Benelli Motorcycles USA and SSR Motorsports have announced the Benelli TRK502 and TRK502X Adventure motorcycles. The two models are powered by a 499.6cc parallel-twin engine and share core components, with the main differences shown in the wheels and tires. The TRK502 is touring focused with its 17-inch wheels and street-oriented tires, while the TRK502X is aimed at ADV riding, thanks to a larger 19-inch front wheel and Metzeler Tourance tires. MSRP is set at $5,999 for the TRK502 and $6,399 for the TRK502X.
From Press Release:
Benelli Motorcycles USA and SSR Motorsports are proud to reveal the all-new Benelli TRK502 and TRK502X motorcycles, the ideal midsize mounts ready to head out for adventure. Wherever the roads may take you—across town or across the country—the TRK502 and TRK502X have the smooth power, comfortable ergonomics and versatile suspension for whatever journey your adventurous soul craves.
At the heart of the aggressively styled TRK502 and TRK502X beats Benelli’s all-new 499.6cc parallel twin engine. Designed with four-valve technology, the four-stroke fuel-injected, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine produces the ideal amount of midsize muscle, ensuring a broad spread of useable power and excellent fuel efficiency. Power is put to work by a six-speed transmission, ensuring a broad spread of useable torque, capable of carrying you through diverse road conditions.
The chassis of the TRK502 starts with the steel-tube trellis frame, which not only provides excellent handling and balance both on and off the tarmac, but also adds an aggressive flare to the adventure styling. Long-travel suspension is provided by a rugged 50mm inverted fork up front, with 5.3 inches of travel. The single shock rear suspension offers preload adjustability along with compression and rebound adjust so you can tune your ride for the road ahead, or the luggage on board.
The TRK502 features 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, front and rear, with 120/70 and 160/60 tires for a smooth ride and efficient road handling capabilities. The more adventurous TRK502X features wire-spoke wheels, 19-inch up front and 17-inch in the rear. When crossing over to the adventurous side, the aggressive Metzeler Tourance tires help tackle more versatile terrain. The TRK502X stands a bit taller, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance, while the TRK502 provides ample clearance of 7.5 inches.
Both the TRK502 and the crossover TRK502X offer generous 5.28 gallons (20 liter) fuel capacity, allowing you to go the distance. Ride in comfort with amazing wind and weather protection from the sleek windscreen, wrap-around hand guards and stylish bodywork. Ergonomics provide all-day comfort as well as an easy reach to the ground with a 31.5-inch seat height (33-inches on the TRK502X).
“We are very excited to introduce these all-new Benelli TRK motorcycles to the United States,” said Jeff Li, General Manager of SSR Motorsports, U.S. distributor of Benelli Motorcycles. “The TRK502 models provide much-needed midsize options in the adventure touring segment, and we feel that the Benelli TRK’s will offer a fun, versatile and comfortable ride for a wide range of riders.”
Maximize your touring possibilities with EVO Aluminum Cases available from Benelli. The top case and two side cases integrate seamlessly with the Benelli TRK502 and TRK502X, offering generous onboard capacity to pack whatever you need for your adventure. The full set retails for $999.
List prices are $5,999 for the TRK502, and $6,399 for the TRK502X. Both models are becoming available at SSR/Benelli Motorcycle dealers now.
Find more information, including specifications, at http://benelli.ssrmotorsports.com/bikes/trk502.php and http://benelli.ssrmotorsports.com/bikes/trk502x.php
Why does Rider give coverage to Chinese bikes? Or does Rider seriously still think Benelli is Italian? I’ll only consider buying Chinese when they stop invading India, withdraw from Tibet and East Turkestan (Xinjiang), renounce their bogus claim to Taiwan, and stop using slave labor.
Like we’re any better. The USA has been at war for most of our existence. Just in recent memory we’ve been screwing with Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea, Panama, Kosovo, Grenada, the Cold war, etc. Our president is putting kids in cages and our cops are murdering innocents and getting away with it, so let’s not pretend we have moral high ground to stand on.
The fact of the matter is that Benelli, and China in general, is making really cool motorcycles that fill a huge gap in the US motorcycle market. Inexpensive small and middleweight machines with modern technology and cool engine designs. China is doing the exact same thing Japan did in the 60s, and fighting against the same stigmas that Japanese goods were up against.
To put it plainly, people aren’t governments. The chinese people apparently love the same kind of motorcycles I do, and I’m really stoked about these Benellis as well as the CSC RX3 and RX4 adventure bikes.