Benelli has launched the TRK 502X at an introductory price of Rs 5.2 lakh (ex-showroom) and like the previously launched TRK 502 and Leoncino 500, it undercuts its predecessor by Rs 20,000. This price is for the grey colour scheme. Should you choose the red or white finish, you’ll have to shell out an extra Rs 10,000. The TRK 502X with its more off-road setup doesn’t have any direct rivals barring the newly launched Honda CB500X. The Suzuki V-Strom 650XT is a similar proposition but it costs a whole lot more.
In terms of design, not much has changed, like the BS6 TRK it gets the new knuckle guard setup with aluminum brackets for reinforcement, backlit switchgear, wider rear view mirrors, redesigned seat, adjustable handlebar finished in black, redesigned box bracket for luggage mounting and the instrument cluster that gets amber backlighting.
The BS6 TRK 502X uses the same 500cc, parallel-twin mill that’s found on the TRK 502 and continues to stay in the same state of tune. Meaning, it makes the same 46.78bhp at 8500rpm and 46Nm at 6000rpm. To comply with the more stringent emission norms, Benelli has used a new catalytic-convertor ensuring the engine runs cleaner. The only difference between the 502X and the standard TRK 502 is that in the former, the exhaust is mounted on the side of the bike and is upswept rather than an underbelly unit and this has also helped improve ground clearance.
The TRK 502X gets the same steel trellis frame as the standard TRK 502 but gets a different wheel setup to aid improve off-roadability. The bike gets a 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear wire-spoked rims. Braking comes courtesy of dual-two piston caliper axially mounted on 320mm discs at the front and a single 260mm disc with a single-pot caliper at the rear. Suspension duties are handled by 46mm USDs at the front and a preload and rebound adjustable monoshock at the back. The handle bar on the TRK 502X is also adjustable. The 19-inch and 17-inch wheel setup and the upswept side mounted exhaust have resulted in 210mm of ground clearance. The seat height is also higher than the standard TRK 502 at 840mm. The bike fully fueled tips the scales at 235kg.
There isn’t much equipment on offer on the TRK 502X. You get dual-channel ABS as standard, backlit switchgear, analogue-digital instrument cluster, a charging socket on the left shroud of the fuel tank and the bike also comes standard with a box bracket for luggage mounting.
Commenting on the launch of the BS6 Benelli TRK 502X, Vikas Jhabakh, MD, Benelli India, said, “We are delighted to introduce the TRK 502X back in India, in the BS-VI format. Based on our recently launched Grand Tourer, the TRK 502, the 502X has been developed with more focus on adventure riding, offering higher ground clearance and an equipment list that is more suited to tackle off-road riding conditions. It also offers unmatched ergonomics, enhanced features and uncompromised quality. We are confident that the entry-level BS-VI TRK range will continue to strengthen our footprint in the adventure touring segment.”
Bookings are already open for the BS6 Benelli TRK 502X for a token amount of Rs 10,000. We recently tested the TRK 502 and it will be interesting to see how they stack up side by side.