2021 Benelli TRK 502 Adventure Bike Hits U.S. Shores
Benelli brings its popular mid-range adventure bike to America.
Back in 2017 we got word from Benelli that they’d be bringing their TRK 502 to the U.S. as a 2018 model. Those plans fell through but the intentions to bring their new adventure bike to America never waned. ADV Pulse has now confirmed with Benelli that plans to bring the TRK 502 and TRK 502 X to the U.S. are not only back on track, but 2021 models are currently arriving on dealer showroom floors. We’re not sure what happened with the delay, but we are excited to be getting a new option in the ever-growing midrange ADV segment.
The Benelli TRK502 comes in two versions: the road-going standard TRK 502 and the more rugged, dirt-oriented TRK 502X. At the heart of the bike, is a 500cc 4-valve parallel-twin DOHC engine with EFI and a 6-speed gearbox. The engine, developed by Benelli, is fueled by a 5.3 gallon tank, pumping out 47 horsepower and 34 ft-lb of peak torque.
A steel trellis frame incorporates a 50mm inverted fork with 5.5 inches of suspension travel. Out back, a monoshock offers preload and rebound damping adjustment in the standard model, along with compression damping adjustment on the 502X. The standard 502 rear shock provides 1.77 inches of stroke and the 502X gets 2.44 inches (rear suspension travel not provided). Seat height for the TRK 502 is 32.8 inches and the 502X is a little taller at 33.9 inches. A higher-positioned exhaust also gives the TRK 502X additional ground clearance in off-road situations compared to the road going TRK 502.
Recent refinements to the line include backlit handlebar switches and new ergo adjustments at the handlebars, along with a range of minor bodywork and graphical refinements. Both models are appointed with a tall touring windscreen and stepped seating to give the rider comfort on longer journeys, plus a set of 320mm semi-floating front discs and 260mm single disc out back to handle braking. The standard 502 gets 17” cast aluminum rims front and back while the 502X gets a set of 19”/17” spoke wheels for improved performance and durability in the dirt. A set of engine guards and center stand also come standard on the 502X.
The Benelli TRK 502 and 502X come in White, Red, Blue and Anthracite Grey but only the White and Grey color schemes are available in the U.S. at this time. The TRK 502 has an MSRP of $5,999 and the 502X is $6,399. For more details visit usa.benelli.com.
Benelli TRK 502 / 502X Specs
| Engine Type: | DOHC Parallel twin, 4-stroke, liquid cooled, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement: | 499.6cc |
| Fuel System: | Fuel injection with 37mm throttle body |
| Horsepower : | 47 hp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque (est): | 34 ft-lb at 6,000 rpm |
| Transmission: | 6 speed |
| Lubrication: | Wet Sump |
| Final Drive: | Chain drive |
| Starting System: | Electric |
| Frame: | Steel Trellis frame |
| Front Suspension: | Adjustable 50mm inverted forks |
| Rear Suspension: | Mono-shock rear swingarm with spring preload adjustment, rebound damping and compression damping (502X only) |
| Front Suspension Travel: | 5.5 inches (140mm) |
| Rear Shock Stroke: | TRK 502: 1.77″ (45mm); TRK 502X: 2.44″ (62mm) |
| Front Brake: | Twin 320mm semi-floating disks with 4 piston calipers and ABS |
| Front Wheel: | TRK 502: 120/70 – ZR17 (Cast); TRK 502X: 110/80 – R19 (Spoke) |
| Rear Wheel: | TRK 502: 160/60 – ZR17 (Cast); TRK 502X: 150/70 – R17 (Spoke) |
| Seat Height: | TRK 502: 32.8 inches (835mm); TRK 502X: 33.9 inches (860mm) |
| Ground Clearance: | TRK 502: 7.5 inches (190mm); TRK 502X: 8.3 inches (210mm) |
| Wheelbase: | 50.3 inches (1505mm) |
| Rear Brake: | 260mm Single disc with single piston caliper and ABS |
| Dry Weight: | 470 pounds (213kg) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 5.3 gallons (US) – 20L |
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I can see Harley entering into the smaller ADV market now, with their ties to Benelli …
470lbs dry weight? That’s exactly what my 2009 R1200GS weighs, with over twice the HP and a lower center of gravity. How does this make any sense?
I was about to type something similar. It doesn’t make sense, and it has less suspension travel. No thanks. I’d rather get a used lighter, more powerful bike.
Italy’s top selling bike. Obviously the Europeans love this bike for one reason or another despite the weight.
Didn’t find anything to back this up. Some articles mention a third spot in Italy for the TRK502 behind Africa Twin and way behind BMW GS 1250 in Italy.
Because of the price and it comes loaded with top and side cases…. try to get another bike, new, with that for 6k! I wouldn’t buy it , but i get people’s reasons to do so (I’ve ridden it in south america)
is the third best-selling motorcycle across Europe
That is not the case. I just spent 18 months in EUrope and only so some of them in the show rooms. I have had one in mind for a long time and my eye would have caught one , but as I said only saw then in a few dealerships
Less than half the price of the GS.
Right? My 2005 Multistrada is 415 dry and 85 hp.
[…] Publisher – http://www.advpulse.com View Source […]
Fuel consumption might be of interest.
Heavier, smaller tank, more cc’s, and less hp than the cb500x. Hmmm
Much better then the honda 500
you are crazy men, crazy!!!!!
cb500X compares to this Benelli 502X, it´s like a 125cc.
The horsepower is roughly the same, but the TRK502 is definitely faster than the CB500X according to reviews. Motor is geared for more torque and midrange than the CB500X. But what you’re all missing is that it’s 2 inches longer than the CB500X, and in all dimensions HUGE. I’m a giant fat guy, and I was completely comfortable (not squished) with my chubby girlfriend on the back. Loaded with 60 pounds of gear and had plenty of preload left. The bike is GS-sized and a budget bike (light on the aluminum parts) so it’s gonna be a little heavy. But also do realize the weight includes crash bars hand guards and a rear luggage rack, all of which come stock. The CB500X doesn’t come with any of that, and those things have weight to them.
You can pick up a used low mileage GS for less than the MSRP of this Chinese bike and I bet the GS will still outlive the Benelli and have spare parts available long after the Benelli doesn’t.
Chicom pig iron. 50mm fork! with 5.5″ travel? Why? A KTM 390 ADV is SO much more compelling than this pig.
Its a shame these middleweight touring/adventure bikes don’t at least offer factory-installed electronic cruise-control as an option. The only one that does is the BMW F750GS but that is well over $13k out the door after choosing that option!
Good comparison. Same MSRP. 120lbs lighter!
I had the X model for 2 years, did major off road trips with him and the bike was very reliable, one of the most comfortable bikes ever
very nice motorcycle, thanks for sharing!
[…] according to ADV Pulse, the plan is back on. The publication said that 2021 models are currently arriving on dealer […]
Some pretty wildly varying pluses and minuses on this bike… and that beak! Looks like it belongs on something quite a bit larger.
Nope….
Yeah weight, but wish more of the other manufacturers would get with the program with the added accessories which add up so much. Leaving you now over budget.
Your getting a entry level motorcycle fully loaded MC for $6k to start your journey of Adventure riding, not bad
Kawasaki Versy X 300 around 6k
And the Honda 500X around that price also barebone. No accessories included with those 2.
I had the Versys x300 and swapped it for the TRKx this year. The TRK knocks spots off the versys for ridability,stability, comfort and quality (all fittings and spokes are stainless) the weight issue is one of translation I think, because the stated dry weight of 213kg is actually the wet weight with all fluids. When you add all the standard kit, its much the same weight as the Honda 500x which, ok, has slightly more power, but the TRK has better torque
On paper, and in price, the Benelli is a viable alternative to a CB500X, but I’m not sure if an extra front brake disc and backlit switches justify a 40 lb weight penalty vs. the Honda. I also like that the 502X offers spoked rims, but the deal killer is not offering a longer-travel, upgraded suspension with those trail-ready rims.
This motorcycle is entirely manufactured in China by Qianjiang Group Co. Ltd.
They own the Benelli brand.
The bike sells very well in Italy (the Benelli brand somehow makes the chinese origins easier to swallow), but in France, Spain and Germany you can’t find it even in the Top 50.
I bought the 502 x model….I totally love it….only one issue too tall for my legs! So I will be buying the kit to lower it. AMAZING BIKE TO RIDE….and love theses storage bags…..FOR THE PRICE best bike EVER
Extra brake disk, 50mm fork tubes, crash bars, luggage rack, and hand guards come standard on the TRK. All that adds up. The bike is also physically larger than the CB500X. It’s meant to be a large road-going tourer (It really is GS-sized), and the CB500X is much much smaller in comparison. Put them side by side and the CB500X is dwarfed by the TRK502.