Benelli TRK 502 X – Italian-Chinese motorcycle for Russian travel

The Benelli brand was once truly Italian. Designers created interesting production models with their own appearance and charisma. But the stylish Italians lost the battle for the market.


Japanese brands were much more modern, powerful and diverse. Benelli teetered on the brink of bankruptcy for a long time and changed owners. But only the Chinese revived the once famous manufacturer.

Under the wise leadership of businessmen from the Middle Kingdom, who spare no expense on development, the Benelli brand has been resurrected. For the Chinese, it has become a kind of “window to Europe.” That's why they bought it.


As for modern Benelli motorcycles, they look stylish. The average cubic capacity for them is not 250, but 500 cm3. As for the TRK 502 X model, it is more likely Chinese than Italian. However, let's talk about everything in order.

Appearance and fit

One look at the Benelli TRK 502 X is enough to understand that this is a real enduro touring motorcycle. He seems somehow familiar and familiar. And there is nothing typically Italian about this bike.

Apparently, the Chinese owners of the brand realized that the best tourenduros are made by the Germans. Therefore, brushing aside Italian designers who were clearly offering their own solutions, they went their own way. They just took and copied the BMW R 1250 GS. Of course, taking into account your capabilities. So it turned out to be “Goose” in appearance.

Benelli TRK 502 X has its own features:

✅ In-line engine
✅ Much lower cost
✅ Build quality is not at such a high level as the Germans

But the landing position of the motorcycle is truly amazing. It’s enough to throw your mortal body into the saddle and you realize that the bike was designed for a European. And not even average, but like some Scandinavian.


If you are 185 cm tall, for example, you will not be able to place your entire foot on the ground. The heels will be raised. And if the rider has only grown to 180 centimeters, he will definitely have to stand on his toes or tilt the bike.

Features

The Benelli TRK 502 X has one “trick” that will be appreciated primarily by novice motorcyclists. These are wide roll bars. They are not as “plasticine” as on Chinese small-capacity equipment, but are made of durable steel. Therefore, if you fall, you don’t have to worry too much that the bike will crush its owner.

But there is also a negative point. The width of the arches is several centimeters larger than that of the steering wheel. This makes it a little difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces. And in traffic jams you need to be careful not to hit the car.


However, if the owner of a Benelli TRK 502 X has previously driven a boxer BMW, then he will not have any problems with the dimensions. Another question is that it is unlikely that anyone after the real “Goose” will switch to an essentially Chinese motorcycle.

The TRK 502 X also has a number of interesting features included in the basic package:

✅ 12 V socket
✅ High windshield
✅ Protection of the crankcase and steering wheel levers
✅ A number of “empty” keys on remote controls designed to connect additional equipment

At the same time, we’ll tell you about the cost of the motorcycle. They are asking for the new Benelli TRK 502 X in Russia from 589 thousand rubles. Such bikes are not yet available on the used market. Apparently, few owners have not yet played enough, or they are satisfied with everything.

Engine and gearbox

The engine of the Benelli TRK 502 X is 500 cm3. To minimize vibrations, we chose an in-line two-cylinder power unit rather than a “single-barrel” one. The engine is modern - with a pair of overhead camshafts and eight valves.


The motorcycle's cooling system is liquid. Therefore, you don’t have to worry that the engine will overheat in the summer, even when working under load.

Engine power is stated at 48 hp. The motorcycle accelerates to 160 km/h. The traction at low and medium speeds is excellent, but at the “top” the engine noticeably “goes out”. But don’t forget that this is a touring bike – it doesn’t really need speed.


Six-speed gearbox. Gear shifts are easy and relaxed, neutral is found without problems. The clutch is classic, without any newfangled “bells and whistles”, but it is pressed effortlessly.

Other technical features

Benelli TRK 502 X has an inverted front fork. Its stroke is 140 mm. Not so much for a tourenduro, but this is a motorcycle more likely for beginners. But the diameter of the fork stays is 50 mm. And they are thick-walled.


The rear suspension with a shock absorber travel of 5 centimeters is not impressive at all. But this is the manufacturer's fault. He indicated the wrong values ​​- usually this is the wheel travel, not the shock absorber. So the Benelli TRK 502 X is fine with this parameter.

The motorcycle is comfortable not only on low-quality asphalt, but also on dirt roads, including rocky ones. The main thing to understand is that this is not an Austrian KTM or something Japanese like the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Honda Africa Twin. The Benelli TRK 502 X will not withstand extreme loads, such as passing through deep potholes at speed.

The wheels of the motorcycle are spoked. Tube tires, R19 front and R17 rear.

Behavior on the go

The Benelli TRK 502 X is a very heavy motorcycle for its class. Despite the medium-sized engine with a displacement of 500 cm3, it weighs 247 kg. The bike is tall, which makes it not the most stable when cornering.


Therefore, beginners should carefully steer the motorcycle into turns. Especially on gravel roads. A little too much and he will fall. Fortunately, standard roll bars will save both the bike and the rider from serious damage.

But on light off-road conditions it is convenient to ride a motorcycle, despite the weight. In second gear, in such conditions, you can drive 35 kilometers per hour for a long time and with ease. The revolutions will be around 2,5 thousand.

Advantages and disadvantages

One of the main advantages of the Benelli TRK 502 X is its seat height. It is difficult to find a motorcycle aimed specifically at riders over 185 cm. But this can also be considered a disadvantage - there are few such tall motorcyclists.


But sellers don't really care about this. After all, beginners buy the Benelli TRK 502 X. And you can tell them that the tourenduro class is so specific and all these motorcycles are high.

Price is also an advantage of the bike. This class includes mainly models from Japan or EU countries, and they cost at least 30% more. On the other hand, it is psychologically difficult to shell out 589 thousand rubles for a motorcycle assembled in China.

The main drawback of the Benelli TRK 502 X is its weight. Almost 250 kg is somehow too much. But we can hope that the power structure of the bike is made of high-quality or at least thick-walled steel.

The second minus of the Benelli TRK 502 X is that its appearance as an “evil” tourenduro does not correspond to its essence. This is more of a touring motorcycle, suitable for leisurely trips. Jumps and steep slopes are definitely not for him.


To summarize, it is worth noting that the Benelli TRK 502 X is more of a “study desk” for those who want to try their hand at touring bikes. The motorcycle looks solid so that it is not classified as a typical “Chinese”.

On the other hand, buying a new bike for 589 thousand rubles to try enduro tourism is not for the average budget. For this purpose, there are enough Chinese small-capacity tanks of 225-270 cm3, which even cost up to 170 thousand when new.

And in appearance, the Benelli TRK 502 X is not for everyone. Although, since Russian dealers are actively offering this model, and they have it in stock, it means there is demand. Moreover, Benelli sounds proud...