Benelli, a Chinese brand of motorcycles with Italian roots, has been selling its entry-level adventure bike, the TRK 502, for some time now. When it was launched in 2017, it was quite impressive, with features that were ahead of its time.
However, it is now evident that the TRK 502X is starting to show its age. The 400cc to 500cc adventure touring class has evolved rapidly in recent years, with new offerings from both new and established manufacturers shaking up the market. Bikes like the KTM 390 Adventure, as well as the newly launched Royal Enfield Himalayan and CFMOTO 450MT, place a strong emphasis on off-road performance. Meanwhile, machines like the Honda NX500 focus on long-distance touring capability.
So, where does this leave the old Benelli TRK? Well, as it turns out, Benelli has revamped the bike, introducing it as the TRK 552X for the year 2024. And, judging by the specifications and features of the bike, it seems that Benelli has taken what was good about the TRK 502X and made it even better.
The halogen headlights have been replaced, and in their place, there is a new set of dual-unit LED headlights. The front panel has been refined with a more aggressive profile and a larger windshield. And the fairings are wider, blending in with the large fuel tank.
In the cockpit, the old analog-digital display has been replaced by a full-color TFT screen, just like all the other bikes in the segment. The screen also includes features like smartphone pairing and an integrated tire pressure monitoring system.
Marketed as an entry-level adventure bike, the new TRK 552X has plenty of power for its class. Its 550cc twin-cylinder engine produces a respectable 60 hp of power and 54.9 Nm of torque, bridging the gap between entry-level and mid-range ADV segments.
When it comes to technology, however, it seems that Benelli has kept things fairly simple, as the TRK only features dual-channel ABS – no riding modes, no sophisticated electronics.
That said, judging by the motorcycle’s foundations, it is clear that Benelli does not want to compete with the rally-inspired ADV segment, but rather fill the gap between on-road performance and off-road capability. Therefore, although the TRK has a sophisticated Marzocchi suspension with a range of adjustments front and rear, it rides on a combination of spoked 19-17 wheels with Metzeler Tourance tires.
As is the case with most Benelli motorcycles, the TRK 552X was first launched in China. If it is successful, it is likely to be sent to other markets where it will compete with some of the motorcycles we mentioned above.
