Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
17.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 390 DUKE
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid cooling with radiator |
| Displacement | 500 | 398.63 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, FI Engine |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 46 PS @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 39 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 | 15 L |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl | 30 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 220 | 168.3 kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | 800 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual-channel ABS with SUPERMOTO mode |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | 320 mm Disc with Radially mounted calliper |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | 5-click Compression & Rebound adjustable, Open Cartridge, WP APEX USD forks, 43mm diameter |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | 240 mm Disc with Floating calliper |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | Adjustable WP APEX Monoshock, 5-step Rebound damping, 10-step preload adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 110/70 - ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 150/60 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | Full Split LED Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | 12 V, 8 AH MF battery |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM-390-Duke-Electric-orange.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM390DukeBlack_Booking.webp |
| Cluster | — | 5" TFT dash display |
| Color Options | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black | GUN METAL GREY ELECTRONIC ORANGE ATLANTIC 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. | Firm (harsh) ride: The suspension can feel stiff over potholes or uneven surfaces, which may be tiring for long rides. Limited wind protection: Being a naked bike, you feel a lot of wind at highway speeds, making long-distance touring less comfortable. Engine heat: In slow or stop-go traffic, the radiator fan can dump hot air toward the rider’s legs, which many find uncomfortable. Seat comfort: The stock seat can feel firm and less comfortable for long rides; also, pillion comfort is limited. Vibration: Some riders report noticeable vibrations in certain RPM ranges, especially between ~4,500–6,000 rpm. Reliability concerns: There are occasional reports of reliability issues or quality control, especially in older models. |
| 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 390 Duke** has long been celebrated as a high-performance yet lightweight streetfighter, offering a compelling mix of power, agility, and modern technology that makes it a favorite for both urban commuting and spirited weekend rides. The latest (Gen-3) 390 Duke takes this formula further, built on a newly designed trellis frame with a die-cast aluminium sub-frame that improves rigidity and handling. Under the hood, the 2024 model is powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder “LC4c” engine now displacing **399 cc**, which bumps up the performance to roughly **46 PS of power and 39 Nm of torque** in the Indian spec. One of the most striking traits of the 390 Duke is its lightness: the new model continues to boast sporty handling thanks to its steel trellis frame and a compact, aggressive footprint. The WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front fork and a preload-adjustable WP APEX mono-shock at the rear provide a finely tuned suspension setup that balances comfort on city roads with precision in the corners. Braking is handled by a 320 mm front disc with a radial calliper and a 230 mm rear disc, supported by Bosch cornering ABS, giving reliable and controllable stopping performance. On the feature front, the 2024 Duke 390 is truly packed. It includes ride modes (Street, Rain, Track), launch control, SuperMoto ABS, a quickshifter+, and a slipper clutch. The ride-by-wire throttle ensures smooth power delivery and precise control, especially when transitioning between modes. Its 5-inch TFT display supports smartphone connectivity (via Bluetooth) for turn-by-turn navigation, calls, and media, making it a very usable bike for daily commuting. Ergonomically, the 390 Duke offers a sporty but accessible riding position. The seat height is around **800 mm** in the Indian variant, with an optional 820 mm seat available, making it relatively manageable for a variety of rider heights. The fuel tank is reasonably sized (KTM lists about 13.4 litres), which balances enough capacity for daily use without compromising on agility. In terms of usability, the 390 Duke shines in city traffic thanks to its light weight, responsive throttle, and nimble chassis. At the same time, its torque and power allow for satisfying highway stretches and sporty ride-outs. However, as some users note, the high-revving single cylinder can vibrate noticeably at lower RPMs, and the engine tends to heat up in slow, stop-go traffic — a common character point for small high-performance singles. On long highway rides, wind protection is minimal due to the naked nature, and though the electronics are rich, some may feel the bike’s seat and fuel range are not optimized for extended touring. Reliability-wise, many long-term owners report good durability when properly maintained. One rider, after 29,000 km, said he never faced major breakdowns and appreciated the bike’s consistent performance. That said, some others have expressed concern about vibration and the need for regular maintenance given the sporty nature of the engine. Overall, the **KTM 390 Duke** is a brilliant all-rounder in the 300–400 cc naked category. It offers serious performance, modern electronics, and a lightweight chassis, but it doesn’t compromise on practicality. For someone looking for a fun, aggressive bike that can do daily duties and weekend thrills, the 390 Duke remains one of the most compelling choices in its class. |
| 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 does the KTM 390 Duke have? A: It uses a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. Q: What is the displacement, power & torque of the 390 Duke? A: The displacement is about 398.6 cc. In the newer versions, it produces around 46 PS at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the 390 Duke? A: The seat height is 800 mm (or optionally 820 mm) depending on the version. The kerb weight is about 168.3 kg per KTM’s specification. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what is the mileage like? A: The fuel tank capacity is 15 litres in many versions. According to some sources, real-world fuel efficiency is around 25–30 km/l, depending on riding style. Q: What brakes and suspension does it use? A: It comes with WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear. For brakes, there is a 320 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, with a radially mounted caliper up front. Q: What is the ground clearance of the 390 Duke? A: The ground clearance is around 183 mm according to KTM India specifications. Q: What is the seat configuration and ergonomics like? A: It has a two-part seat design, with a slightly aggressive but comfortable rider position thanks to its upright handlebars. There’s also a “Supermoto mode” which lets you limit ABS intervention to the front brake — great for sliding control. Q: Does the 390 Duke come with smartphone connectivity? A: Yes — some variants support KTM MY RIDE via the 5-inch TFT dash, allowing for calls, music, and navigation integration. |
| Price Variants | | 580000 | Standard | 297443 |
| 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. | Excellent performance for its class: The 390 Duke’s single-cylinder engine delivers punchy acceleration and strong mid-range performance. Lightweight & nimble: With a relatively low kerb/wet weight, its chassis is very agile, making it easy to flick through corners and manoeuvre in traffic. Advanced electronics suite: Comes equipped with ride modes, traction control (MTC), cornering ABS, supermoto ABS, quickshifter, and a modern TFT display. Adjustable suspension: The front and rear suspension are adjustable (WP APEX), allowing riders to tune the setup depending on road conditions or riding style. Sharp styling & design: Features such as an exposed steel trellis frame, LED headlight, and aggressive design make it visually striking. Good build quality: Reviews note improved fit and finish on newer models, giving a premium feel. Decent fuel efficiency: Compared to its performance, it offers reasonable fuel efficiency for sporty riding. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 Speed Manual |
