Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
10.0 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R
19.5 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
||
| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 500 | 1350 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, V 75° (EURO 5+) |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 140 kW (190 hp) @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 | approx. 17.5 litres/3 I reserve |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl | 16.9 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
||
| Kerb Weight | 220 | approx. 200.5 kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | 834 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
||
| ABS | Dual Channel | Bosch 9.3 MP (incl. cornering-ABS and Supermoto ABS) |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | WP APEX-linkage shock |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Brembo two piston, fixed caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | Compression (high and low speed), rebound, hydraulic preload |
Tyres & Wheels |
||
| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | Michelin Power GP, 120/70 ZR 17, 200/55 ZR 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | Michelin Power GP, 120/70 ZR 17, 200/55 ZR 17 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 x 17"; 6.00 x 17" |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 x 17"; 6.00 x 17" |
Other Specifications |
||
| Battery | — | 12V 11.2 Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | — |
| Color Options | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black | Orange |
| 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. | High Running & Maintenance Cost: Premium components (tires, brakes, consumables) and insurance can be expensive, as noted in reviews. Prone to Rear Tyre Wear: In aggressive use (especially on a track or spirited riding), the rear Michelin Power GP rubber may wear out quickly. Windblast & Comfort: As a naked “beast,” it offers limited wind protection, which can make highway riding tiring or uncomfortable. High Seat Height: The seat height (834 mm) may not be ideal for shorter riders. Electronics / Reliability Quirks: Some users have reported occasional electronic gremlins, sensor issues, or clutch drag. Expensive Purchase Price: Given the power and components, it comes with a high price tag compared to some rivals. |
| 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. | The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is the ultimate expression of KTM’s “Beast” philosophy — a high-performance naked streetfighter that pairs brutal V-twin power with razor-sharp handling and modern electronics. At its core is a 1,350 cc LC8 V-twin engine that churns out around **190 PS (approximately 188–190 bhp)** at 10,000 rpm and **145 Nm of torque** at 8,000 rpm, giving it an immense punch and a visceral, muscular character. The engine also makes use of a cam-shift (variable valve timing) system that enhances its performance spread, delivering strong torque low down and explosive power at high revs. Built on a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame, the 1390 Super Duke R is not only powerful but also impressively agile for its size. KTM pairs the frame with high-quality WP APEX suspension — a 48 mm USD front fork and a linkage monoshock at the back — to strike a balance between compliant ride quality and sporty precision. ([KTM][1]) Cornering ABS by Bosch, traction control (MTC), a slipper clutch, and a five-mode ride-mode system (Street, Sport, Rain, Track, Performance) give the rider confidence to explore the bike’s full potential. Braking is handled by forceful Brembo Stylema calipers (320 mm twin discs at the front, 240 mm at the rear), ensuring the Super Duke R can back up its power with excellent stopping authority. Visually, the Super Duke R is bold, aggressive, and unmistakable. The angular bodywork, sharp LED headlight with characteristic DRLs, new tank shrouds, and subtle winglets give it a predatory look that lives up to its nickname. The trellis frame is painted in KTM’s signature orange, providing both structural strength and stylistic flair, while the narrow tail section completes the streetfighter stance. Technology is a major strength. Its 5-inch TFT display is loaded with KTMConnect for smartphone pairing, and in Track mode it shows telemetry data such as lean angle, lap times, and G-forces. ([Bajaj Auto][3]) The electronics suite also includes wheelie control, launch control, anti-slide, and a quickshifter for seamless clutchless upshifts and downshifts, adding to the bike’s performance-focused edge. KTM even brings a “Demo Mode” for a limited period — allowing riders to try out all electronic aids in the first 1,500 km before choosing what to permanently enable. In terms of practicality, the Super Duke R is surprisingly usable on the street. Its seat height of **834 mm** and a kerb weight of about **200.5 kg** make it relatively manageable compared to more extreme superbikes. The fuel tank is 17.5 litres, offering a decent range for a performance beast. Despite its aggressive nature, it can be tuned via its various ride modes for more relaxed everyday use — though wind protection is limited due to its naked-bike design, and long highway stints may feel less comfortable than on touring bikes. In the Indian market, KTM prices the 1390 Super Duke R at ₹ 22.96 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as a flagship naked bike with no shortage of performance or tech. However, its premium components and high-performance nature come at a cost: maintenance, tyres (Michelin Power GP), and high-spec brakes are all expensive, and potential buyers should be prepared for that. Overall, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is not for the faint of heart — it’s a powerful, aggressive, and technically sophisticated machine built for riders who demand extreme performance, advanced electronics, and a visceral riding experience. For enthusiasts looking for a street-focused beast that delivers both in city traffic and on twisty roads, it stands out as one of the most capable and exhilarating naked bikes on the market today. |
| 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 engine powers the KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: It is powered by a 1,350 cc liquid-cooled V-twin (LC8) engine. Q: What is its power and torque output? A: The engine produces 190 PS (140 kW) at 10,000 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the 1390 Super Duke R? A: The seat height is 834 mm, and the dry (or “without fuel”) weight is around 200.5 kg per KTM specifications. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank can hold 17.5 litres. Q: What type of brakes and suspension does it use? A: It features twin 320 mm Brembo Stylema calipers at the front, a 240 mm Brembo disc at the rear, 48 mm WP APEX USD fork up front, and a WP APEX linkage monoshock at the rear. Q: What rider aids and electronics are included on this bike? A: The 1390 Super Duke R comes with lean-angle (cornering) ABS, cornering traction control (KTM calls it MTC), wheelie control, launch control, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth (KTM Connect). Q: What riding modes are available? A: It offers 5 riding modes: Street, Sport, Rain, Track, and Performance (depending on the market version). Q: What is the ex-showroom price of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R in India? A: The Super Duke R is priced at ₹ 22.96 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. Q: What is the service interval for this model? A: According to KTM’s 1390 spec sheet, it has a long service interval—up to 15,000 km (depending on region/market). |
| Fuel System | — | Keihin EFI (Throttle body 60mm) |
| Price Variants | | 580000 | Standard | 2295800 |
| 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. | Massive Power & Torque: The 1,350cc LC-8 V-twin makes 190 PS (or ≈ 187 bhp) and 145 Nm of torque, delivering brutal acceleration and a very exciting powerband. Advanced Engine Technology: Uses variable valve timing (cam-shift) for a wider spread of performance, making the engine more flexible and usable across RPMs. Premium Brakes & Suspension: Equipped with Brembo Stylema calipers and high-quality WP Apex suspension, which gives excellent braking feel and handling. Modern Electronics Suite: Cornering ABS, cornering traction control (MTC), wheelie control, launch control, ride modes, quickshifter, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth make it very civilized for the performance it offers. Refined Ride for Its Power: Despite its raw power, reviewers note that the new 1390 feels easier to ride than earlier versions, thanks to improved ergonomics, electronics, and ride-height control. Long Service Interval: According to the spec sheet, the service interval is up to 15,000 km, which is very good for a high-performance bike. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 gears |
