’s a fair trade-off.
Off-Road and Variant Options
Benelli offers the TRK 502 in two main variants:
- TRK 502 (standard) – more road-focused, alloy wheels, and slightly lower ground clearance.
- TRK 502X – off-road-oriented, with spoked wheels, higher ground clearance, and dual-sport tires.
While both can handle light trails and gravel roads, the 502X is better suited for riders who plan to venture off the tarmac more often.
Who Is the TRK 502 For?
This bike is ideal for:
- Newer riders stepping into the ADV world
- Budget-conscious tourers
- Commuters who want comfort and road presence
- Riders in markets where high-capacity ADVs are prohibitively expensive
It’s not for hardcore off-road enthusiasts or those looking for cutting-edge tech or high-speed thrills.
Verdict: Adventure Touring on a Budget
The Benelli TRK 502 may not lead the class in raw power, weight, or electronics, but it more than makes up for it with presence, practicality, and price. For riders seeking a reliable touring companion that looks the part and handles long journeys with ease, this bike delivers genuine value.
If your priorities are comfort, range, and affordability wrapped in a rugged design, the TRK 502 deserves a serious look.
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