Since the Benelli TRK 502 has appeared on the market, it has generated divided opinions. While some drivers are quite happy with him, others are unhappy. However, TRK 502 leaves the impression of a good small volume engine tourer and an affordable price.
Benelli TRK 502
The first thing for customers that comes to their mind is that the Benelli TRK 502 engine is assembled in China. Benelli is owned by Qianjiang since 2005, but Benelli’s headquarters are still in Italy. The Italian part is a complete design of motorcycles, with some components such as aggregates are being assembled in China.
The Benelli TRK 502 is a true touring motorcycle for beginners as well as those who do not have big demands. The aggregate is water-cooled two-cylinder inline, volume of 499.6 cm³ with four valves per cylinder. The maximum power of the aggregate is 48 HP at 8,500 RPM with a maximum torque of 45 Nm at 6,000 RPM. The maximum torque at relatively low revs makes TRK 502 a very useful motorcycle. And 48 HP is not little, but the only thing that cancels the engine power is quite large weight motorcycle.
The six-speed gearbox is pretty good and reliable. Switching from one gear to another is not particularly quick, but is well-suited for the tourer. The gear ratio provides good acceleration from low revs and the Benelli TRK 502 does not require frequent transmission changes, although the first impression of a shorter transmission speaks the exact opposite. The aggregate and gearbox generally make a good package for which there are no big objections due to the relatively low working volume of the aggregate. The Benelli TRK 502 fuel consumption is about 3.9 l / 100 km and with a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters provides theoretical autonomy of solid 450 Km.
The biggest drawback for this motorcycle is its weight. The dry weight of the Benelli TRK 502 is as high as 213 Kg, if we add 20 l of fuel, buckets for suitcases and other accessories we get a weight of about 240 Kg. In addition to its heavy weight, the TRK 502 is quite good in driving. Another of the objections is a slightly lowered seat at a height of 800 mm. Because of the low seat and design of the motorcycle, it looks like you are not sitting on a motorcycle but somehow in it. In addition, the driver’s position is more than comfortable for traveling, the handle bar position is good and does not wear out when driving.
The chassis is of a tubular construction and is quite rigid. Up side down front forks provides good feedback from road. The brakes are a product of Benelli, two 320 mm diameter discs are mounted on front wheel. Braking dosing is more than solid, and in standard equipment you get an ABS. While the front brake is excellent, the rear is not at the task level. The lever has a long stroke, and the brake jaw does not “bite” progressively and gives the feeling that the brake pads are busted. Maybe with a different type of brake pads, this phenomenon may fade.
The driving position lives to the feeling of driving big adventures motorcycles. Tall drivers may have problems finding a comfortable legroom. The windshield provides good protection against wind, hand shields come as part of the standard equipment, which only leaves an even better impression. As a part of standard equipment comes a 12V charger plug. In standard equipment there are still useful things that other manufacturers charge additionally. Benelli TRK 502 come standard with GIVI luggage carriers. The dashboard is transparent with information such as rev count, current speed, gear level indicator, travel time, and other useful information. On the steering wheel there is a button through which the ABS can be switched off. From the factory TRK 502 comes out in the Pirelli Angel GT tires.
The Benelli TRK 502 shows that Italian-Chinese cooperation can bring a quality motorcycle, which is more than competitive in the market, and has satisfactory performance and reliability. The Benelli TRK 502 is a practical and versatile motorcycle. The biggest drawback is its weight and the problem with the rear brakes is partly attributable to the fault, but the impression is that the Benelli TRK 502 is an excellent motorcycle in terms of price-quality ratio. In Europe, the price for TRK 502 is around 6,000 euros.
