Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
9.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT EXPLORER
23.5 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 500cc | 1160 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 8-valve | 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder |
| Power | 35kW @ 8500 r/min | 150PS / 148bhp (110.4kW) @ 9,000rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m @ 6000 r/min | 130 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5L | 20 L |
| Mileage | 26.5 Kmpl | 19.6 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 216 | 246kg (90% fuel - mass in running order) kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | Adjustable 850/870 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual-Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | Brembo M4.30 Stylema monoblock radial calipers, OC-ABS, twin 320mm floating discs. Magura HC1 span adjustable radial master cylinder with separate reservoir. |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | Showa 49mm, semi-active damping USD forks. 200mm travel. |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Brembo single piston caliper, OC-ABS, single 282mm disc. Rear master cylinder with remote reservoir. |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | 200mm wheel travel Showa semi-active damping monoshock, with automatic electronic preload adjustment and New Active Preload Reduction feature. Depending on the combined weight of rider, pillion and luggage, this feature could lower the riding height by up to 20mm when the motorcycle comes to a standstill, offering greater ease and confidence. |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | Metzeler Tourance, 120/70R19 (M/C 60V TL) |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | Metzeler Tourance, 150/70R18 (M/C 70V TL) |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | DRLs LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V / 8AH | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | — |
| Color Options | Matte Black | #1C1C1C | snowdonia white |
| 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. | Height & weight make it demanding: The Explorer variant has a tall seat (≈850-870 mm or more) and substantial wet weight (~250 kg+), which can be challenging for shorter riders or in slow-speed manoeuvres. Not a true off-road machine: While capable, the road-biased wheel/tyre setup and size make it less agile on rough trails compared to more off-road dedicated bikes. Premium cost & ownership: Purchase price and running costs are high in the premium adventure bike segment; some owners note small quality/control issues. Some interface/usage quirks: Certain riders report mild issues with features such as navigation display responsiveness, clutch feel in low revs, and switchgear ergonomics. |
| 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 **Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer** is the ultimate expression of Triumph’s grand touring adventure motorcycle lineup, engineered for riders who crave long-distance comfort, advanced technology, and refined performance on tarmac and light trails. Designed as a flagship road-focused adventure bike, the GT Explorer combines luxury and durability with impressive engineering precision. It is powered by a 1,160 cc inline-three-cylinder engine derived from the Speed Triple 1200, producing an exhilarating 150 PS of power at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The unique T-plane crankshaft design delivers a distinctive sound and a linear power delivery that enhances both low-end torque and highway acceleration, making it perfectly suited for long-distance touring and high-speed cruising. The GT Explorer stands out for its comfort-oriented and feature-packed design. It comes equipped with a massive 30-litre fuel tank, offering exceptional range for cross-country travel—ideal for riders who prefer to go the extra mile without frequent fuel stops. The ergonomics are well thought out, featuring an adjustable seat height (850 mm to 870 mm), wide handlebars, and a well-padded seat that ensures a fatigue-free experience on long journeys. Wind protection is exceptional thanks to the tall, electronically adjustable windscreen and aerodynamically designed fairing. Heated grips, heated seats, cruise control, and a keyless ignition system add to the comfort and convenience, ensuring the GT Explorer feels more like a luxury tourer than a rugged adventure bike. In terms of technology and performance, Triumph has equipped the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer with the latest innovations. The motorcycle features a 7-inch full-color TFT display integrated with the My Triumph connectivity system, allowing smartphone pairing, navigation, music, and call control. It comes with six riding modes—Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Rider-Configurable, and Off-Road Pro—allowing the rider to tailor the performance and traction to different road conditions. The semi-active Showa suspension system automatically adjusts damping for varying loads and surfaces, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. The braking setup features top-spec Brembo Stylema calipers with cornering ABS, providing confidence-inspiring stopping power. Advanced rider aids such as traction control, hill-hold assist, adaptive cornering lights, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) further elevate safety and riding precision. The GT Explorer’s chassis is built using a lightweight aluminum frame and a shaft-driven setup for smoother and low-maintenance performance. Unlike its Rally siblings, the GT Explorer features 19-inch front and 18-inch rear cast alloy wheels with road-biased tires, making it perfect for long highway rides and mild off-road trails. Despite its size and 255 kg wet weight, the bike feels balanced and stable at all speeds, with Triumph’s engineering ensuring superb maneuverability for such a large adventure motorcycle. Visually, the GT Explorer embodies a rugged yet elegant design, highlighted by its bold tank shrouds, premium finishes, and distinctive LED lighting setup. Every detail reflects Triumph’s attention to quality and craftsmanship. Competing directly with heavyweights like the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and Ducati Multistrada V4, the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer stands as a benchmark for comfort, technology, and performance in the full-size adventure segment. Overall, it’s a motorcycle built for explorers who value refinement, endurance, and luxury as much as adventure—making it one of the most capable and feature-rich touring motorcycles available today. |
| 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 | 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 engine does the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer use? A: It uses a 1,160 cc liquid-cooled, 12-valve DOHC inline three-cylinder engine producing approximately 150 PS at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what is the mileage? A: The GT Explorer features a large 30-litre fuel tank, giving it an extended touring range. Some sources list its claimed consumption at about 5.5 L/100 km (~18 km/l) under ideal conditions. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the GT Explorer? A: The seat height is adjustable at about 850 / 870 mm depending on configuration. Its wet (running) weight is about 255 kg for the GT Explorer. Q: What electronics and features come with the GT Explorer? A: It includes a full-colour 7″ TFT display with My Triumph connectivity, multiple riding modes, semi-active suspension (Showa), adaptive lighting, cruise control, heated seats & grips, tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and other advanced rider aids. Q: What kind of wheels and tyres does the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer use? A: It uses cast alloy wheels sized 19″ front and 18″ rear (for the GT version) with road-biased tyres, in contrast to the off-road oriented rally versions. Q: What is the starting price of the GT Explorer in India? A: The ex-showroom price in India is listed at around ₹ 20,89,000 for the GT Explorer variant. Q: Is the GT Explorer suitable for long-distance touring? A: Yes. With its large fuel tank, comfortable ergonomics, high-spec suspension and advanced technology package, the GT Explorer is tailored for road-focused adventure and long-distance touring. Q: What is the service interval for the Tiger 1200 range? A: Service interval is approximately every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | STD | 580000 | GT EXPLORER | 2089000 RALLY EXPLORER | 2229000 RALLY PRO | 2079000 GT PRO | 1939000 |
| 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. | Incredible touring capability: With a large fuel tank (30 litres in the Explorer variant) and premium components, the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is built for long-distance comfort and endurance. Top-level technology and features: Semi-active suspension, multiple riding modes, cruise control, tooth-some TFT display, and premium electronics elevate the experience. Strong engine and refined performance: The 1,160cc inline-three delivers excellent power (≈150 PS) and torque, providing both highway punch and touring usability. Comfort and ergonomics: Reviewers highlight the bike’s comfortable riding posture, wind protection, and stability even on lengthy road trips. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 speed |
