Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

what bike query approved.

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

I am in the same thoughts myself and have the same 2 bikes you mentioned as options to consider but unlike you, I am still on small tours and have not done major road trips. Coming to the point TRK 502 is about to be launched here next Feb 2018 and BMW 310GS may be in the mid of 2018. Till now what i heard about the TRK is its way too heavy at 250kgs very close to the BMW 1200GS in terms of weight, besides that the engine is not so responsive and the brakes are mediocre. But looks and the purpose built bike is very compelling to me and I would only TD it before taking the plunge. 310GS on the other hand i think will be a better option since its a German Engineered product and as accolades for its build, also being built in India the spares wouldn't be a problem.

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?


Thanks for the reply. Im not somehow convinced with the power numbers of the 310 GS and I doubt if the y even plan to launch it here. The other contenders with the tiger just thrown in for perspective stacks as below.

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

Well in the Power Front I think the only option available is TRK 502 which I guess will be close to 5.5L OTR other than that there are very few Versys available on the used bike market, Honda CB500X is not to be seen in India and I am not sure it will come anytime soon.
Not to put you down with your interest on TRK . The benelli's have not been very successful in India with regards to their service, other than the bikes TNT 300 and TNT 25 having subsidized service costs, the other bigger capacity bikes have very short service intervals and tighter bills.

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

Yes abiram..that was my apprehensions with benelli too.
So it comes back to either stretch out to a new versys or plonk it on a Himalayan.
If nothing else is in budget, I think I will go with the Himalayan FI after it proves its time after launch.

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?


Have been using Himalayan for about 8 months now and have put 10K Km on the odo. I haven't had the opportunity, like you have had, to ride it till Spiti. But I have done small rides whenever I could. Agreed there are quality issues and lack of power.

For quality issues - The service guys are very proactive in replacing the parts - no questions asked, you tell them this needs to be changed with a justification, they do it. Personally, I got my clutch, cone set, tapper bearings changed, in the process of getting tyres too . It broke down once (for which I got the indication on my bike console that there is less charge in the battery) because there was some issue in battery (which they rectified).

With lack of power - if speed is 80-100, it does the job well. In my experience 80 is the best speed to enjoy it.

It's a great bike to have. Only suggestion would be - wait for the FI to come out, let it be there in the market for a while, hear the reviews and then decide. I hear that the delay in release of the H (FI version) is because they are trying to resolve the issues (hope it's true)

The problem is that except for Himalayan, there is no other proper adv in the Indian Market. As you said, the next is Versys. TRK is to be launched next yr, but haven't been hearing good reviews. Eagerly, praying that KTM Adv 390 gets launched in India. At least, we would have an option.

Cheers!

Edit: Heard that it will be available for TD from August 3rd week.

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

This is an excerpt from an article:-

The DSK Benelli TRK 502 won't have direct competition around the ₹ 5 lakh price point

Kulkarni elaborated, "The TRK 502 is ready, everything is done. We have to get it certified that's all. I said I'm not even taking it because there is no ABS. So you [Benelli] give me an off-road ABS version and I will pick it up today. People want the off-road ABS version."

With ABS to be mandatory on 125 cc and above two wheelers starting April 2018, it also makes little business sense to bring the non-ABS model, Kulkarni explained. "Why should I launch it and sell it and then keep the normal braking system in stock as a spare part forever. I might as well wait one year and they give me the product that I want," he added.

Read the full text here :

Access Denied

https://auto.ndtv.com/news/dsk-benelli-trk-502-adventure-tourer-to-be-launched-in-india-next-year-1730840

Looks like they are serious about launching it and might be showing some interest in the product.

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

It has not got good reviews. Check this one out for example:



However as far as braking is concerned, DSK head Mr. Kulkarni made it very clear that this will come to India in Jan 2018 with ABS.

Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

So would the Himalayan still be the safest bet?
Also Considering the initial investment is much lower,?

One small problem I felt during my spiti ride was the Himalayan was a bit cramped for my knees,(I'm 6.1) the ergonomics and seating position was all bang on but personally I felt the seat height a little low for my frame ..Over long continuous riding I felt a llittle knocked on with the knees

..(maybe also as I'm used to the cruiser that's my Thunderbird 'a relaxed riding posture and stretched out foot pegs)

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

Why don't you look at the Tnt300? It may not be an Adv bike but works well as a tourer, you are 6'1 so this bike will be perfect for you, as for the service DSK has introduced something which lowers service costs. I think you should check out the Tnt300 ownership thread.

Sent from my Redmi Note 3 using xBhp.com mobile app

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

Thanks abhishekilke ...
Good suggestion ..I too have heard good things about the TNT 300.
But if benelli brand and service is sorted and liveable...then I would stretch over to the TRK502
What I was wondering is if the 502 worth it ...for its price (around 5lac, ) or should I live a less complicated life with the fi Himalayan.

Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?


An extremely capable off road Himalayan kept me happy off the road entire trip.

Only problem was in highway and some inclines it felt underpowered and the ergonomics though very well balanced, a bit cramped for my frame and was requiring my knee to take a break quite often.

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

Guys any news about the FI HIMALAYAN deliveries?

Re: Looking for an Affordable ADV Tourer-Does the Benelli TRK 502 make sense?

The TD vehicles are out. Delivery wise I heard it will take 30-45 days.