It was bound to happen soon, and now we have confirmation that it will be much sooner than expected. The Benelli TRK 502 X is being tested on Indian roads which indicates a launch anytime soon. The adventure-tourer was shown at the Auto Expo 2016 and was initially expected to launch sometime in mid-2017. However, with the Benelli Group’s former partner DSK Group running into financial headwinds and plagued by subsequent operational issues, the company was forced to postpone the launch of its first adventure-tourer in India.
The Benelli TRK 502 will have an entry-level standard variant along with the 502 X version. Both models will sport a similar design although the former will get 17-inch alloy wheels for both front and rear. The TRK 502 X will offer 19-inch and 17-inch spoked alloy wheels for the front and rear. There will also be 50mm USD forks and preload, rebound and compression adjustable monoshocks for both models. A twin disc 320 mm front setup and 260m single rear disc will offer anchorage with dual-channel ABS as standard.
Now expected to launch by March 2019, the Benelli TRK 502 models could be priced anywhere between INR 5.5-6 lakhs (ex-showroom) as per estimates. Both models will use the liquid cooled 499.6 cc parallel-twin engine that dishes out 47.6 hp and 45 Nm of peak torque. The engine will be paired to a 6-speed gearbox and the bikes will have huge 20 litre fuel tanks to enable an enhanced touring range for users. Seat height of 840mm aside, the bikes will weigh approximately 213 kg which is almost the same as the weight of the Triumph Tiger 800 XR.
Benelli India now has a new partner after it tied up with AARI (Adishwar Auto Ride India), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahavir Group which is based in Hyderabad. Post the brand’s relaunch, Mahavir Group will take care of dealership expansion and sales for Benelli in the country while having established a new production facility on the outskirts of Hyderabad for CKD (Completely Knocked Down) unit assembling. The company is also planning to heavily localise components in the future in a bid to lower costs even further.
Photo source: AutoCar India
