Benelli India launched the TRK 502 and the TRK 502X in India earlier this week. The adventure tourers compete with the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650, and the SWM Superdual T. Here's a quick spec-level comparison of the Benelli TRK 502 with its nearest rivals.
Features
All three adventure tourers don't boast of a fancy equipment list. Features like traction control, LCD instrument cluster, ride-by-wire etc., are not available in any of these bikes. That said, the Benelli TRK 502 range comes with switchable dual-channel ABS, an analogue-digital instrument cluster and a fixed windscreen.
The Kawasaki Versys 650 too features a dual-channel ABS but misses out on the disengaging functionality. It gets a semi-digital instrument console and is the only bike in this comparison to come with an adjustable windshield, on the fly. The SWM Superdual T, on the other hand, is the most basic ADV in the shootout. While it features a digital instrument cluster, it is a tiny unit that displays the most basic information. It receives dual-channel ABS and a non-adjustable flyscreen.
Engine & Transmission
The Benelli TRK 502 is the smallest and the least powerful motorcycle in this comparison. It employs a 499.5cc, parallel twin-cylinder, 8-valve, liquid-cooled, DOHC motor that churns out 47 bhp of power and 45 Nm of peak torque. A 6-speed gearbox works in sync with the powertrain. While the power figures are conservative, they are developed lower down the rev range, which should favour rideability.
The Kawasaki Versys 650, on the other hand, is the most potent ADV in this shootout. It used a 649cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that produces 68 bhp of power and 64 Nm of peak torque. The motor is mated to a six-speed transmission.
The SWM Superdual T is a rare 600cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve motor that is based on an old Husqvarna engine platform and comes paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The fuel-injected mill generates 54 bhp of maximum power at 7,500 rpm and 55 Nm of peak torque at 6,250 rpm.
Suspension & Ergonomics
All the three adventure tourers come equipped with upside-down front forks and a rear mono-shock. However, while the Benelli TRK 502 and the SWM Superdual T get non-adjustable units up front, the Kawasaki Versys 650 features fully-adjustable 41 Showa forks with rebound damping and preload adjustability.
The Benelli TRK 502 range features 50 mm upside-down units while the SMW Superdual T uses 45 mm front forks. While all three bikes feature a preload and rebound adjustable rear mono-shock, the Kawasaki Versys 650 gets a remote knob for adjustments.
| Specifications | Benelli TRK 502/502X | Kawasaki Versys 650 | SWM Superdual T |
| Engine | 499.5cc, parallel-twin | 649cc, parallel-twin | 600cc, single-cylinder |
| Maximum Power | 47.5 bhp at 8,500 rpm | 68 bhp at 8,500 rpm | 54 bhp at 7,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 46 Nm at 6,000 rpm | 64 Nm at 7,000 rpm | 55 Nm at 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-speed | Six-speed | Six-speed |
| Front Suspension | 50 mm USD forks | 41 mm USD forks, Preload & rebound | 45 mm USD forks |
| Rear Suspension | Adjustable Mono-shock | Adjustable Mono-shock | Adjustable Mono-shock |
| Front Brake | 320 mm twin discs | 300 mm twin discs | 300 mm disc |
| Rear Brake | 260 mm disc | 250 mm disc | 220 mm disc |
| Front Tyre Size | 120/70-17 / 110/80-19 | 120/70-17 | 110/80-19 |
| Rear Tyre Size | 160/60-17 / 150/70-17 | 160/60-17 | 140/80-17 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 litres | 21 litres | 18 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 235kg | 216kg | 197kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm/840 mm | 840 mm | 898 mm |
| Ground clearance | 190 mm/220 mm | 170 mm | 180 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1525 mm | 1415 mm | 1510 mm |
| Price | INR 5 lakh/5.40 lakh | INR 6.69 lakh | INR 6.50 lakh |
The Benelli TRK 502 and the TRK 502X come with a seat height of 800 mm and 840 mm, respectively. The Versys 650 features the same 840 mm saddle height, which is relatively acceptable for an ADV. However, the SWM Superdual T gets supermoto-like ergonomics with a tall seat height of 898 mm, which will be a matter of concerns for shorter as well taller riders alike.
Luggage Mounts, Accessories & Protection
Being an ADV, it is necessary to come with luggage mounting options and accessories as an option, if not standard. And none of these three bikes disappoints in that regard. That said, while the TRK 502 and Superdual T feature a rear parcel rack as standard, the Kawasaki Versys 650 gets it as an optional extra.
Also Read: Benelli India to launch 5 models in 2019; expand reach with new dealerships
The SWM Superdual T further gets saddle stays and panniers along with an engine guard as standard fitments. The TRK 502 and the Versys 650 gets these as additional accessories. While the Benelli TRK 502X and the Superdual T come with a metal engine bash plate as standard, the Versys 650 features a plastic engine belly guard.
