Benelli TRK 502X TEST: diventa Euro 5 nel 2021 e vi diciamo come va

Moto.it
26 Apr 202123:01

Summary

TLDRThe Benelli TRK 502X is reviewed as a best-selling maxi enduro in Italy, noted for its comfort, versatility, and good performance on and off-road. The 2021 Euro 5 version offers improvements in engine software and exhaust, maintaining a regular performance with 47.6 CV at 8500 rpm. Despite its high weight of 240 kg, it provides a comfortable ride with low vibrations, excellent suspension, and good fuel consumption of about 20-25 km/l. The bike's quality-price ratio and regular engine performance are its strong points, though it has some drawbacks like weight and vibrations above 7000 rpm.

Takeaways

  • 🏍 The Benelli TRK 502X is a best-selling maxi enduro in Italy, with around 3600 units sold in 2020.
  • 🚀 It has a top speed of 156 km/h and meets Euro 5 emission standards with improvements in software, engine, and exhaust.
  • 📈 The declared weight is 235 kg, but it's around 240 kg with a full tank of 20 liters.
  • 🎢 The suspensions are praised for their performance on bumps, with 140 mm of travel and a 50 mm diameter fork.
  • 🚫 The riding position is comfortable, but the tank design slightly forces a backward and unnatural position for the legs.
  • 🔇 The ABS is switched on and works well with Metzeler Tourance tires, even for touristic offroad trips.
  • 🌆 The bike performs well in the city with a smooth engine at low RPMs and easy handling.
  • 🛣️ On the highway, the bike is stable and comfortable with good wind protection, but vibrations are noticeable above 7500 rpm.
  • 🏎️ The 500cc engine provides a smooth ride and is suitable for long travels, with a fuel consumption of about 20 km/l on the highway.
  • 🔄 The 2021 version has minor updates, mainly to comply with Euro 5 standards, and introduces a new yellow color option.
  • 📊 The Benelli TRK 502X offers a good quality-to-price ratio, comfort for the rider and passenger, and low consumption, but has a high weight and some vibrations.

Q & A

  • What is the Benelli TRK 502X known for in the world of maxi enduro motorcycles?

    -The Benelli TRK 502X is known for being the best-selling maxi enduro in Italy, recognized for its comfortable ride, versatility on different terrains, and its affordability compared to other maxi enduro bikes.

  • What improvements were made in the Euro 5 version of the Benelli TRK 502X?

    -The Euro 5 version of the Benelli TRK 502X includes improvements in software, engine, and exhaust to meet the new emission standards. The engine maps and exhaust system have been updated, and the first gear is slightly shorter for better performance.

  • What is the declared weight of the Benelli TRK 502X?

    -The declared weight of the Benelli TRK 502X is 235 kg, but with a full tank of 20 liters, it is approximately 240 kg.

  • How does the suspension system perform on the Benelli TRK 502X?

    -The suspension system on the Benelli TRK 502X is described as very flowing and effective, working well on bumps and providing a comfortable ride even on mixed tracks. It features 140 mm of travel with a 50 mm diameter fork.

  • What are the characteristics of the engine in the Benelli TRK 502X?

    -The Benelli TRK 502X has a 500 cc twin-cylinder engine that complies with Euro 5 standards. It delivers 47.6 CV at 8500 rpm and 46 Nm at 6000 rpm, offering a smooth and regular performance across different riding conditions.

  • How does the Benelli TRK 502X handle in the city?

    -In the city, the Benelli TRK 502X is easy to handle, especially due to its smooth engine performance at low RPMs. However, its weight and high center of gravity can be a concern at low speeds, requiring careful riding.

  • What is the fuel consumption of the Benelli TRK 502X on the highway and in mixed tracks?

    -The Benelli TRK 502X consumes about 18.5 km/liter on the highway and around 24-25 km/liter on mixed tracks, offering good fuel efficiency for a 500 cc motorcycle.

  • How does the Benelli TRK 502X perform on off-road tracks?

    -The Benelli TRK 502X can handle easy off-road tracks well, thanks to its good suspension, comfortable ergonomics, and capable engine. However, it is not designed for fast off-road use.

  • What are the pros and cons of the Benelli TRK 502X according to the script?

    -Pros include its quality-to-price ratio, comfort for the driver and passenger, low fuel consumption, and engine regularity. Cons are its high weight, difficulty with standing driving in off-road due to the tank shape, and vibrations above 7000 rpm.

  • What is the seating position like on the Benelli TRK 502X?

    -The seating position on the Benelli TRK 502X is comfortable, with a high and close handlebar, and a well-padded seat. However, the tank shape may force riders into a slightly backward and unnatural position.

  • What are the key features of the Benelli TRK 502X's braking system?

    -The Benelli TRK 502X features a braking system with double disks of 320 mm in the front and a single rear disk. The ABS is switched on and the system provides a lot of power, although it requires significant force for maximum braking.

Outlines

00:00

🏍 Introduction to Benelli TRK 502X and Testing Overview

The script introduces the Benelli TRK 502X, a best-selling maxi enduro in Italy, highlighting its popularity and the release of its Euro 5 version. The bike's performance is tested off-road, on asphalt, and in the city, emphasizing its versatility and comfort. Notable features include its 235 kg weight, 20-liter tank, and 50 mm diameter fork. The ABS system and Metzeler Tourance tires are praised for off-road capabilities, and the bike's handling and suspension performance are discussed.

05:04

🚦 Highway Performance and Vibration Analysis

The script details the Benelli TRK 502X's performance on the highway, focusing on its Euro 5 engine's power, the bike's stability at high speeds, and the comfort provided by its design. Vibration levels are noted to increase above 7500 rpm, affecting the handlebar and footpegs. The bike's aerodynamic protection and fuel efficiency are also discussed, with an average consumption rate of 20 km/l on the highway and 25 km/liter on normal roads.

10:18

🏞 Off-Road and Mixed Track Experience

The script describes the Benelli TRK 502X's off-road and mixed track performance, emphasizing its comfortable ride and the effectiveness of its suspension system. The bike's braking system and ergonomics are highlighted, with the handlebar's high position and the seat's comfort noted as beneficial for both the driver and shorter riders. The engine's smoothness and the bike's fuel consumption are praised, with the bike achieving 18.5 km/l on the highway and 24-25 km/liter on mixed tracks.

15:31

💰 Value for Money and Comparison with Competitors

The script discusses the Benelli TRK 502X's value proposition, comparing it to other maxi enduro bikes like the BMW GS. It's described as a more affordable option that still offers a comprehensive set of features and capabilities. The 2021 version's updates, including engine maps and exhaust adjustments for Euro 5 compliance, are noted. The bike's design, engine specifications, and overall performance are summarized, emphasizing its suitability for various riding conditions and its appeal to the Italian market.

20:34

📊 Final Thoughts and Test Conclusion

The script concludes with a summary of the Benelli TRK 502X's pros and cons. The bike's quality-to-price ratio, comfort for the driver and passenger, low fuel consumption, and engine regularity are praised. The cons include its high weight, vibrations at higher RPMs, and standing driving limitations due to the tank's shape. The script ends with a reminder to viewers to use protective gear and ride prudently, and to share their thoughts on the bike on the Moto.it YouTube channel.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Maxi Enduro

Maxi Enduro refers to a category of motorcycles designed for both on-road and off-road use, known for their large size and high performance. In the video, the Benelli TRK 502X is described as a maxi enduro due to its big dimensions and capability to handle various terrains, from asphalt roads to off-road tracks.

💡Euro 5

Euro 5 is a set of European emission standards for light-duty vehicles, including motorcycles, aimed at reducing air pollution. In the context of the video, the Benelli TRK 502X has been updated to meet these new emission standards, which involves changes in the engine and exhaust system.

💡Suspensions

Suspensions in motorcycles refer to the system that provides cushioning and damping while riding, improving handling and rider comfort. The Benelli TRK 502X features a suspension system that works well on various surfaces, contributing to its versatility and comfort.

💡ABS

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaining traction and control. The Benelli TRK 502X comes with switched-on ABS, which is crucial for off-road and touristic trips, enhancing safety and performance.

💡Weight

The weight of a motorcycle is a critical factor affecting its handling, performance, and maneuverability. The Benelli TRK 502X has a declared weight of 235 kg, but with a full tank, it is around 240 kg, which can be a challenge in low-speed city riding and during certain maneuvers.

💡Highway Performance

Highway Performance refers to how a motorcycle behaves and performs at high speeds on highways. The Benelli TRK 502X, despite being a mid-displacement bike, offers a good highway experience with minimal vibrations and comfortable riding position.

💡Consumption

Consumption in the context of motorcycles refers to the fuel efficiency or mileage of the bike. The Benelli TRK 502X is noted for its low consumption, making it suitable for touring and long-distance travel.

💡Ergonomics

Ergonomics in motorcycle design relates to how comfortable and efficient the bike is for the rider, including the seating position, handlebar height, and overall design. The Benelli TRK 502X is described as having excellent ergonomics, providing comfort for both the driver and passenger.

💡Off-Road Capability

Off-Road Capability refers to a motorcycle's ability to handle terrain other than paved roads, such as dirt, gravel, or rocky paths. The Benelli TRK 502X, while not designed for fast off-road racing, is praised for its ability to navigate off-road conditions safely and comfortably.

💡Engine Performance

Engine Performance encompasses the power, torque, and overall responsiveness of a motorcycle's engine. The Benelli TRK 502X's Euro 5 engine delivers 47.6 CV at 8500 rpm, providing a smooth and regular performance across different riding conditions.

Highlights

The Benelli TRK 502X is a best-selling maxi enduro in Italy, with about 3600 units sold in 2020.

The Euro 5 new version of the TRK 502X comes with improvements in software, engine, and exhaust to meet emission standards.

The declared weight of the TRK 502X is 235 kg, but it's approximately 240 kg with a full tank of 20 liters.

The suspensions on the TRK 502X are praised for their performance on bumps and adaptability to both seated and standing riding positions.

The handlebar design and high seat position on the TRK 502X provide a comfortable riding experience, although the tank shape may force an unnatural position.

The TRK 502X is equipped with ABS and Metzeler Tourance tires, offering a good balance of performance for both on and off-road use.

The bike is not designed for fast off-road use but is versatile and can handle various terrains with ease.

In the city, the TRK 502X is smooth and easy to handle, with a stress-free engine performance at low RPMs.

The braking system on the TRK 502X is powerful but requires significant force to achieve maximum deceleration.

The TRK 502X has a high center of gravity and weight issues at low speeds, requiring careful handling.

On the highway, the TRK 502X performs well with good vibrations control up to 7500 RPM and excellent wind protection.

The consumption of the TRK 502X is approximately 20 km/l on the highway and 25 km/liter on normal roads.

The 2021 version of the TRK 502X features a new Euro 5 engine with updated engine maps and a properly designed exhaust catalyst.

The first gear on the 2021 TRK 502X is slightly shorter, and the engine's character remains consistent with the previous Euro 4 version.

The Benelli TRK 502X is noted for its quality to price ratio, comfort for both rider and passenger, low consumption, and engine regularity.

The main cons of the TRK 502X include its high weight, tank shape affecting off-road standing driving, and vibrations above 7000 RPM.

The Benelli TRK 502X is produced by the Chinese company QJ, with planning and design done by Benelli Italy in Pesaro.

The TRK 502X features a steel trellis frame, adjustable rear mono shock absorber, and a comfortable seat for both the driver and passenger.

The Benelli TRK 502X is a practical and comfortable bike suitable for tourism, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.

Transcripts

play00:11

Hi Moto.it friends, you know that the world of maxi enduro is much more rich

play00:16

There are the maxi enduro which run up to 270 km/h on tracks

play00:19

some other which are doing the real offroad, and then the very comfortable maxi enduro

play00:24

But in addition to these ones there is another maxi enduro, so defined because of very big in dimensions,

play00:29

that has to be always well described by Moto.it because it is the maxi enduro best seller in Italy.

play00:38

On 2020 about 3600 TRK 502 have been sold and now is coming the Euro 5 new version.

play00:45

So we can go right now to test it because are some improvements above all in terms of software, engine and the exhaust just to obtain the Euro 5.

play00:52

Here is the Benelli TRK 502X

play00:58

We are now making a road deviation just to see how it goes the TRK out of the asphalt road

play01:05

The declared weight is of 235 kg but we are now around 240 kg with the full tank with 20 liters

play01:15

The suspensions are very flowing, they works very well on these bumps

play01:20

Now I'm driving seated.. now I'm standing

play01:26

On standing the driving is ok because the handlebar is very high and close to the driver

play01:32

On the other hand the tank doesn't allow to move the legs forward, in fact the shape of the tank slightly forces to a backward and an unnatural position

play01:49

The suspensions work well even if the excursion is not so big, 140 mm with the fork of 50 mm of diameter

play01:59

The ABS is switched on because is important, the tires are the good Metzeler Tourance but the ABS is always useful in offroad even in touristic trips

play02:20

Of course this is not a bike for fast offroad but it can drive you everywere

play02:29

Also the mono shock absorber is working well

play02:35

So I think that this short easy off road was perfect to demonstrate that the TRK "X" is ok as a maxi enduro

play02:51

I define this as a maxi enduro even if this is a 500 cc engine, but is very comfortable as the real maxi enduro bikes

play03:01

So this is an enduro bike with a mid displacement but with big dimensions.

play03:07

You see that also here on this dirt road the bike is going fast and safe without problems, this also thanks to the Benelli engine Euro 5

play03:19

But about the engine I will tell you something more later

play03:22

Now we are in the city and now I can tell you how it goes as this is a better condition for this TRK 502X compared with the off road

play03:38

The bike is very easy especially due to the engine, is very smooth at low rpm and it is not mandatory to stress the engine to have the best performances here and on the highway

play03:58

I'm now in third and you see here how the bike is going to restart easily

play04:01

I'm looking for some holes and I feel the very good answer of the suspensions also during the braking with the two disks of 320 mm while the mono is a bit soft.

play04:18

The braking system with the double disk has a lot of power but you need to apply a lot of force to have the max braking

play04:25

The clutch is very smooth as well the gear shift and the engine

play04:31

Flaws: in the city no specific problem with this Euro 5 version about heating but the only problem is the weight and the high center of gravity

play04:44

At low speed, under about 10/15 km/h the weight can be a problem so you have to be very careful and be fast to put your feet on the ground.

play05:04

Now we go on a faster road to see and tell you how it goes on highway because this is a bike for traveling even if it's a mid bike

play05:16

so the test on highway is important to check vibrations, protection from wind and , at the end, the consumption

play05:26

Highway to Piacenza

play05:30

Now we will see how it goes this Benelli at fast speed

play05:37

Euro 5 engine, 47,6 CV at 8500 rpm, 6 gears, the first gear is shorter than the previous version

play05:47

...and now ...Ticket !

play06:00

Let's start immediately with a strong acceleration and see how it goes this twin cylinder going after the max 8500 rpm

play06:09

We are already over the 130 km/h... fifth....sixth..now 156 km/h

play06:20

here we are at 160..this just to show you the push of the engine.. but now we go down to 130 km/h on the right side

play06:32

So, the vibrations are ok up to 7500 rpm, but from 7500 to 8000 I clearly feel the vibrations above all on handlebar and on footpegs

play06:51

Now I'm coming back to 7000 rpm... this is the most comfortable speed with this Benelli

play06:58

You see , the speedometer is showing 130 km/h at 6900 rpm

play07:05

The protection from the air is excellent and also the legs are well protected by the big tank of 20 liters

play07:11

I'm 1.85 meter tall, but the tank shape which I didn't like during the standing driving now it doesn't give any problem in seated driving

play07:24

On highway the feeling of this bike is very good, it's a 500 cc which can be used also for long travels, moreover I can anticipate that the consumption is about 20 km/l on highway

play07:38

while on the city and on normal roads the consumption is about 25 km/liter

play07:48

So this Benelli is fully suitable for tourism

play07:58

Very well on highway!

play08:01

Now together with my collegues Lillo and Edoardo will go to do a driving test on Monte Penice

play08:15

Here we are, we have a meeting with my collegues of Moto.it

play08:28

Hi Edo, today we have to show to our friends of Moto.it our job

play08:35

Are you doing a comparative test with which bike?

play08:36

The test is between this Aprilia and the Triumph Speed Triple R

play08:44

Beautiful! Last year we tested the Triumph RS and now we test the R which I never test it

play08:56

Beautiful this Triumph, I'm here with the Benelli TRK 502X, a travel bike

play09:05

But here we have two Italian bikes, two Italian brands which we will test today

play09:10

Now I fill the tank to check then the consumption of the TRK and then we can go to Monte Penice

play09:24

Now we start with a mix track on a secondary road not yet on Monte Penice with some holes which allow us to feel the right work of the suspensions

play09:37

The ergonomics is particular on the TRK, it seems to be seated on a armchair, very comfortable,

play09:46

The handlebar very high and close to the driver is also ok for not tall drivers

play09:55

Seat at 86 cm, declared 235 kg with full tank but we are effectively around 240 kg.

play10:01

You feel the weight at low speed but on the mix tracks like this you can safely drive thanks also to the good tires

play10:17

The braking is powerful but it requires a lot of strength to obtain the max deceleration

play10:23

Now I'm braking starting from 87 km/h

play10:29

You saw that the braking is very smooth and with only two fingers the bike stops very fast.

play10:37

Tight hairpin.. not always easy to be done.. but here there are no problem because the bike is very easy to be drive

play10:53

Excellent the fork, not adjustable but I like its calibration

play11:00

The rear mono is not so strong but it gives you a lot of comfort helped also by the well padded seat

play11:08

On mixed tracks there are no vibrations, is a bit too soft but it's very comfortable.

play11:19

The best thing I like in the mix is the behavior of the engine, the Euro 5 with 47,6 CV is very good,

play11:32

Now I'm on second gear but I can put the third or even the forth and you can see how it is sweet this engine to the restart

play11:41

The clutch by cable is soft and reacts well at strong use

play11:47

The instrumentation is well readable, particularly the analogic tachometer is beautiful and the small LCD panel showing two trips, the fuel level, engine liquid and time

play12:03

I'd like to have the external temperature indication because could be useful to know the asphalt condition

play12:12

Now you can heard the sound of the engine, the exhaust sound is very beautiful also with this Euro 5

play12:26

Hear the sound.. second... third ....very soft gearshift... excellent gear with the sixth gear mainly used on highways

play12:40

This gear can be easily used even without electronic quickshifter because is very easy and soft

play12:52

The fork is giving me a lot of safety even if the asphalt is ruined and then up with the speed even if it is not so reactive but it is a 500 cc and not a 1000 or 1200 cc with huge power as we are now used in these days

play13:14

This bike is going well, very comfortable, good consumptions around 18.5 km/l on highway, 24/25 km/liter on mixed tracks

play13:32

...but then it depends how much you push...

play13:45

Let's heard the engine.....

play13:54

And now we can reach operators, photographers and collegues to start with the videos

play14:03

Here we are... Hi Francesco, can we start with our work?.... Yes, it's time! Ok we can start!

play14:13

We have seen before Edoardo with the Aprilia Tuono and now here there is Lillo with the Triumph. Which is your bike?

play14:26

Triumph Speed Triple R

play14:33

And there I see Luca ready with the videocamera... Luca, are you ready for the camera car?

play14:42

So boys, now we show you how is made the Benelli TRK

play14:51

Ok, we started this morning and we found Edoardo and Lillo with their sporty bikes. Now I take off the helmet and together with Camilla and Luca we can describe the Benelli TRK 502 X 2021 version

play15:16

We are testing this bike because, as said this morning, this bike was the best seller of the 2020 in Italy

play15:30

The basic version of the TRK 502 together with this "X" version, more indicate for off road, were liked so much by the Italians

play15:36

Camilla was asking me a good question about the Benelli TRK 502 : Why should I buy the GS instead of the TRK which costs 5990 Euro ?

play15:51

Of course these are two completely different worlds.

play15:55

But just to answer the Camilla's question: in this world of maxi enduro the TRK can be seen as a dish of spaghetti with tomato sauce, so always a good dish

play16:12

The GS is another thing, as well as the Multistrada , the Tiger or the KTM 1290 are a different products and can be seen like a dish of pasta amatriciana, so a completely different flavour

play16:22

But here is the essential of the bike, with this bike you can do all you can do with the other maxi enduro bikes

play16:26

Of course here there is not the same power and the same dynamic behavior so exciting as present in the other maxi

play16:32

but also with the previous TRK test comparisions with SWM and KTM 390 done with Gix we have seen that with this TRK you can do everything and well.

play16:47

In the city is very comfortable, the twin cylinder engine is very regular at low rpm

play16:52

It goes on easy off road tracks

play16:55

On highway it goes very well even if are some vibrations above 7000 rpm

play17:00

so this is a well done product, it is cheap for what it offers with a decent quality which is surely good in correlation with the price

play17:08

and this justifies the liking of most of you in Italy, this not only for the price but because this is a very comfortable bike that does everything you want.

play17:19

Now we can describe the changes of this 2021 version: the aesthetics is still the same of the 2020 version because the main change is on the engine since that now is Euro 5

play17:30

It has been updated on engine maps and above all on the exhaust with the catalyst properly done to meet the new rules

play17:39

The first gear is now a bit shorter than before but it is not so evident when you drive.

play17:44

On the other hand now are more appreciable the new engine maps, the Euro 5 has the same character as the Euro 4 and it is a bit more regular than before.

play17:52

The engine is not so exciting about the performances, we have 47,6 CV at 8500 rpm and 46 N m at 6000 rpm

play18:01

As said the bike is very regular as we have seen both on off road, highway and on mixed tracks and mainly it goes very well

play18:10

The handlebar shows a bit different shape and the handguards are well done with aluminium supports

play18:16

So the bike is mainly unchanged except for an interesting thing that the likes the other bikers: it is the new yellow colour as a limited edition for the 2021

play18:30

Coming back to the other elements: twin cylinder engine 500 cc, front wheel of 19 inches, rear wheel of 17 inches with Metzeler Tourance tires.

play18:49

The beak is still unchanged with LED position lights, the windshield is not adjustable but it protects very well and has a support bar for the navigation device

play19:00

Fuel tank of 20 liters and there is a useful USB socket on the left side of the tank cap

play19:06

There are the engine bars which are quite big so it need to be careful in the traffic but I agree with Benelli because they are very useful in case of accident to protect the bike but above all the legs of the biker

play19:25

Upside down forks 50 mm diameter not adjustable while the mono absorber is adjustable both on preload and on hydraulic return

play19:33

The frame is still a steel trellis frame and also the swingarm is done by steel

play19:41

Other important thing is that the Benelli is produced by the giant chinese company QJ which produces many components including suspensions, brake disks and calipers

play20:00

If the production is done in China it is important to say that the planning and design is done by Benelli Italy in Pesaro as Benelli has a very important history on motorbike production.

play20:17

Coming about other elements, I remember you that the weight is 240 kg with full tank, the seat is at 86 cm from the ground and you can see how it's large and well padded both for the driver and also for the passenger

play20:34

Footpegs at the right height and the heating doesn't affect both the driver and the passenger

play20:38

Now I can give you some numbers before to the closure about pros and cons

play20:43

Interesting numbers because this Benelli consumes 18.5 km/liter on highway that is a good result at 130 km/h

play20:58

On the mixed tracks the consumption is about 25 km/liter. Good performances for a 500 cc because the real max speed is 156 km/h which correspond at 169 km/h at 9000 rpm

play21:12

While at 130 km/h the engine is at about 6900 rpm

play21:16

That's all, but before to close the test I give you the pros and cons found during the test.

play21:22

Starting with pros : first place for quality / price ratio which is always the strong point of the TRK 502 X, second place for driver and passenger comfort except for some vibrations above 130/140 km/h,

play21:39

Third place for the low consumptions and forth place for the regularity of the engine

play21:51

Now the cons : first place for the weight which is high, 240 kg with full tank, and the driving must be very careful above all in the city

play22:10

second, standing driving in off road because of the large shape of the tank. Third place for the vibrations. even if,as already said, they are present only above 7000 rpm

play22:29

Guys, the test is now finished, give your comments about this Benelli TRK 502 X 2021 on Youtube channel and always remember to use the protections and back protector and always prudently drive! Ciao!

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Related Tags
Benelli TRK 502XMaxi EnduroEuro 5Performance ReviewOff-Road TestingHighway RideCity DrivingSuspensionABSMetzeler Tires