Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
31.5 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
OLA Roadster X
8.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 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 kw |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 58 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 | — |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl | — |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 220 | 127 kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | 777 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | — |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | Drum 2 Piston Brake by Wire |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Drum |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | Twin Shock Absorbers |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 80/100 - 18 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 100/90 - 17 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery Capacity (kWh) | — | 2.5 |
| Battery Chemistry | — | Li-ion |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/roadsterxplusindustrialsilver-1.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/roadsterxplusstellarblue-1.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/roadsterxplusceramicwhite-1.webp |
| Charging Time (Fast) | — | 5.9 h |
| Color Options | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black | Ceramic White Metallic Black Pine Green Industrial Silver Stellar 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. | Range figures are optimistic and real-world numbers may be significantly lower depending on riding style. Absence of dual-channel ABS on all variants could be a drawback for safety-focused buyers. Charging times can feel long if you do not have access to fast-charging infrastructure. Rear twin-shock suspension may feel firm for lighter riders on bad roads. Limited storage space compared to some EV scooters and urban-focused EVs. Fit and finish may vary between batches since the model lineup is very new. Battery degradation over years is still an unknown factor for early 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. | Riding the Roadster X feels like stepping into the future of everyday two-wheeler transport — silent, zippy, and stripped of the familiar fuss of fuel, gears, and choke. At its heart lies an electric mid-drive motor that quietly transforms the usual “kick-start, wait and roar” ritual into “plug in, twist throttle, go.” Depending on which battery pack you go for, the Roadster X offers a mix of convenience and versatility. Variants come with battery capacities such as 2.5 kWh, 3.5 kWh, 4.5 kWh — and at the top end under the “Roadster X+” badge, there’s an option with a beefy 9.1 kWh pack. For a regular 4.5 kWh build, the motor delivers about 7 kW of power, producing sufficient torque to handle city traffic and suburban roads with ease. On the more powerful 9.1 kWh + 11 kW variant, punch increases noticeably — you get brisk acceleration, and the scooter feels more alive when you twist the throttle. In fact, the top-end version claims a 0–40 km/h sprint in around 2.7 seconds, which is enough to feel lively when pulling out into traffic or overtaking slower vehicles. The top speed of the more powerful variant is around 125 km/h — not just “scooter- slow,” but enough for comfortable highway cruising when roads are decent (and legal). Range is one of the parts where Roadster X tries to impress. With the 4.5 kWh battery, a claimed “IDC” range hovers around 252 km. With the 9.1 kWh battery, the company goes so far as to quote up to 501 km on a full charge. That’s a headline number that would make any commuter hopeful — in real-world riding, especially city commutes with frequent start-stops or occasional highway stretches, you’ll likely get lower. But the big battery still gives you breathing room: occasional long rides, fewer charging stops, and a sense of freedom without obsessing over where the next plug point is. On roads — especially the sometimes rough, uneven roads of many Indian towns and cities — the Roadster X is set up thoughtfully. It uses a traditional telescopic front fork and twin-shock rear suspension, a tried-and-tested combo that balances comfort and stability. In everyday riding — potholes, speed-breakers, unpredictable patches — this setup might not feel like a plush cruiser, but it tends to handle typical urban/suburban unevenness without harshness. The frame — a double-cradle steel chassis built for strength — helps maintain composure, even when roads get unpredictable. Maneuverability is key in daily commuting and tight traffic, and Roadster X is more nimble than bulky bikes. Its dimensions (wheelbase, saddle height, overall width) give it relative agility compared to bigger motorcycles. The weight is modest enough that dipping through traffic, parking, or navigating narrow lanes doesn’t demand excessive effort. In a place with mixed traffic — scooters, bicycles, pedestrians, rickshaws — this translates to easier life. Stopping and safety – often underrated — get decent attention. The higher variants come with a front disc brake (plus rear drum), and a “brake-by-wire” system that, paired with what the designers intended, blends mechanical and regenerative braking intelligently. For city speeds, that gives enough braking bite and some confidence in sudden stops or unpredictable traffic movement. On the user-experience and convenience front, Roadster X feels modern. The instrumentation is a 4.3-inch colour LCD display — clean, digital, and likely easier to read than older analog-plus-LED clusters. There are selectable ride-modes: Eco, Normal, and Sports — letting you prioritize efficiency, balanced riding, or performance depending on mood or road. It supports smart features: connectivity via app, ability to locate charging stations, energy-insight readouts (helpful to track how your riding style affects range), and even reverse-assist (rare for two-wheelers, and useful when maneuvering in tight parking spots). On-board LEDs for headlamp and taillight + tubeless alloy wheels add to modern EV-two-wheeler sensibility. For folks thinking about cost — one of the main reasons people look at electric bikes — Roadster X tries to keep things reasonable. The entry-level variant starts at a base ex-showroom price that’s very competitive compared to many internal-combustion bikes, while the higher variants offer a compelling value if you plan to ride regularly and cover good km. For someone commuting daily, doing errands, or even occasional longer rides — especially if fuel and maintenance costs matter — Roadster X presents a tempting proposition of “silent, no-fuss, and economical as long as you have access to charging.” Riding the Roadster X in real life, you’d likely notice a few things. Around town with mixed-speed traffic and lots of stops, the instant torque and smooth power delivery make riding almost effortless — no gear shifts, no vibrations, no noise. Traffic lights, roundabouts, slow-moving vehicles: you glide through them without the jerks or lurches typical of small-petrol bikes. On decent stretches of road or highway, the top-end variant opens up, allowing confident overtakes and stable cruising. Of course, it’s not a luxury or premium superbike — but that’s not its aim. What it aims for — and largely delivers — is a practical, cost-efficient electric commuter/mobility bike that gives you the freedom to move without worrying much about fuel, frequent maintenance, or noise. For city dwellers, young riders, daily commuters, or people wanting a sensible transition toward electric two-wheelers, Roadster X could well represent the “sweet spot.” |
| 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 battery options are available? A: Roadster X comes with 2.5 kWh, 3.5 kWh, 4.5 kWh, and for the top-end “Roadster X+” also a 9.1 kWh battery option. Q: What is the motor power? A: The standard variants get a 7 kW motor, whereas the top-end Roadster X+ uses an 11 kW motor. Q: What range can I expect per full charge? A: Depending on the variant: up to about 252 km with the 4.5 kWh battery, and up to 501 km with the 9.1 kWh battery (as claimed). Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed varies: lower-capacity variants are rated around 105–118 km/h; the top-end variant claims up to 125 km/h. Q: What is the acceleration (0–40 km/h)? A: For entry-level battery versions it’s around 3.4 seconds; for higher battery/motor versions it drops to about 3.1 seconds; the top-end variant does 0–40 km/h in about 2.7 seconds. Q: What kind of display and electronics does it have? A: It features a 4.3-inch colour LCD display powered by the company’s software (MoveOS 5), and supports features like ride-modes (Eco/Normal/Sport), navigation, advanced regenerative braking, cruise-control, tyre-pressure monitoring, over-the-air updates, and app connectivity. Q: What kind of suspension and chassis does it use? A: Front suspension is telescopic fork, rear uses twin-shock adjustable rear suspension; chassis is built on a sturdy double-cradle steel frame for torsional rigidity. Q: What are the brakes and tyre specifications? A: It uses a front disc brake (on certain variants) along with brake-by-wire + regenerative braking. Wheels are alloy with tubeless tyres. Q: What is the approximate kerb weight and ground clearance (for 4.5 kWh variant)? A: Kerb weight is about 130.7 kg and ground clearance is around 180 mm. Q: What is the ex-showroom price range? A: Entry-level versions start around ₹74,999, mid variants about ₹84,999, and higher variants around ₹99,999 (ex-showroom). |
| Fuel System | — | Electric |
| Price Variants | | 580000 | X+ | 189999 X | 124999 |
| 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. | Offers multiple battery options, letting buyers choose between affordability and long-range practicality. Strong motor performance, especially on the higher variants, giving quick acceleration and confident highway cruising. Modern, muscular street-bike design that stands out among commuter EV motorcycles. Smooth ride quality thanks to a stable double-cradle frame and well-tuned suspension setup. Regenerative braking adds extra range and reduces brake-wear in city traffic. Packed with features like ride modes, cruise control, navigation, and app connectivity. Good ground clearance for Indian road conditions. Relatively lightweight for an electric motorcycle, making it easy to handle in daily commuting. Competitive pricing for the hardware and features provided. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed | Automatic |
