Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
21.0 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Street Bob 117
10.5 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Displacement | 500cc | 1,923 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 8-valve | Milwaukee-Eight™ 117 Classic |
| Power | 35kW @ 8500 r/min | 91 hp @ 5,020 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m @ 6000 r/min | 156 Nm @ 2,750 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5L | 13.2 litres |
| Mileage | 26.5 Kmpl | 18.18 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 216 | 293 |
| Seat Height | 760 | 680 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | Disc |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | Dual-bending valve 49 mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple clamps; dual rate spring; gaiter covers |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Disc |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | Hidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock; 43mm stroke; cam-style preload adjustment |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 100/90 B19 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 150/80 B16 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless (blackwall bias) |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Cast Aluminum |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | All LED, low beam, high beam and signature position lamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V / 8AH | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Black.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Centerline.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Horse-Metallic.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Purple.avif |
| Color Options | Matte Black | #1C1C1C | Billiard Gray | #6B7074 Vivid Black | #0F0F10 Centerline | #D8A628 Iron Horse Metallic | #5A5A58 Purple Abyss Denim | #4B3A63 |
| Cons | Bulk and weight can make city riding or tight manoeuvres tricky: For its size and weight, it’s not easy to handle, 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. | Limited Touring Comfort – The minimalist approach means there is no wind protection, luggage system, or touring-focused equipment as standard. Single Front Disc Brake Feels Basic for the Performance Available – While adequate for normal riding, some riders may expect a stronger braking setup given the motorcycle's weight and engine output. Minimal Pillion Accommodation – Passenger comfort is limited compared to cruisers and touring motorcycles designed with two-up riding in mind. Wind Fatigue at Highway Speeds – Without a fairing or windscreen, riders are exposed directly to airflow during long highway journeys. Rear Suspension Travel Is Limited – Sharp bumps and poor road surfaces can sometimes be felt more noticeably than on motorcycles with longer-travel suspension. Premium Ownership Costs – Servicing, insurance, accessories, and replacement parts can be expensive compared to middleweight motorcycles. Ground Clearance Limits Aggressive Cornering – Footpegs can touch down relatively early when cornering enthusiastically. Feature List Remains Relatively Simple – The Street Bob focuses more on mechanical character than technology and lacks some of the advanced electronics available on similarly priced motorcycles. Not Ideal for Long-Distance Touring in Standard Form – Riders planning extensive highway travel often add accessories such as windscreens, saddlebags, and upgraded seats. Engine Heat Can Be Noticeable in Traffic – The large air/oil-cooled V-twin can generate noticeable heat during prolonged stop-and-go riding. |
| Detailed Overview | The Benelli 502C is a middleweight motorcycle designed in a cruiser style, but it uses a twin-cylinder engine more commonly seen in roadster or touring bikes. It is powered by a 500 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces around 47.5 PS (35 kw) of power and 46 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The engine feels smooth and works well at steady speeds, making it suitable for relaxed riding. It can reach a top speed of around 160 km/h, although in normal conditions it is mostly used at lower cruising speeds. The bike is built on a steel trellis frame and comes with upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock suspension. This setup helps with stability, but the suspension is on the firmer side, so uneven roads and bumps are clearly felt. Braking is handled by dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear, along with dual-channel ABS. The bike runs on 17-inch alloy wheels with wide tyres, which add to its grip and road presence. In terms of size, the Benelli 502C has a kerb weight of around 216–220 kg, which makes it one of the heavier bikes in this segment. The seat height is around 750 mm, which is relatively low and helps riders place their feet on the ground easily. It also gets a large fuel tank of about 21 litres, which supports longer rides without frequent refuelling. Ground clearance is adequate for city and highway use, but care is needed on bigger speed breakers. The bike comes with a fully digital instrument cluster that shows basic information like speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip details. It also gets full LED lighting, but does not offer advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity. In real-world conditions, mileage usually falls between 22 to 25 km/l depending on riding style and traffic. Overall, the 502C focuses on a mix of cruiser design and twin-cylinder performance, while keeping the feature list simple and more focused on essential riding needs. | The Harley-Davidson Street Bob is part of the company’s Softail family and follows a traditional bobber-inspired design philosophy. Compared to Harley-Davidson’s touring motorcycles, the Street Bob adopts a much simpler layout, with minimal bodywork, a compact fuel tank, and fewer touring-oriented components. Its design emphasizes exposed mechanical elements and a stripped-back appearance, characteristics that have long been associated with the bobber style of motorcycle. The result is a motorcycle that appears visually lighter and less complex than many other large-capacity cruisers in the Harley-Davidson range. Power comes from the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, a large-displacement V-twin that serves as the centerpiece of the motorcycle. The engine is designed to produce strong torque at relatively low engine speeds, which influences the motorcycle’s riding characteristics. Rather than relying on high engine revolutions to generate performance, the power delivery is concentrated lower in the rev range. The engine is paired with a six-speed transmission that allows relaxed cruising at highway speeds while keeping engine speeds relatively low. Fuel injection is used to manage fuel delivery and throttle response across different riding conditions. The Street Bob is built around Harley-Davidson’s Softail chassis architecture. A key feature of this platform is the hidden rear monoshock suspension, which allows the motorcycle to retain the appearance of a traditional hardtail frame while still providing rear suspension travel. Front suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic forks. This combination contributes to the motorcycle’s low-slung profile while maintaining the suspension functionality expected from a modern road-going motorcycle. Braking is managed through a single disc brake at the front and a rear disc brake at the back. Modern versions of the Street Bob also incorporate electronic rider-assistance systems, including ABS and traction control. Depending on market and model year, additional rider aids such as selectable riding modes and cornering-sensitive electronic systems may also be available. These systems are designed to assist with braking and traction management under different riding conditions. One of the defining characteristics of the Street Bob is its riding position. The motorcycle uses mid-mounted foot controls and mini ape-hanger handlebars, creating an upright seating posture that differs from the feet-forward layout commonly found on some larger cruisers. The seat height is relatively low, allowing many riders to place their feet comfortably on the ground when stationary. This low seating position also contributes to the motorcycle’s overall visual stance. The Street Bob uses a 13.2-litre fuel tank integrated into its compact design. While smaller than the fuel tanks found on dedicated touring motorcycles, the tank size is consistent with the motorcycle’s bobber-inspired layout. The minimalist approach extends to the bodywork, where components such as the front fender, rear section, and side panels are kept relatively compact. Lighting is provided through LED units, contributing to visibility while maintaining a modern specification. Instrumentation is intentionally simple compared to Harley-Davidson’s touring motorcycles. Instead of a large infotainment system or touchscreen display, the Street Bob uses a compact digital display for essential riding information. This setup aligns with the motorcycle’s stripped-back character and keeps the focus on core riding functions rather than extensive electronic interfaces. With its Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine, Softail chassis, hidden rear suspension, low seat height, and minimalist bodywork, the Harley-Davidson Street Bob represents a modern interpretation of the traditional bobber concept. The motorcycle combines contemporary engineering and electronic safety systems with a design approach that emphasizes simplicity, exposed mechanical components, and classic cruiser proportions. |
| Expert Review | The Benelli 502C is a mid-capacity cruiser-style bike that focuses more on relaxed riding and road presence in the Indian market. It uses a 500 cc twin-cylinder engine that feels smooth and easy to manage, especially at steady speeds, but the overall weight of the bike makes it feel heavy in city traffic. In slow-moving conditions, handling and quick turns can take some effort, while on highways it feels more stable and comfortable. The riding posture is laid-back with wide handlebars and forward-set footpegs, which suits longer rides, but the suspension is on the stiffer side, so bad roads are clearly felt. The bike comes with basic features like a digital display and LED lighting, without advanced connectivity options. In India, its relevance depends on factors like service availability, maintenance cost, and how comfortable a rider is with its size and weight in daily use., 3.9, MotoAutiv Team | The Street Bob is arguably one of the purest motorcycles in Harley-Davidson's current lineup. Unlike the company's touring models that surround the rider with screens, luggage, and electronics, the Street Bob keeps the experience relatively simple. The focus here is on the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine and the riding character that comes with it. The motor produces effortless torque from almost any rpm, which means the bike rarely feels like it's working hard, whether it's pulling away from a traffic light or cruising on an open road. Its lighter weight compared to Harley's larger cruisers and tourers also makes it feel more approachable and easier to live with on a daily basis. At the same time, the stripped-back design brings compromises. Wind protection is nonexistent, passenger comfort is limited, and longer highway rides can become tiring in stock form. The Street Bob isn't trying to be a do-everything motorcycle, it leans heavily into the traditional bobber formula. For riders who value engine character, simplicity, and customization potential over technology and touring equipment, that focused approach is exactly what defines the motorcycle., 4.4, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: Is the Benelli 502C good for daily use in India? A: The Benelli 502C can be used daily, but its heavy weight and wide size can make it difficult in heavy traffic and tight city roads. Q: How is the Benelli 502C for long rides? A: The Benelli 502C is more comfortable on highways, where the relaxed riding position and stable feel make long rides easier. Q: What mileage does the Benelli 502C give in real-world riding? A: The Benelli 502C usually gives around 22–25 km/l depending on riding style and traffic conditions. Q: Is the Benelli 502C easy to handle for beginners? A: The Benelli 502C may not be ideal for beginners because of its weight and size, especially at low speeds. Q: How is the service and maintenance of the Benelli 502C in India? A: The Benelli 502C can have higher maintenance costs, and service availability may be limited in smaller cities. Q: Does the Benelli 502C heat up in traffic? A: The Benelli 502C can feel warm in slow-moving traffic, which is common for larger engines in Indian conditions. Q: Is the Benelli 502C comfortable for a pillion? A: The Benelli 502C has a small rear seat, so pillion comfort is not the strongest point, especially on longer rides. Q: How does the Benelli 502C perform on bad roads? A: The Benelli 502C has a slightly stiff suspension, so bumps and rough roads are felt more clearly. Q: What makes the Benelli 502C different from other bikes in this segment? A: The Benelli 502C stands out mainly for its cruiser styling combined with a twin-cylinder engine, which is not very common in this price range. | Q: What type of motorcycle is the Harley-Davidson Street Bob? A: The Street Bob is classified as a bobber-style cruiser motorcycle, featuring minimalist styling, a low stance, and a torque-focused V-twin engine. Q: Which engine powers the Street Bob? A: The latest model uses the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Q: Is the Street Bob suitable for beginners? A: While the low seat height can make it approachable, the engine size, torque output, and overall weight mean it is generally better suited to riders with some experience. Q: What is the seat height of the Street Bob? A: The seat height is approximately 680 mm, making it one of the more accessible motorcycles in Harley-Davidson's lineup. Q: Does the Street Bob have cruise control? A: Depending on model year and market specification, cruise control may be available as standard or optional equipment. Q: Is the Street Bob comfortable for long-distance touring? A: It can handle longer rides, but the lack of wind protection and limited touring equipment means many owners add accessories such as windscreens and luggage. Q: Does the Street Bob have riding modes? A: Recent versions include selectable ride modes and modern electronic rider-assistance systems. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Street Bob? A: The motorcycle is equipped with a fuel tank of approximately 13.2 litres. Q: Is the Street Bob good for city riding? A: Its low seat height and strong low-end torque make urban riding manageable, although its weight can still be noticeable in congested conditions. Q: How is the Street Bob different from the Fat Bob? A: The Street Bob follows a minimalist bobber philosophy, while the Fat Bob features more aggressive styling, dual front disc brakes, wider tyres, and a more performance-oriented character. Q: Does the Street Bob have a passenger seat? A: Some variants are sold with a solo-seat appearance, though passenger seating can be fitted depending on specification and accessories. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Harley-Davidson Street Bob? A: The motorcycle weighs approximately 290–300 kg in running condition, depending on specification. Q: Does the Street Bob support smartphone connectivity? A: The feature set is intentionally simple compared to Harley's touring models, so smartphone integration varies by market and model year. Q: What makes the Street Bob popular among custom builders? A: Its stripped-back design, exposed mechanical components, and extensive aftermarket support make it a common platform for personalization and custom builds. Q: Is the Street Bob a cruiser or a touring motorcycle? A: It is a cruiser, more specifically a bobber-style cruiser, designed around simplicity, styling, and V-twin character rather than touring-focused comfort and equipment. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 580000 | STD | 2023000 |
| 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 seat height and relaxed riding posture, 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 due to 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. | Authentic Bobber Character – The stripped-back styling, mini ape-hanger handlebars, solo-style look, and minimal bodywork give the Street Bob a traditional bobber personality without excessive visual clutter. Strong Milwaukee-Eight 117 Engine – The large V-twin produces substantial torque from low revs, allowing relaxed acceleration and effortless overtakes without needing to constantly work through the gearbox. Lighter Than Harley's Touring Models – Compared to motorcycles such as the Street Glide or Road Glide, the Street Bob feels noticeably less intimidating and easier to manage. Simple, Rider-Focused Design – The motorcycle avoids excessive bodywork and touring equipment, resulting in a cleaner and more direct riding experience. Comfortable for Short and Medium-Distance Riding – The relaxed ergonomics and low seat height make the motorcycle approachable and easy to ride in a variety of conditions. Strong Customisation Potential – The Street Bob is often used as a starting point for custom builds thanks to its minimalist design and extensive aftermarket support. Good Low-Speed Rideability – The torque-rich engine and predictable throttle response make city riding and low-speed manoeuvres easier than the motorcycle's engine size might suggest. Distinctive Harley-Davidson Presence – The combination of styling, engine character, and riding position gives the Street Bob a personality that is immediately recognizable. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed manual |
