Benelli TRK502X
Any thoughts on the Benelli TRK502X as an overlander/TRW bike?
I know the normal TRK502 got a few bad reviews, but the X has quite a lot of improvements and some favourable reviews. I bought one of the first ones just after they were launched in China last year and have only pleasure with it, doing open road trips every week in China and having clocked up quite a few thousand km's. It is quite big for a 500, but it suits me, as I am 186cm tall. It goes well, very willing little engine, and the saddle is super comfortable. Fuel economy is also not bad and it sports a 20 liter fuel tank, giving good range, ideal for long distance touring.
Although it is an Italian bike, Benelli was bought by a Chinese company a few years ago and it is thus a Chinese bike. I also looked at a Honda CB500X, which was 50% more, but I was not willing to pay that premium. Price was around US$6k. The bike is quite basic, with ABS the only aid, and it is simple enough to tinker with, considering I come from a lifetime of Land Rovers.
Benelli has a very good footprint in Asia and I believe in Europe too, parts are cheap and can easily be ordered online, with delivery within days. These include service parts as well as body parts and upgrades.
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