Benelli brings 2021 TRK 502 ADV middleweights to the U.S.

Benelli just announced the arrival of two newcomers in the mid-size ADV segment, priced a bit higher than the RE or CSC, but still in affordable territory. The road-biased TRK 502 will retail for $5,999, while the TRK 502X wears taller suspension, spoked wheels, and dual-purpose tires for $6,399. The TRK 502s have been offered in other markets for some time, but they have not been available in the United States until now.

Powering both TRKs is Benelli’s all-new 500 cc parallel twin, rated at 47 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. The trellis frame wears an adjustable 50 mm fork up front and a standard monoshock arrangement out back.

The 502X has a 19/17 wheelset instead of the plain 502’s 17/17 setup, and combined with slightly different suspension, the more adventuresome variant offers just over an inch more ground clearance than the base model at 8.6 inches. The tires are tubed on the X, though. (Tubeless spoked wheels would be pretty impressive at this price point.) Braking is handled by dual 320 mm front discs and a 260 mm rear, all ABS-equipped.

Note the difference in exhausts. The 502 wears a stubby underbelly muffler, while the 502X apes big-ADV style with a big can on the left side. Benelli does advertise the TRK 502 and TRK 502X as “full-size” bikes. Seat height is 31.5 inches and 33 inches, respectively.

In the styling department, we’ve got a mashup of Ducati Multistrada, BMW R 1250 GS and Benelli’s own look. The dash is easily the most dated part of the package to me, though I wouldn’t expect (or necessarily want) a TFT display on a sub-$6,500 bike. I’d rather see my money go towards useful ADV features, like the hand guards, engine guards, and center stand that come standard on both models.

The competition

Benelli’s closest competitor is probably Honda’s CB500X ($6,999), a proven little platform that boasts Honda reliability and just received a refresh last year. I could also see potential buyers cross-shopping the Kawasaki Versys 650, the Suzuki Wee-Strom, the RE Himalayan, the prehistoric 650 dual sports, or maybe the KTM 390 Adventure. I’d have to draw the line at Yamaha’s Ténéré 700, a much more capable and expensive bike by comparison.

As Benelli continues making moves into the U.S. market, we may see some more of their international offerings, and maybe even a rumored 750-class TRK. For now, the TRK 502s are available now in white or grey.

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