Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
21.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
SUZUKI GIXXER SF 250/ GIXXER 250
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | — |
| Displacement | 500 | 249cm³ |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 4-Cycle, 1-cylinder, Oil cooled |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 26.13 bhp @ 9300 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 | 12 L |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl | 35 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 220 | 161 kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | 800mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | Disc 300 mm Front 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | Telescopic |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Disc 220 mm Real 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 110/70R17M/C 54S |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 150/60R17M/C 66S |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | Maintenance free, 12V 6Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gixxersf250metmatblackmetmatbordeauxred.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gixxersf250metallicmatteblack.webp |
| Color Options | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black | Met Triton Blue / Pearl Glacier White Met Mat Black / Met Mat Bordeaux Red Metallic Matte Black |
| 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. | Fuel tank capacity is modest, which limits long-distance range between fill-ups. It’s not built for rough off-road or hardcore touring — more suited for smooth roads and occasional rough patches. As a 250-class bike, performance is modest compared to larger motorcycles — may feel underpowered for those seeking outright speed or heavy touring. Rear suspension setup and seat may feel basic for very long rides or heavy pillion + luggage combos. Fuel efficiency and mileage will depend heavily on riding style — aggressive riding can reduce the “balanced” efficiency benefit. |
| 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 Gixxer SF 250 feels like driving a well-tuned middle-shafted balance between everyday usability and sporty flair. Under its sleek fairing lives a 249 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, oil-cooled engine with SOHC and fuel injection. With a bore and stroke of 76 mm by 54.9 mm, this engine generates about 26.5 PS at 9,300 rpm and around 22.2 Nm of torque at 7,300 rpm. What this translates into on the road is a friendly yet spirited ride — you don’t get a sudden, harsh surge of power but a smooth, linear and predictable pull once you twist the throttle. That makes city commutes relaxed and manageable, and when you open it up on highways or open roads, the engine responds eagerly enough to keep pace comfortably. Paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and electric start, the Gixxer SF 250 makes everyday usability straightforward. Shifting through gears is light and intuitive, which helps in stop-and-go traffic as well as during overtakes. The oil-cooling keeps engine temperature under control, which means you can expect stable performance even when traffic snarls or you’re riding under Indian weather conditions. Physically, the bike has a compact yet sporty stance. With an overall length of 2,010 mm, width of 740 mm, height around 1,035 mm, and a wheelbase of 1,345 mm, it’s nimble enough to weave through city lanes yet stable enough for open roads. Seat height at 800 mm offers decent ground reach for many riders, while the kerb weight of about 161 kg strikes a balance — light enough for urban handling, but heavy enough to feel planted at speed. Ground clearance is 165 mm, which helps in dealing with broken patches, speed-breakers or uneven surfaces common on many Indian roads. The suspension setup — telescopic front forks and a rear swing-arm monoshock — brings a comfortable ride over a variety of surfaces. On city potholes or rough patches, it absorbs most of the bumps without transferring harshness to your seat. On smoother roads or while cruising, the suspension doesn’t feel floaty; the bike remains stable and confidence-inspiring when you push a little harder. Stopping power comes from disc brakes on both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS. That gives a usable level of braking confidence — whether you’re slowing down in traffic or braking suddenly on a slippery surface, the bike stays composed, and ABS helps prevent wheel lock-up, adding a layer of safety many riders appreciate. The tyres — 110/70-17 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear, on cast alloy wheels — deliver a balanced grip/play between city and open-road riding. They help the bike stay agile at lower speeds yet stable when leaning a bit during spirited riding. The ride feels planted and predictable, not twitchy. Practical touches add to the everyday value of the SF 250. The 12-litre fuel tank may seem modest, but given the engine size and its reasonable fuel demand, it’s adequate for city-to-highway rides without making the bike heavy. The electricals — including LED headlamp and tail-light — give modern looks and better visibility at night. The presence of a digital instrument console adds convenience for riders wanting clear readouts without fuss. In short: the bike doesn’t pretend to be over-equipped, but gives you the essentials done right. What emerges from the combination of all these details is a motorcycle that doesn’t force you to choose between practicality and fun. For daily commuting, traffic weaving, and city errands, it stays light, nimble, and easy. For weekend rides, open roads, or spirited bursts, it has enough in reserve to keep things engaging. It doesn’t carry the bulk of a heavyweight tourer nor the ferocity of a high-end sportsbike — but therein lies its charm: it’s a genuine “do-it-all” middle-class street-sport machine that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for performance. For a rider in real-life Indian conditions — where you might deal with crowded city streets, potholed roads, occasional long stretches and mixed traffic — the Gixxer SF 250 behaves like a well-rounded companion. It’s not an extreme performer, but a balanced, sensible machine that gives you flexibility, reliability and enough thrill for a variety of riding situations. If you want a bike that feels at home in traffic, yet doesn’t shy away from open roads — the Gixxer SF 250 delivers exactly that. |
| 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 is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 35–38 kmpl under normal mixed usage. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 800 mm. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is approximately 161 kg. Q: Does it have disc brakes and ABS? A: Yes — it comes with disc brakes front and rear and dual-channel ABS. Q: What size tyres does it use? A: The front tyre size is 110/70-17 and the rear tyre size is 150/60-17. Q: What is the engine displacement and power? A: The engine is a 249 cc single-cylinder oil-cooled unit producing roughly 26.5 PS and 22.2 Nm torque. Q: What kind of suspension does it have? A: It has telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear suspension. |
| Fuel System | — | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | | 580000 | | 192051 |
| 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. | Smooth and manageable 249 cc engine — good balance of enough power for city and highway without being intimidating. Light, nimble handling and reasonable kerb weight make it easy to maneuver in traffic and tight spaces. Comfortable seat height and posture for both city rides and longer journeys. Suspension does a decent job of absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces, giving a comfortable ride even on rough roads. Disc brakes front and rear with dual-channel ABS provide dependable stopping power and added safety. A good balance of sporty feel and everyday usability — suitable for daily commutes as well as occasional spirited rides. |
| Starter | Electric | ELECTRIC |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6- speed |
