Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
6.0 pts
Unweighted: 5 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 RALLY EXPLORER
28.0 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 500 | 1160 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 150PS / 148bhp (110.4kW) @ 9,000rpm (100PS rain mode) |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 130 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 | 30 L |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl | 18kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 220 | 262kg (90% fuel - mass in running order) kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | Adjustable 875/895 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. 220mm 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 | 220mm 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 Karoo Street, 90/90-21 (M/C 54V TL) |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | Metzeler Karoo Street, 150/70R18 (M/C 70V TL) |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | DRLs LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1.png |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3.png |
| Color Options | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black | Jet Black Matt Khaki Matt Sandstorm |
| 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. | Tall seat & significant weight: With a seat height around 875-895 mm and a wet weight around 250+ kg, it can be challenging for shorter riders or in slow-speed manoeuvres. High acquisition & running costs: Being a premium adventure model with top-tier components, purchase price and maintenance costs are high compared to more basic ADV bikes. Some interface/usability quirks: Reviews and owner feedback highlight issues like dashboard/menu complexity, windscreen adjustment problems and throttle snatchiness in certain modes. While very capable off-road, still more road-biased than a dedicated enduro: The size, weight and tyre/suspension setup favour road touring and moderate off‐road rather than hardcore trail riding. |
| 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. | The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is the ultimate expression of Triumph’s large-capacity adventure touring range, engineered to blend long-distance comfort with real all-road capability. At its heart lies an impressive 1,160 cc liquid-cooled, inline-three cylinder engine producing about 150 PS at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. This high-capacity powerplant, combined with a shaft drive and slip-/assist clutch, delivers refined performance across a variety of terrain—whether you’re cruising at highway speeds, carrying pillion and luggage, or navigating challenging gravel stretches. Design and ergonomics are tailored to serious adventure-riding. The Rally Explorer is built on a tubular steel frame with forged aluminium outriggers, and rides on tubeless spoked wheels sized 21 inch at the front and 18 inch at the rear, equipped with Metzeler Karoo Street tyres for true all-road functionality. It uses a semi-active Showa suspension setup with 220 mm of travel at both ends, and features an electronic active preload reduction system that lowers the seat height by up to 20 mm when stopped, increasing rider confidence. The seat height is adjustable around 875-895 mm, and the wet weight is approximately 262 kg (90% fuel). The fuel tank holds a generous 30 litres, supporting extended touring range without constant refuelling stops. Technology and features are in abundance—this isn’t just a rugged bike; it’s a sophisticated machine. The Rally Explorer comes with a 7-inch full-colour TFT display with “My Triumph” connectivity, six riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Off-Road Pro, Rider), cornering ABS and traction control, tyre-pressure monitoring system, adaptive cornering LED lights, heated rider and pillion seats, blind-spot radar (rear) and cruise control. The braking hardware is top-tier, with Brembo Stylema calipers on the front twin 320 mm discs and a 282 mm disc at the rear. All of this makes the Rally Explorer a bike equally capable on highways, long tours, and moderate off-road tracks. In practical use, riders report that the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer feels refined for its size—its powerful engine is smooth, the chassis surprisingly agile for a big adventure bike, and the ride comfort strong even under load. It moves confidently on challenging terrain yet remains composed on tarmac. That said, the tall seat height and overall weight mean it demands some physical presence, especially when manoeuvring in slow or technical situations. Also, while its 30-litre tank gives noteworthy range, the sheer bulk and premium spec translate to higher purchase cost, and maintenance/spare parts costs are correspondingly elevated. Real-world mileage is quoted around ~19-20 km/l in mixed use in some markets. In summary, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is a top-tier adventure tourer for riders who prioritise premium build, long-haul capability, advanced tech and genuine all-terrain versatility. It may not be the lowest-seat, lightest option in its class, but for those who are prepared to commit, it rewards with one of the most complete and confident adventure-motorcycle experiences available today. |
| 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 engine specification of the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer? A: It is powered by a 1,160 cc liquid-cooled, 12-valve inline-three-cylinder engine that produces approximately 150 PS at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Triumph Motorcycles +1 Q: What is the seat height and wet weight of the Rally Explorer? A: The seat height is adjustable at 875 mm / 895 mm and the wet (“mass in running order”) weight is approximately 261 kg (90% fuel) for the Rally Explorer variant. Triumph Motorcycles +1 Q: What kind of wheels and tires does the Rally Explorer use? A: The bike uses 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless spoked wheels, fitted with tyres sized 90/90-21 (front) and 150/70-R18 (rear) with Metzeler Karoo Street tyres (or equivalent) for all-road/off-road capability. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what mileage can one expect? A: The Rally Explorer variant gets a 30-litre fuel tank for extended range. Real-world mileage is around ~19-20 km/l under mixed conditions (though actual may vary) and official figure ~5.5 L/100 km. Q: What electronics and rider aids are featured on the Rally Explorer? A: It comes with a full-colour 7-inch TFT display with My Triumph Connectivity, six riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Off-Road Pro, Rider), cornering ABS, traction control, heated rider & pillion seats, tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), cruise control, quickshifter and more. Q: What is the ex-showroom price of the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer in India? A: The ex-showroom price starts from approximately ₹ 22,29,000 in India for the Rally Explorer variant. Q: Is the Rally Explorer variant suitable for off-road rides as well as touring? A: Yes — the Rally Explorer is designed as a top-spec adventure bike with long-travel suspension, 21-inch front wheel, optional off-road modes, and rugged ergonomics, making it capable for both road touring and moderate off-road adventure. Q: What is the service interval and warranty for this motorcycle? A: The service interval is approximately every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. The bike comes with a 3-year unlimited-mileage warranty in many markets. |
| Price Variants | | 580000 | RALLY EXPLORER | 2229000 GT EXPLORER | 2089000 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-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. | Strong engine performance: The 1,160 cc inline-three delivers around 150 PS and 130 Nm of torque, giving excellent power for both on-road and off-road adventure riding. Top-spec componentry & features: The Rally Explorer comes with long-travel suspension, 21-inch front/18-inch rear spoked wheels, semi-active damping, high-end brakes and a comprehensive electronics suite. Great touring ergonomics & comfort: Upright riding position, adjustable windscreen, plush seats, large fuel tank (30 litres) make it well suited for long‐distance rides. Improved smoothness & refinement: The latest version addresses engine vibrations and low-rpm stalls from earlier models, resulting in a more civilised ride. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 speed |
