Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
18.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
SUZUKI V-STROM SX
13.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Oil Cooled |
| Displacement | 500 | 249 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 4-stroke, Single-cylinder, oil-cooled, SOHC |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 26.1 bhp @ 9300 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 | 12 litres |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl | 36 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 220 | 167 kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | 835 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | Disc 300 mm Caliper - Front 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | Telescopic, coil spring, oil dampedgpt |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Disc 220 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | Swing arm type, coil spring, oil damped |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 100/90 - 19 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 140/70 - 17 |
| 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/vstromsxmetsonomared.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstromsxglasssparkleblack.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstromsxchampionyellowno2-1.webp |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstromsxpearlglacierwhitemetallicmatstellarblue.webp |
| Color Options | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black | Glass Sparkle Black Pearl Glacier White Champion Yellow Champion Blue Met Sonoma Red Glass Sparkle 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. | Seat height of 835 mm may be challenging for shorter riders. Fuel tank capacity of 12 litres could feel small for long-distance touring. Not designed for hardcore off-roading; more suited for mild trails. Wind protection is average at higher speeds. Rear tyre could have been slightly wider for stronger high-speed confidence. Engine feels a bit stressed above 100 km/h during continuous cruising. |
| 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. | If you’re looking for a motorcycle that quietly bridges the gap between everyday use and weekend adventure, the V-Strom SX stands out as a smart pick. Under its body sits a 249 cc single-cylinder engine that offers enough power to keep pace on open roads while remaining gentle and manageable in city traffic. The ride never feels nervous or eager to burst — instead it delivers smooth, linear thrust that riders appreciate when pulling away from traffic lights, overtaking, or cruising steadily. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine gives you flexibility: easy shifts and light clutch work mean city commutes are stress-free, while the taller gears serve highway cruising well — the bike doesn’t feel like it’s straining even when you push past 90 km/h. Its relatively light kerb weight keeps handling easy and intuitive, which is especially helpful when maneuvering through narrow lanes or doing U-turns. Physically, the V-Strom SX occupies a comfortable middle ground. A tall seat and high ground clearance give you a commanding view over traffic, and a posture that doesn’t tire you out — useful if you spend hours on the saddle. The chassis geometry and suspension setup strike a balance between comfort and control: you’ll glide over city potholes and rough patches without feeling every bump, yet the bike remains stable and confidence-inspiring when cornering or riding on uneven surfaces. The braking setup — disc brakes front and rear with ABS — offers peace of mind. That extra bit of security becomes important when roads are slippery, brake distances unpredictable, or sudden stops unavoidable. The tyres and suspension together make the ride predictable and planted — whatever the terrain, the bike simply feels secure under you rather than skittish. For riders who value convenience, the V-Strom SX delivers. A modern instrument cluster, smart ergonomics, and a manageable fuel tank size combine to make both daily commuting and short touring hassle-free. While it won’t rival large tourers in fuel tank capacity or long-haul comfort, it finds its strength in versatility: breezing through morning traffic, handling a weekend escape, or tackling rough rural roads — all with the same bike. Used in a semi-urban or small-town setting, where road conditions vary from smooth tarmac to patchy stretches, the V-Strom SX adapts well. It doesn’t feel like a compromise between commuter and adventure — it genuinely works as both. For someone who doesn’t want the burden of an oversized tourer yet wants more than a basic commuter, this bike gives a little bit of freedom: enough power, enough comfort, enough stability — and a sense that you’re more ready than most to go somewhere, even if it’s not planned. |
| 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 35–40 kmpl in real-world riding. Q: Is the Suzuki V-Strom SX good for long rides? A: Yes, it’s very comfortable for touring thanks to its upright posture, smooth engine, and stable highway manners. Q: Can beginners ride this bike easily? A: Yes, the power delivery is friendly, and the handling is light, making it suitable for new riders. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 835 mm. Q: Does it come with ABS? A: Yes, the bike is equipped with dual-channel ABS. Q: How does the suspension perform on bad roads? A: It handles rough roads well due to long-travel suspension and 205 mm ground clearance. Q: What tyres does the V-Strom SX use? A: It has a 100/90-19 front tyre and a 140/70-17 rear tyre. Q: Does it have Bluetooth features? A: Yes, the digital console supports Bluetooth connectivity, including call alerts and navigation prompts. Q: What is the ground clearance? A: The ground clearance is 205 mm. Q: Is the bike comfortable for a pillion? A: Yes, the seat is wide and supportive, making pillion rides comfortable. Q: How big is the fuel tank? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres. Q: Does the engine heat up in traffic? A: No, the oil-cooled engine manages heat well and stays stable even in slow-moving traffic. Q: Is luggage mounting easy? A: Yes, panniers and top boxes can be mounted easily due to the strong rear subframe design. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The bike weighs 167 kg. Q: Is it suitable for off-roading? A: Light off-roading and rough patches are fine, but it’s not designed for hardcore off-road trails. |
| Fuel System | — | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | | 580000 | | 200189 |
| 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 refined 249cc engine that’s great for both city and highway use. Very comfortable riding posture, ideal for long rides and daily commuting. Light and easy to handle despite the ADV stance. High 205 mm ground clearance makes bad roads easy to tackle. Dual-channel ABS adds strong safety during sudden braking. Long-travel suspension offers a plush ride over potholes and uneven surfaces. Bluetooth-enabled digital console with navigation alerts and phone notifications. Good stability thanks to 19-inch front wheel and well-balanced chassis. Easy to mount luggage for touring; strong rear subframe. Reliable, low-maintenance engine with proven Suzuki durability. |
| Starter | Electric | Electronic ignition |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 Speed Manual |
