Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
8.5 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT EXPLORER
24.5 pts
Unweighted: 15 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 | 18.8 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 216 | 246 (90% fuel - mass in running order) |
| Seat Height | 760 | Adjustable 850/870 |
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. |
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 | #F5F5F5 |
| 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. | Very heavy and bulky - With a weight of around 250+ kg, it can feel difficult to handle at low speeds or while parking. Not easy in city traffic - Its size and weight make it less practical for tight urban conditions and stop-and-go traffic Vibrations at certain speeds - Some reviews mention slight vibrations through the seat or frame, especially during long highway runs. Expensive purchase and ownership - It sits in the premium segment, with higher service and maintenance costs Electronics not always perfect - Features like Bluetooth connectivity and navigation can be inconsistent or slow at times. Less off-road focused than Rally variants - The GT Explorer is mainly road-biased, so it is not ideal for serious off-road 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 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is a large-capacity adventure touring motorcycle designed mainly for long-distance road riding, with a strong focus on comfort, range, and technology. It is powered by a 1160cc inline three-cylinder engine that produces around 147–150 PS and 130 Nm of torque, delivering a smooth yet strong performance across the rev range. The engine uses electronic fuel injection and ride-by-wire throttle, which helps provide controlled and predictable power delivery whether riding slowly in traffic or cruising at higher speeds. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a shaft drive system, which reduces maintenance compared to chain-driven bikes and makes it more suitable for long-distance touring. The chassis is built using a tubular steel frame with an aluminium subframe, designed to balance strength and weight. The GT Explorer uses 19-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels, which give it a more road-focused setup compared to off-road-oriented adventure bikes. This setup improves stability on highways and makes the bike feel more planted while cornering on paved roads. The suspension system is a key feature, with semi-active Showa suspension offering around 200 mm of travel. This system automatically adjusts damping based on road conditions and load, helping maintain a comfortable ride while still keeping the bike stable during faster riding. The riding position is upright and designed for long journeys. The wide handlebar, adjustable seat height (around 850–870 mm), and large bodywork provide a relaxed and commanding riding posture. The bike also features an adjustable windscreen to reduce wind pressure, which is especially useful on highways. One of the main highlights of the GT Explorer variant is its 30-litre fuel tank, which offers a much longer riding range compared to standard variants, making it suitable for extended touring without frequent fuel stops. However, the large tank and overall build contribute to a higher weight of around 256 kg, which can make the bike feel heavy at low speeds or in tight spaces. In terms of features, the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer comes with a wide range of modern electronics. It includes multiple riding modes, traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, hill hold control, and a 7-inch TFT display with connectivity features. It also includes advanced systems like blind-spot radar and tyre pressure monitoring, which add to rider awareness and convenience during long rides. The braking system uses high-spec Brembo components, providing strong and controlled stopping power for a bike of this size. Overall, the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is designed to combine strong engine performance, long-distance comfort, and advanced touring features, with a setup that clearly prioritises stable and capable road riding over aggressive off-road use. |
| 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 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is a road-focused adventure tourer designed mainly for long-distance riding and highway comfort. It is powered by a 1160cc inline three-cylinder engine that delivers strong and smooth performance, with enough torque for relaxed cruising and quick acceleration when needed. The bike uses a shaft drive and a 6-speed gearbox, which adds to its touring practicality by reducing maintenance. Its semi-active suspension helps maintain a comfortable and stable ride over long distances, while the 19-inch front wheel setup gives it a more road-oriented feel. A key highlight is the large 30-litre fuel tank, which allows extended travel without frequent fuel stops. The upright riding posture, adjustable windscreen, and electronic features like riding modes and traction control support comfort and usability. However, its size and weight can make it feel less manageable in city traffic, and it is better suited for open roads than tight urban conditions., 4.5, 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 is the engine capacity of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer comes with a 1160cc, liquid-cooled, inline three-cylinder engine. Q: What is the mileage of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer typically delivers around 16–20 km/l in real-world riding, depending on speed, load, and riding style. Q: What is the top speed of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer has a top speed of around 220 km/h, depending on conditions and rider input. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer has a 30-litre fuel tank, which supports long-distance touring with fewer fuel stops. Q: Is the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer good for long-distance touring? A: Yes, the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is designed for touring, offering comfort features like cruise control, heated grips, and wind protection. Q: What is the seat height of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer has an adjustable seat height ranging from approximately 835 mm to 855 mm. Q: Does the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer have cruise control? A: Yes, the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer comes with cruise control as standard. Q: Is the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer suitable for off-road riding? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is mainly road-focused and can handle light off-road use, but it is not designed for serious off-road riding. Q: What is the weight of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer has a wet weight of around 255–261 kg, depending on the model year. Q: Does the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer have a quickshifter? A: Yes, the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer comes with a standard up-and-down quickshifter. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | 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. | Strong and versatile triple-cylinder engine - The 1160cc engine delivers smooth yet powerful performance with strong torque across the rev range, making it suitable for both relaxed touring and highway riding. Excellent long-distance comfort - Upright ergonomics, wide seat, heated features, and wind protection make it very comfortable for long rides and touring. Stable and confident highway performance - The bike feels planted at high speeds and remains composed on highways and sweeping corners. Advanced electronics and touring features - Comes with cruise control, riding modes, TFT display, and features like blind-spot radar (Explorer variant), improving usability. Semi-active suspension works well - The electronic suspension adjusts to conditions and helps balance comfort with control on different road surfaces. Large fuel tank for touring - The Explorer variant has a 30L fuel tank, which supports long-distance travel with fewer fuel stops. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start only |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 speed |
