Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
17.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 890 DUKE R
11.0 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger |
| Displacement | 500 | 889 cC |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 121 PS @ 9250 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 99 Nm @ 7750 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 | 14 L |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl | 21 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 220 | 180 kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | 834 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | WP APEX 43 |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Brembo single-piston floating calliper, brake disc |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | WP APEX - Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 120/70 - ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 180/55 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED Headlights |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | — |
| Color Options | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black | 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. | High seat height: 834 mm seat height may not be ideal for shorter riders. Limited wind protection: As a naked bike, there’s minimal fairing, so windblast can be fatiguing on fast highway rides. Premium running costs: High-performance parts (tires, brakes) and maintenance could be expensive. Potential reliability concerns: Some users report cam wear or top-end issues over time. > “clunk … on low-mileage … they think … scarring” Ergonomics trade-off: Sporty, aggressive ergonomics may be tiring over very long rides. Price: Being a high-spec naked bike, its cost is on the higher side, which might limit its appeal to more performance-focused buyers. |
| 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 890 Duke R** is a high-performance naked streetfighter that builds on KTM’s “Duke” legacy by amplifying power, handling, and electronics, making it a thrilling choice for riders who want sportbike-level performance without the full fairing. At its heart, the 890 Duke R is powered by an **889 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin** engine, which churns out approximately **121 PS at 9,250 rpm** and **99 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm**, delivering a broad and usable powerband that makes the bike both fast in the high revs and surprisingly agile at lower speeds. The frame is a lightweight chromium-molybdenum steel trellis chassis, which uses the engine as a stressed member, helping the bike remain nimble and responsive. The suspension setup employs WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear, giving the 890 Duke R a great balance of comfort, stability, and sporty feedback whether you’re pushing hard through corners or cruising around town. Braking is handled by Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers on twin 320 mm front discs, paired with a 240 mm rear disc, offering strong and precise stopping power. One of the strengths of the 890 Duke R is its advanced electronics package. It comes with **multiple ride modes** (Street, Sport, Track, Rain, and a configurable “Rider” mode), lean-sensitive traction control (MTC), cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP) with a Supermoto mode, a quickshifter, and a PASC anti-hopping clutch. These systems make the bike safer and more versatile, allowing the rider to exploit its performance on a track or tame it for daily riding. The instrument cluster is a crisp **5-inch TFT** display that provides all the critical information clearly and dynamically. Ergonomically, the Duke R offers a sporty but relatively comfortable riding position. With a seat height of **834 mm**, it’s accessible for many riders, though it may be slightly tall for those with shorter legs. The fuel tank holds **14 litres**, giving a reasonable range for a performance bike. Ground clearance is 206 mm, which helps in handling kerbs or uneven roads without feeling too fragile. In terms of weight, the 890 Duke R is commendably light — the dry weight is around **166 kg** per technical specs — which contributes significantly to its agility and sharp handling. This lightness, combined with the powerful engine and electronics, makes the bike feel very alive and dynamic under throttle. It’s a machine that rewards aggressive riding but stays manageable enough for weekend use or spirited city runs. However, potential buyers should be aware of some trade-offs. While its performance is impressive, some owners on forums note early “cam wear” or engine top-end issues if not maintained well. > “There are dozens … cam wear issues … on 790/890 …” Also, being a high-performance naked bike, wind protection is limited — at high speeds, the rider will feel more exposure compared to full-faired sportbikes. Maintenance and running costs (tires, high-spec brakes) are also higher than more entry-level motorcycles. Overall, the **KTM 890 Duke R** is a highly capable, technologically advanced, and extremely fun-to-ride naked bike. It strikes a compelling balance between raw performance, agile handling, and modern rider aids, making it a top choice for enthusiasts who seek a street weapon that feels as good on the track as it does on a winding road. For those willing to invest in its maintenance and manage its aggressive character, the 890 Duke R remains one of the most exciting bikes in the middleweight naked segment. |
| 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 890 Duke R have? A: It is powered by an 889 cc parallel twin (LC8c) engine with a bore/stroke of 90.7 mm × 68.8 mm. Q: What are the power and torque figures? A: The engine produces about 121 PS (89 kW) at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm. Q: What is its seat height and weight? A: The seat height is 834 mm, and its dry weight is approximately 166 kg (some sources list around 180 kg as “ready to ride”). Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and mileage? A: The fuel tank capacity is around 14 litres. The claimed fuel consumption is about 4.74 L/100 km for some variants. Q: What kind of brakes and suspension does the 890 Duke R use? A: It comes with WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX mono-shock at the rear. For brakes, it uses Brembo Stylema calipers with dual 320 mm discs in the front, and a 240 mm disc at the rear. Q: What electronics and rider aids are available? A: The 890 Duke R has a modern electronics suite including ride-by-wire, multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Track, Rain, and Rider), cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP), lean-angle traction control (MTC), Supermoto ABS, and a PASC anti-hopping clutch. Q: What is the frame type and chassis design? A: The frame is a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis that uses the engine as a stressed member, which helps reduce weight while providing stiffness and agility. Q: What is the expected first service interval or maintenance requirement? A: While KTM’s official manual should be consulted, many users suggest being careful with break-in; some reports mention limiting revs and usage before first major service / oil change. |
| Price Variants | | 580000 | Standard |1450000 |
| 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, high-revving engine: The 889 cc parallel-twin makes 121 PS at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque. Great electronics package: Includes lean-angle traction control, cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP), Supermoto ABS mode, multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Rain, Track), and optional Track mode. Premium suspension & brakes: Fully adjustable WP APEX 43 mm fork and monoshock, plus Brembo Stylema calipers on 320 mm twin front discs. Agile chassis: The steel trellis frame (engine as a stressed member) gives it a stiff yet flickable character, very suited for spirited riding. Good fuel efficiency for its performance: The spec sheet shows about 4.74 L/100 km fuel consumption. Light weight relative to its power: With a dry weight around 166 kg, it's quite light for a high-performance “R” naked bike, which helps handling and responsiveness. Distinctive and aggressive styling: Sharp design, LED lighting, orange frame, and muscular tank extensions make it visually striking. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 Speed Manual |
