Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
29.5 pts
Unweighted: 18 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
ATHER 450 Apex
2.5 pts
Unweighted: 3 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | — |
| Displacement | 500 | — |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | — |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 7.0 kW |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 26 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 | — |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl | — |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 220 | 111.6 kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | 780 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | — |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | Hydraulically actuated triple-piston calliper disc |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Hydraulically actuated single-piston calliper disc |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | Symmetrically mounted progressive monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 90/90 - 12 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 100/80 - 12 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | 3.7 kWh Lithium-ion |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | — |
| Color Options | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black | Edium Blue |
| Cons | Bulk and weight can make city riding or tight manoeuvres tricky: For its size and weight, it’s not the nimblest — U-turns, narrow lanes or heavy traffic require care and effort. Pillion comfort and practicality issues: The rear seat and pillion comfort setup don’t match the front’s promise very well; for two-up rides or long tours with a passenger, it might feel compromised. Ride can be a bit firm: Suspension may feel stiff on certain rough patches or very uneven roads — not the plushest cruiser ride in all conditions. Fuel efficiency and running cost may not be ideal: Given the displacement and weight, fuel consumption and maintenance may turn out costlier than lighter/smaller bikes — something to weigh if you ride daily. Feature-set and usability tradeoffs: While it offers the basics, it misses some modern amenities (e.g. advanced electronics or luggage accessories) that some rivals may provide — limiting its appeal for tourers or riders wanting more convenience. | Relatively expensive — might feel like overkill if you only need basic commuting. Suspension and ride comfort may feel a bit firm on rough or potholed roads. Storage and seating/space may feel limited if you need more room or are a taller rider. Real-world range drops noticeably with aggressive riding or heavy load — and reliability depends on having charging access. The premium features and extra cost may not feel “worth it” for riders who don’t use them often. |
| Detailed Overview | When you fire up the 502C, you wake a 500-cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that’s built around a DOHC, 8-valve layout. It uses electronic fuel injection and runs a fairly high compression ratio, so throttle response feels sharp and smooth — no lags or jerks when you twist the throttle. The engine makes about 35 kW (roughly 47–48 PS) around 8,500 rpm, and delivers its peak torque of around 46 Nm at 6,000 rpm. On Indian roads, that translates into a character that’s friendly in traffic yet competent and eager when you open it up — enough grunt for overtakes, decent roll-on from mid-range, and comfortable cruising at highway speeds without feeling stressed. Once you slot it into the 6-speed gearbox, shifts feel precise, and the chain drive delivers power without fuss. In daily commuting or in stop-go city traffic, the clutch and gearbox combine to give a relaxed ride. On open roads or highways, the 500-cc twin keeps things stable and alive, rather than peaky or nervous. What helps the 502C feel grounded is its chassis and suspension setup. It rides on a sturdy steel trellis frame, which provides a nice balance between rigidity and a bit of give — meaning that rough roads or small bumps don’t jolt you harshly. Up front, there’s an upside-down telescopic fork; at the rear, a mono-shock. The suspension soaking capabilities make city potholes, uneven surfaces or speed-breakers feel far less jarring than you might expect for a cruiser. If you ride alone or with a pillion, the rear suspension remains composed — and the preload-adjustability allows a little customization when carrying different loads or luggage. Physically, the 502C sits in a comforting sweet spot. Its seat is relatively low (so many riders find their feet touch the ground easily at stops) and yet the bike carries enough bulk and presence to feel like a proper cruiser. The wheelbase gives it stability at speed, and while it won’t dance through narrow alleys or squeeze through bumper-to-bumper traffic like a lighter commuter, once you’re rolling, it tracks straight and steady rather than nervous or twitchy. For longer rides — intercity or weekend rides — this relaxed stability becomes a big advantage: you don’t get tired quickly, and control remains confidence-inspiring. Stopping power on the 502C matches the confidence the engine gives. With dual discs up front and a disc at the rear — all backed by dual-channel ABS — braking feels strong and progressive. You’re unlikely to get unpleasant surprises under hard braking, whether you’re solo or riding with a pillion and load. The setup gives assurance even in tricky situations: a quick stop, a sudden swerve, or braking on slippery surfaces — the bike handles them calmly. Range-wise, the 21.5-litre fuel tank lets you cover decent distances without frequent fuel stops, which is a welcome bonus if you enjoy longer rides or city-to-city stretches. Add to that the comfortable ergonomics — upright posture, thoughtfully placed footpegs and a well-padded seat — and the 502C becomes a machine that invites you to ride for hours without undue fatigue. Of course, it’s not a light commuter or nimble sport-bike: the weight and geometry mean low-speed manoeuvres and tight traffic can be a little unwieldy, and quick lane-splits or U-turns require a bit of care. But that’s part of the deal when you choose a cruiser: in return for a laid-back, planted ride and a relaxed highway character, you trade a bit of agility. In real-world terms, the 502C feels like a “grown-up’s cruiser” — balanced, capable, and accessible. It gives you more than enough power to enjoy open roads, offers comfort and stability for longer rides, yet remains manageable enough for daily city commuting (with some care). For a mid-size cruiser, it strikes that rare balance where you don’t need to be a hardened rider to enjoy what it delivers, yet it doesn’t ride like a mere commuter. | From the moment you swing a leg over the Ather 450 Apex, you quickly realize this isn’t just another electric scooter — it’s meant for people who care about performance, control and smart urban commuting. The heart of the ride is a well-tuned 7.0 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). Thanks to that, the Apex produces up to 26 Nm of torque and delivers brisk acceleration. The numbers are impressive on paper — 0 to 40 km/h in about 2.9 seconds — but on the road that translates to a quick launch off the traffic light, a feeling of immediacy and confidence in start-stop city traffic. What really stands out is the top-end power: the Apex can push beyond the 100 km/h mark, which is rare for an electric scooter in everyday commuter territory. That means the scooter doesn’t just shine in stop-and-go traffic — it’s also capable enough for longer rides, smoother expressway bursts, or overtaking with composure, rather than relying on brute throttle. Under the floorboard lies a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. According to the maker, a full charge delivers a certified “IDC” range of up to 157 km — though real-world results will depend heavily on riding style, mode selected, and load (rider + pillion + cargo). In everyday mixed use, you might see somewhere between 110–130 km on a charge if riding moderately, or closer to 75–95 km if you’re leaning on the scooter’s performance edge with aggressive acceleration or using “Warp+” mode. That makes the Apex genuinely practical for daily commuting and occasional long-ish rides. Recharging doesn’t take forever either: with the standard home charger, going from zero to full takes roughly 5¾ hours. For many users, that means a single overnight charge can give you more than a day’s worth of commuting — convenient and low-friction. Of course, power is nothing without control — and on that front, the Apex doesn’t disappoint. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both the front and rear, paired with a combined braking system plus regenerative braking. The regenerative braking is enhanced via a feature called “Magic Twist”: simply releasing the throttle initiates deceleration and regeneration, which smoothens urban rides and helps squeeze out a bit more from the battery. That also means less reliance on brake levers for everyday slowing, making riding more intuitive — especially in stop-heavy traffic. Ride quality strikes a balance between agility and comfort. The suspension setup — telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear — combined with relatively light kerb weight (about 111.6 kg) and compact 12-inch wheels, makes the scooter nimble and easy to manoeuvre through crowded lanes or narrow city roads. For you, that translates into easy overtakes, nippy turns, and less stress when weaving through traffic, while the suspension does enough to absorb most urban bumps and potholes without jarring you. Practicality isn’t ignored either: there’s an under-seat storage of generous 22 litres — handy for a helmet, groceries or a backpack — and seat height is accessible for most riders. In real life, that means you don’t have to worry about where to stash your stuff, and mounting or dismounting remains easy even in everyday use. But what really makes the Apex feel like a “modern scooter of 2025” is how connected and smart it is. A sharp 7-inch touchscreen dashboard offers smartphone connectivity, navigation (via Google Maps), music and call controls, notifications and more. You don’t need to dig out your phone for directions — just glance at the dash. Features such as auto-cancel indicators, “guide-me-home” lights, emergency stop signal, and even “infinite cruise” (cruise-like comfort for longer trips) lend the scooter a layer of convenience and modernity that gets appreciated in day-to-day life. For many riders, having multiple ride modes — ranging from Smart Eco and Eco to Sport and the aggressive Warp+ — is a big plus. It means you can tailor the ride depending on traffic, terrain or mood: ride efficiently during daily commutes, or unlock full power when you want a spirited ride. What this all adds up to — in simple human terms — is an electric scooter that doesn’t force compromises. You get the zippy agility and ease of a scooter tailored for city roads, combined with enough punch, speed, and sophistication to make longer or faster rides genuinely reasonable. Whether you’re weaving through street traffic in tight lanes, commuting to work, or taking a leisurely evening ride out of town, the Ather 450 Apex feels ready for it. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 22–25 kmpl in real-world riding, while the official claim is roughly 26 kmpl. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 21.5 litres. Q: What is the kerb weight of the bike? A: The Benelli 502C weighs approximately 216 kg. Q: What kind of engine does it have? A: It uses a 500cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin DOHC engine producing about 47.5 PS and 46 Nm of torque. Q: What braking setup does it come with? A: It has dual discs at the front and a single disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. Q: How many gears does it have? A: The bike comes with a 6-speed gearbox. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is around 760 mm, making it accessible for most riders. Q: Is the Benelli 502C good for long rides? A: Yes, its comfortable ergonomics, smooth twin-cylinder engine, and large fuel tank make it well-suited for long-distance riding. Q: Is it easy to handle in city traffic? A: It is manageable, but its 216 kg weight means low-speed manoeuvres require some care. Q: What type of suspension does it use? A: It has an upside-down front fork and a rear mono-shock with preload adjustability. Q: Does it have LED lighting? A: Yes, the 502C features LED headlights, tail lamps, and indicators. Q: Is the bike suitable for beginners? A: It can be used by newer riders who are confident, but the weight and size may feel challenging for complete beginners. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is generally around 160 km/h. Q: Are the ergonomics comfortable? A: Yes, it offers a relaxed cruiser stance with a low seat and forward-set footpegs. | Q: What is the top speed of the Ather 450 Apex? A: The top speed is around 100 km/h. Q: How fast does the Ather 450 Apex accelerate from 0–40 km/h? A: It accelerates from 0–40 km/h in about 2.9 seconds. Q: What is the battery capacity of the Ather 450 Apex? A: It comes with a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. Q: What is the real-world range of the Ather 450 Apex? A: You can typically expect around 110–130 km in mixed riding, and about 75–95 km in hard riding. Q: What is the certified range of the Ather 450 Apex? A: The official IDC-certified range is up to 157 km per charge. Q: How long does it take to charge the Ather 450 Apex? A: A full charge through the home charger takes roughly 5.75 hours. Q: What kind of motor does the Ather 450 Apex use? A: It uses a 7.0 kW PMSM motor that produces up to 26 Nm of torque. Q: Does the Ather 450 Apex have fast charging? A: It supports Ather fast charging, letting you top up quickly on compatible chargers. Q: What ride modes are available on the Ather 450 Apex? A: Modes include SmartEco, Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp+. Q: What type of brakes does the Ather 450 Apex have? A: It has disc brakes at both front and rear, with combined braking and regenerative braking. Q: What is Magic Twist on the Ather 450 Apex? A: Magic Twist is a regenerative braking system that slows the scooter when you release the throttle. Q: How much does the Ather 450 Apex weigh? A: It weighs around 111.6 kg. Q: What is the under-seat storage capacity? A: It offers 22 litres of under-seat storage. Q: Does the Ather 450 Apex have navigation? A: Yes, it has onboard navigation integrated into the touchscreen display. Q: What size is the instrument display? A: It has a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard. |
| Price Variants | | 580000 | | 189999 |
| Pros | Looks and road presence: The 502C has a bold, muscular cruiser-style appearance. Its design draws attention, giving you strong presence on the road. Balanced engine and rideability: The 500 cc twin offers smooth, linear power delivery that’s easy to manage in city traffic but still capable on highways — enough punch for overtakes or cruising without being overly aggressive. Comfortable ergonomics for many riders: With a low-ish seat height and relaxed riding posture (wide handlebars, forward footpegs), it’s reasonably comfortable for day-to-day rides or weekend trips. Good for highway and long rides: Large fuel tank and stable chassis make it well-suited for longer rides — less frequent refuelling and a planted feel at cruising speeds. Decent performance + braking hardware: The bike’s brakes (disc + ABS) and suspension are competent for its segment, offering reasonably confident stopping power and decent ride quality over typical road surfaces. | Strong, responsive acceleration — fun and confident around city traffic or during quick overtakes. Good top speed for an electric scooter, making it usable not just for city commutes but occasional longer or faster rides. Smart, modern features and a connected dashboard — adds convenience, navigation, and a premium feel. Adequate real-world battery range for daily commuting and moderate longer rides. Low maintenance compared with petrol scooters — simpler upkeep, no fuel hassles. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed | — |
