Motorcycle specifications BenelliTRK 502 X 2020 Boots and places

Benelli's "adventure" trail bike gets better in 2020, with a series of details showing its desire for a qualitative rise. As on some high-end machines, the controls are backlit. The TRK 502 X gains a new saddle, a new aluminum luggage rack, the handlebars and clutch lever become adjustable, the handguards are reinforced with an aluminum section and the bike's logo is embossed on the mirrors and grips.

A successful model in Italy, the TRK shows that being reasonable has its virtues. It goes against the grain of the Italian school, which is genetically fiery and demonstrative. And in the opposite direction to today's one-upmanship.

Although today's (large) trailers are mainly synonymous with SUVs with Grand Touring potential, most manufacturers have not lost sight of the goal of good expectations: towards distant lands or beyond-the-mile experiences. To this end, they offer their machines in more adventurous versions: BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports, KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, Triumph Tiger 1200 XC, Yamaha 1200 Super Ténéré Raid Edition, Ducati 1200 Multistrada Enduro... All high-caliber stuff.

Benelli has decided to join the commando, but in its own way. The TRK 502 also consumes a dose of travel agency with this X variant. It's wider, taller and has more pavement, all in a mid-size engine format.

the other members of the expedition will be surprised by this TRK 502 X. In the midst of the big twins (1200 cc min) spewing out 120 to 160 hp, the Benelli looks like a grasshopper. Its parallel twin makes do with half a liter of displacement and 47.6 horsepower. This is ideal power for an A2 license, but it pales in comparison with the behemoths of the competition. For high speeds, a nice average and muscular acceleration, it's dead. For the spirit on the other hand... let's not forget that Yamaha's 500 XT won the Dakar with less watts than that - in '79 and '80.
Weight-wise, however, it's a different kettle of fish. At 213 kilos dry weight, the machine loses its grasshopper status. When you consider that a Mash 400 Adventure is 60 kilos lighter, you wonder whether the Benelli has been eating lead or cast iron for breakfast.

Let's get down to the facts and skills of this TRK X. The cross symbol, because this machine is much more off-road than the standard version. That's why it's fitted with spoked wheels with different profiles. The front wheel is now 19 inches, while the tires are slimmer and have a more pronounced tread pattern. Still not enough to compete with an enduro, but enough to take on rougher trails. Once you're in there, you'll be able to attempt some light cross-country maneuvers, as the ground clearance has been raised to 220 mm (+30 mm). The front suspension has 10 mm more travel and the rear shock absorber has also gained a few mm. But still too little for quality work on normal roads. So, on rough terrain...
These increases inevitably lead to a higher seat height, perched here at 860 mm. The more substantial padding contributes to this height. And comfort should benefit.

But the Benelli TRK 502 X is a true believer. To continue to convince, it moves its potty to a raised rear side position. Luggage racks are fitted at the stern, and the brakes are taken down a notch. From 4-piston radial to 2-piston axial. Contrary to the guns of this segment, the fuel tank is not increased in capacity. However, with the mono's measured appetite, the 20-liter capacity will provide a good range.

With the TRK 502 X, Benelli attempts a pocket-sized adventure. The machine promises its share of frontiers, like the bigger, better-known baroudeurs. But in half the size and three times the price.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos