Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 900 GT
21.5 pts
Unweighted: 14 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 500 | 888 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | DOHC, inline 3-cylinder |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 108 PS / 106.5 bhp (79.5 kW) @ 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 90 Nm @ 6,850 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 | 20 L |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl | 21 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 220 | 219 kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | Adjustable 820 - 840 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | Twin 320mm floating discs, Brembo Stylema 4 piston Monobloc calipers. Radial front master cylinder, Optimised Cornering ABS |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | Marzocchi 45mm upside down forks, manual rebound and compression damping adjustment, 180mm travel |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Single 255mm disc. Single piston sliding caliper. Optimised cornering ABS |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | Marzocchi rear suspension unit, manual preload and rebound damping adjustment, 170mm wheel travel |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | Metzeler TouranceTM Next, 100/90-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | Metzeler TouranceTM Next, 150/70R17 |
| 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/tiger900graphitesapphireblack.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tiger900snowdoniawhitesapphireblack.webp |
| Color Options | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black | Carnival Red / Sapphire Black Graphite / Sapphire Black Snowdonia White / Sapphire 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 & weight may challenge some riders: The seat height (820-840 mm) and kerb weight (219 kg as per some reviews) make it less accessible for shorter riders or frequent urban manoeuvres. Noticeable vibration & heat in certain conditions: Some riders report vibration in the handlebar/pegs above ~120 km/h and heat from radiators hitting the left knee in city stop-go traffic. Premium cost & maintenance: The higher acquisition cost (especially CBU import variants in India), service/parts cost and lower accessibility of dealership/spares in some regions are considered trade-offs. Touring-oriented but not hardcore off-road: While competent on less-tamed roads, the GT version uses road-biased tyres and suspension travel limits compared to dedicated off-road versions, so serious trail riding isn’t its strong suit. |
| 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 900 GT stands out as one of the most versatile and capable middleweight adventure-tourers in the premium segment. Designed primarily for on-road touring with occasional off-road capabilities, it combines comfort, power, and advanced technology in a way that caters to both experienced tourers and riders looking to upgrade from smaller ADVs. At the heart of the Tiger 900 GT is an 888cc, liquid-cooled, inline 3-cylinder engine that produces around 108 PS at 9,500 rpm and 90 Nm of torque at 6,850 rpm. This engine offers a distinctive character thanks to Triumph’s unique T-plane crank, which delivers a thrilling combination of low-end grunt and smooth high-end power delivery. The triple-cylinder setup provides linear acceleration, making the bike equally confident in city rides, mountain curves, and long-distance highway cruising. In terms of design, the Tiger 900 GT showcases Triumph’s refined styling with a slim yet muscular stance, LED lighting, a large 20-liter fuel tank, and a comfortable touring-oriented seat setup. The ergonomics have been well thought out, offering an upright riding position with wide handlebars and adjustable seat height ranging from 820 mm to 840 mm. The seat cushioning and suspension setup make it ideal for long journeys, reducing fatigue over extended rides. The bike rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast-aluminium wheels fitted with Metzeler Tourance Next tyres, which enhance grip and stability on paved surfaces while offering moderate confidence on gravel or light off-road trails. The chassis and suspension of the Tiger 900 GT are among its strongest highlights. It features a lightweight steel trellis frame combined with Marzocchi 45mm USD forks at the front and a Marzocchi adjustable monoshock at the rear. This suspension setup ensures a plush, controlled ride even when the road surface deteriorates. The bike’s balance and steering precision make it feel lighter than its 219 kg wet weight, which boosts rider confidence in corners or during quick maneuvers. The braking setup is equally premium, featuring Brembo Stylema calipers that provide strong, progressive stopping power with cornering ABS ensuring maximum safety. On the technology front, Triumph has equipped the Tiger 900 GT with a suite of modern features including a 7-inch full-color TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity (via the My Triumph app), and four riding modes—Rain, Road, Sport, and Off-road—allowing riders to tailor throttle response, traction control, and ABS settings to suit different terrains. Additionally, the GT includes ride-by-wire throttle, cornering traction control, heated grips, cruise control, and all-LED lighting, making it a tech-laden tourer ready for every condition. In real-world use, the Triumph Tiger 900 GT excels as a long-distance companion thanks to its smooth power delivery, stable handling, and excellent comfort. It feels agile enough for city rides yet truly shines on highways and winding hill roads. However, while it handles occasional off-road trails decently, its focus remains more road-oriented compared to the Tiger 900 Rally variant. Overall, the Tiger 900 GT offers a perfect balance between power, refinement, comfort, and touring practicality—making it one of the best premium middleweight adventure bikes in its class. |
| 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 engine does the Triumph Tiger 900 GT have? A: It’s powered by an 888 cc, liquid-cooled, 12-valve, inline-3-cylinder engine producing around 108 PS at 9,500 rpm and 90 Nm of torque at 6,850 rpm. Q: What is the seat height of the Tiger 900 GT? A: The seat height is adjustable in the range of approximately 820 mm to 840 mm for the GT variant. Q: What kind of wheels and tyres does the Tiger 900 GT use? A: It uses a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast aluminium wheels (for the GT) paired with Metzeler Tourance Next tyres for road-biased adventure capability. Q: What electronics and features come with the Tiger 900 GT? A: Features include a full-colour 7″ TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity (“My Triumph” system), riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road) for the GT, and Optimised Cornering ABS / traction control. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what mileage can be expected? A: The fuel tank capacity is 20 litres. Real-world mileage in India is reported around ~21-22 km/l depending on conditions. Q: What is the starting price of the Tiger 900 GT in India? A: The ex-showroom starting price is around **₹14,40,000** (for the GT variant in India). Q: Is the Tiger 900 GT suitable for both touring and everyday commuting? A: Yes — it’s designed as a road-focused adventure tourer with comfortable ergonomics, road-capable suspension and engine characteristics that make it suitable for long rides as well as city traffic. |
| Price Variants | | 580000 | GT | 1440000 |
| 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 888 cc triple delivers a solid mix of usable torque and mid-range power, making it versatile for both urban riding and highway touring. Excellent handling and refined chassis: Reviewers mention that despite its size, the Tiger 900 GT feels lighter and more agile than expected, especially on road. High-quality feature set: The bike comes with modern electronics (riding modes, traction control, cornering ABS), adjustable suspension, and other premium components that enhance the riding experience. Comfortable for long rides: With a relaxed yet upright riding posture, good wind-protection and stable ride quality, the Tiger 900 GT is well-suited for touring. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 speed |
