Quick Analysis
Benelli TRK 502
6.5 pts
Unweighted: 3 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S
23.0 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 500 | 1301 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 160 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 140 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 l | 23 L |
| Mileage | 25 kmpl | 17.5 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 210 kg | 250 kg |
| Seat Height | 835mm | 849/869 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc Front 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | Disc 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | USD Telescopic Forks | WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc Rear 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | Disc 267 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) | WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 120/70 - ZR19 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 170/60 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED Headlight |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/trk502white.webp | — |
| Cluster | — | Scratch-resistant 7-inch TFT display |
| Color Options | — | ORANGE |
| Cons | Its heavy weight becomes noticeable in traffic, tight turns, and situations where quick direction changes are needed. While the suspension works well for moderate rough roads, very broken terrain can feel harsh or less controlled compared to more off-road-focused bikes. Maintenance and spare parts may cost more than typical mid-segment bikes, making long-term ownership slightly expensive. The power-to-weight ratio isn’t the strongest, so riders expecting a very punchy performance may find it a bit slow when accelerating hard. It lacks some modern electronic features that newer competitors now offer, which may disappoint riders looking for advanced tech and connectivity. | High Price & Running Cost: As a premium big adventure bike, the 1290 SAS is expensive to buy and maintain. Complex Electronics: The rich electronics package may be overwhelming for some riders and can lead to occasional software glitches. Reliability Concerns: Some owners report electrical issues (e.g., MTC error, key fob issues) and other rare faults. Seat Comfort: The stock seat is criticized by several users for being hard, especially on long rides. Weight: With a kerb weight of around 250 kg, it’s a heavy machine, which can make it less agile in certain situations, particularly off-road. Heat & Engine Complexity: The powerful V-twin can generate noticeable heat, and servicing its complex components (like twin plugs, semi-active suspension, etc.) can be demanding. |
| Detailed Overview | You swing a leg over the TRK 502 and you’re immediately aware that this is meant to be more than a city commuter; there’s a sense of presence, of readiness for longer roads. Under the tank sits a 500 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, running a DOHC layout with 8 valves. The bore and stroke (69 × 66.8 mm) and a compression ratio of 11.5:1 tell you that this engine is tuned for a healthy balance — it’s neither peaky and fragile, nor a torquey grinder. What you get instead is a smooth, flexible powerplant that builds revs steadily, giving enough grunt without being nervous or rough. At its peak, it delivers about 46.8-47.5 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 46 Newton-metres of torque at around 6,000 rpm. That output, in plain riding, doesn’t mean blazing superbike sprints. It means confidence: enough urge to overtake on the highway, enough midrange torque for loaded touring or two-up rides, and smooth throttle response for city or mixed-road use. The 6-speed gearbox with chain final drive feels just right — shifts are predictable and the clutch (wet multi-plate / slipper clutch depending on region) handles starts and slow manoeuvres without fuss. Because this is meant for touring and everyday versatility, the chassis and suspension are built accordingly. A steel trellis frame acts as the backbone — sturdy enough to keep the bike stable at speed, yet with a bit of compliance to soak up normal road irregularities. Up front, there’s an upside-down telescopic fork (about 50 mm) with around 140 mm travel; at the rear a preload- and rebound-adjustable mono-shock with around 45 mm travel. What that gives on road is a setup that doesn’t punish you over bad surfaces but remains planted: potholes, imperfect tarmac or rough stretches are dealt with gracefully, while the bike stays composed even when you ask for speed or load it up with luggage and pillion. Physically the TRK 502 is substantial — long and purposeful. Its overall length is about 2200–2220 mm, width around 915 mm, and height roughly 1450 mm (slightly more depending on variant). The wheelbase of 1505 mm gives it stable tracking on highways and at speed, but that length and mass mean low-speed manoeuvres require some care — U-turns, tight corners, or dense traffic will need respect and a bit of strength. The seat height — roughly 800-835 mm depending on model/market — places you in a commanding riding posture: good for visibility and control, but may feel tall for shorter riders. Ground clearance around 190 mm means you’re also not too worried about speed-bumps or rough rural surfaces. When it comes to stopping and safety, TRK 502 doesn’t leave much to complaint. Twin 320 mm discs up front (with 4-piston calipers) and a 260 mm disc at the rear — both with dual-channel ABS — give you solid braking power and modulation. In everyday traffic or loaded touring, you get confident, progressive braking rather than abrupt grabs or fade, which is exactly what you want when you’re carrying luggage or a pillion. Fuel-wise, the 20-litre tank (with a bit of reserve) gives a decent riding range. Fill up and you can reasonably expect to tackle long rides or highway runs without constant fuel stops — an important detail if you plan to use this bike for touring or inter-city travel. Combined with the engine’s fuel injection and tuning, the balance between performance and range is well-struck. On the feature front, the TRK 502 comes decently equipped for its class. The instrument console mixes analogue and digital readouts (tachometer + digital speedo/fuel/odometer/trip) — enough to give you all the essential info clearly without overcomplicating the dashboard. Lighting, electrics and ergonomics are oriented toward usability: the riding position is upright, comfortable for long hours; footpegs and rider triangle are such that you don’t feel cramped even after a few hours of cruise. For everyday commuting, that means less fatigue; for touring, it means more hours in the saddle without strain. When you take it out on the open road — open highway, winding roads, rolling hills — the TRK 502 reveals what it is built for: stability, comfort, and controlled performance. It doesn’t feel underpowered even when carrying luggage or with a pillion; the twin’s smooth torque curve helps you manage traffic or overtakes with ease. On rough or uneven roads, the suspension soaks up the imperfections, and the frame feels secure. The overall setup makes it a comfortable, confident companion for trips that are more than just short city commutes. But there are trade-offs. Because the bike is fairly heavy and long, jockeying through tight city traffic or congested lanes means you’ll notice the bulk — quick zigzags or tight U-turns are not the bike’s forte. Seat height and weight can be challenging for shorter riders or those new to big bikes. The power-to-weight ratio is modest, so while it’s confident for touring or leisure riding, it doesn’t give the “sportbike thrill.” If you push it hard — say, frequent hard acceleration with two-up + luggage — you may find that intense use exposes the limits of a 500 cc twin configured for balance, not brute power. Overall, the TRK 502 feels like what you’d expect from a middleweight touring-oriented motorcycle — not a race-bred machine, not a lightweight commuter, but a capable all-rounder that lets you ride relaxed yet with enough substance. It’s ideal for those who want a single bike to handle everything: daily commuting when needed, weekend adventures, city-to-city travel, even occasional touring with a pillion and luggage, all without demanding sport bike instinct or compromising comfort. | The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is the thrilling apex of KTM’s travel bike lineup, blending raw power with modern electronics and long-distance capability to deliver a truly versatile adventure machine. At the core of the bike lies its mighty 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin engine, which churns out around 160 PS of power and 140 Nm of torque. This translates into effortless rapid acceleration, strong highway performance, and the brute force needed to carry luggage or cruise with a pillion. Whether you’re blasting down twisty mountain roads or towing through open terrain, the 1290 SAS feels like a bike that can do it all. One of the standout features of the Super Adventure S is its adaptive cruise control (ACC) — a rare find in this segment. With its radar-based system, riders can maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front, reducing fatigue during long rides. This, combined with a rich electronics suite that includes Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), cornering ABS, traction control (MTC), quickshifter+, and multiple riding modes (Rain, Street, Off-road, Rally), gives you confidence and control no matter where you’re headed. The 7-inch TFT display serves as the cockpit brain, presenting ride data, navigation details, and vital alerts with clarity. In terms of handling and comfort, the 1290 SAS strikes a remarkable balance. Equipped with semi-active WP suspension, the bike dynamically adjusts damping based on ride conditions, ensuring a smooth ride over broken tarmac while maintaining tight control when pushing hard. The trellis frame is rigid yet light enough to make the weight (over 250 kg) feel manageable. The ergonomics are well thought out — the adjustable windshield, comfortable seat, and raised handlebars make for a relaxed riding posture that’s ideal for long touring. Fuel capacity is another strong point. With its 23-litre tank, the Super Adventure S offers excellent range, making it ideal for epic road trips. For riders planning multi-day journeys or even cross-country routes, fuel stops are less of a chore, and the engine’s broad torque curve ensures manageable fuel consumption even under load. However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The Super Adventure S’s powerful V-twin can generate noticeable heat, especially in heavy traffic or warm climates. The price tag is also quite premium, reflecting its status as a high-spec adventure bike with semi-active suspension and advanced electronics. As with any complex, electronics-loaded machine, maintenance and service costs are higher than simpler bikes. Despite these trade-offs, the 1290 Super Adventure S excels at its intended purpose: it’s a performance-focused travel machine that doesn’t compromise on comfort or high-speed capability. For riders who crave an adventure bike that feels equally at home on high-speed highways, winding backroads, or loose terrain, the 1290 SAS is one of the most compelling choices. It combines KTM’s racing pedigree with real-world usability, making long-distance touring not just practical but exhilarating. In summary, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a high-performance, high-comfort adventure bike that brings together advanced technology, raw power, and touring durability. If you’re looking for an adventure motorcycle that doesn’t feel like you’re making too many compromises — power-wise or comfort-wise — the 1290 SAS delivers a premium, capable, and thrilling ride. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What engine does the TRK 502 use? A: It uses a 500 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin DOHC engine with 8 valves. Q: What is the power and torque output? A: The engine puts out about 47.5 PS at 8,500 rpm and delivers around 46 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Q: What kind of transmission does it have? A: It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a chain final drive. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 20 litres. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is roughly 800–835 mm (depending on variant/market), and ground clearance is about 190 mm. Q: What is the kerb (or wet) weight of the bike? A: The bike weighs around 228–235 kg (depending on specification and additional gear/load). Q: What are the brakes and wheels/tyres setup? A: Up front there are twin 320 mm disc brakes with 4-piston calipers; at the rear a 260 mm disc. Both front and rear tyres sit on 17-inch alloy wheels, with tubeless tyres. Dual-channel ABS comes standard. Q: What is the claimed mileage / fuel efficiency? A: Mileage typically ranges around 30–34 km per litre (city and highway use). Q: What kind of suspension does it have? A: It uses a 50 mm upside-down (USD) telescopic front fork (about 140 mm travel) and a rear mono-shock with preload adjustability and around 45 mm rear suspension travel. Q: What kind of instrumentation and features does it offer? A: The instrument console combines analogue (tachometer) and digital displays (speedometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, etc.). It includes electric start, digital fuel gauge, trip meter, passenger footrests, and typical adventure-tourer ergonomics. Q: What is its top speed / performance potential? A: The top speed is around 160–165 km/h, and it can do 0–100 km/h in approximately 7.5–8 seconds depending on load and conditions. | Q: What is the engine specification of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S? A: It uses a 1,301 cc V-twin (LC8) engine with 75° configuration. Q: How much power and torque does it deliver? A: The motor produces 160 PS (118 kW) and 140 Nm of torque. Q: What is the fuel capacity and mileage? A: It has a 23-litre fuel tank. According to Autocar India, the claimed fuel efficiency is 17.5 km/l. Q: What type of brakes and ABS does this bike use? A: The 1290 Super Adventure S features 320 mm front discs and 267 mm rear discs, backed by Bosch combined ABS with cornering ABS and an off-road ABS mode. Q: What suspension setup is on the 1290 SAS? A: It comes with WP semi-active suspension (SAT)—a 48 mm upside-down fork in the front and a semi-active rear shock absorber. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is 849 mm, adjustable up to 869 mm, and ground clearance is 223 mm. Q: What instrument cluster does it come with? A: It features a 7-inch TFT display, which supports angle adjustment, navigation via KTM Connect, and can show ride data. Q: Is the 1290 Super Adventure S good for touring? A: Yes — with its large fuel tank, long travel suspension, and comfort-oriented electronics (like ACC and adjustable windscreen), it's well-suited for long-distance touring. Q: What is the kerb / dry weight of the bike? A: The kerb weight is approximately 220 kg (per 91Wheels). Q: Are there any common issues reported by owners? A: Some users mention electronic gremlins (e.g. MTC error) early on. > “I had 1 mtc error when the bike was new but nothing since.” Also, a few riders ask about suspension tuning, especially at high speed. |
| Price Variants | | 662000 | | 2273900 |
| Pros | The TRK 502 is built for long rides, offering a relaxed riding position and a comfortable seat that help you stay fresh even after hours on the highway. Its suspension and chassis balance make it stable on rough patches, allowing it to handle mixed road conditions without feeling nervous. For its price, the bike comes loaded with practical touring features like hand guards, a large windscreen, good ergonomics, and a solid, confidence-inspiring build. The bike feels substantial on the road — its size and weight give it a strong presence, making it feel like a true adventure-tourer. The engine is smooth and predictable, making it friendly for newer riders while still offering enough power for everyday commuting and long-distance travel. | Massive Power & Torque: Powered by a 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine, the 1290 SAS delivers 160 PS and 140 Nm of torque — great for both highway cruising and spirited rides. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Comes with radar-based ACC, which allows you to lock on to a vehicle ahead and maintain a safe distance automatically — a big plus for long touring. Advanced Rider Electronics: Features such as Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), cornering ABS, traction control (MTC), quickshifter+, and multiple riding modes add a high level of safety and versatility. Semi-Active WP Suspension: The WP semi-active suspension adjusts damping dynamically, offering comfort, sporty control, or off-road capability depending on the mode. Long Range Fuel Tank: With a 23-liter fuel tank, it gives a very decent range for touring or long rides. Premium Build & Components: The build quality is high, with a strong trellis frame, durable engine internals (like DLC coatings), and overall excellent material quality. Comfort & Ergonomics: Adjustable windshield, adjustable seat height, and rider-focused ergonomics make it comfortable for long-distance journeys. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 Speed Manual |
