Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
7.0 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 RALLY EXPLORER
27.0 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 (100PS rain mode) |
| Torque | 46N·m @ 6000 r/min | 130 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5L | 30 L |
| Mileage | 26.5 Kmpl | 18kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 216 | 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 | 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 | 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 Black | #1C1C1C | 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 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. | 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 | 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 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 | 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 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. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | STD | 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 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 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 |
