Quick Analysis
Benelli TRK 502
17.0 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Nightster Special
11.0 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid‑cooled |
| Displacement | 500cc | 975 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 8-valve | Revolution Max 975T V‑twin (DOHC, VVT) |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 89 HP (66 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 95 Nm @ 5,750 RPM |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20L | 11.7 L |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 18.18 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 235 | 225 |
| Seat Height | 800 | 715 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual‑channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc Front 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | Disc |
| Front Suspension | USD Telescopic Forks | 41mm SHOWA® Dual Bending Valve conventional forks. Aluminum fork triple clamps. |
| Rear Brake | Disc Rear 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | Disc |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) | Rear suspension is dual outboard, direct-acting (no linkage) emulsion technology shock absorbers with coil springs and a threaded collar for pre-load adjustment. |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 100/90‑19 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 150/80‑16 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Aluminum cast, satin black |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Halogen | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V / 8AH | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/White.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Gray-1.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Green.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/snake-venom-1.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Yellow.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/whiskey-fire-3.avif |
| Cluster | — | Digital TFT (102 mm) |
| Color Options | Black | #0A0A0A White | #F5F5F5 Green | #3A5F2D Yellow | #D4A017 | Whiskey Fire | #A64B22 Vivid Black | #0F0F10 Billiard Gray | #6B7074 Snake Venom | #4F5A3D |
| 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. | Fuel Capacity Is Modest for the Segment – The 11.7-litre fuel tank is smaller than what many riders expect from a motorcycle intended for highway use, which can limit range between fuel stops. Suspension Can Feel Firm on Broken Roads – Sharp bumps and poorly surfaced roads are transmitted more directly to the rider than on motorcycles with longer-travel suspension. Limited Wind Protection – The motorcycle is sold without a windscreen or fairing, leaving the rider exposed to airflow at sustained highway speeds. Passenger Accommodation Is Secondary – The compact rear seat and overall layout prioritize the rider more than two-up comfort. Engine Heat Becomes Noticeable in Congested Traffic – The liquid-cooled V-twin manages temperature effectively, but heat can still be felt around the rider during prolonged stop-and-go conditions. Storage Options Are Minimal – There are no integrated luggage solutions, and touring capability often requires aftermarket accessories. Traditional Harley Riders May Find It Unfamiliar – The engine character, chassis layout, and overall riding experience differ substantially from Harley-Davidson's classic air-cooled cruiser models. Weight Is Still Higher Than Many Middleweight Roadsters – Although lighter than most Harleys, it remains heavier than several similarly powered naked motorcycles and roadsters. |
| Detailed Overview | The Benelli TRK 502 is built as a touring-focused motorcycle, and most of its specifications reflect that purpose. It uses a 500 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that produces around 47.5 PS and 46 Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The power delivery feels smooth and steady, especially when riding at constant speeds, which suits highway use more than stop-and-go city traffic. While it is capable of reaching around 150–160 km/h, it is generally more comfortable when cruising at moderate speeds for longer distances. The overall setup of the bike is designed to handle different types of roads. It comes with upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock, which help keep the bike stable, though the suspension can feel slightly firm on rough patches. The wheel combination of a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear adds to its ability to handle uneven surfaces better than regular road bikes. Braking is managed by dual front discs and a rear disc with dual-channel ABS, which provides consistent stopping performance. Looking at its size, the TRK 502 is a fairly large motorcycle with a kerb weight of around 230 kg. The seat height is close to 800 mm, which is manageable, but the overall bulk can feel noticeable, especially at low speeds. It also gets a 20-litre fuel tank, which is useful for long-distance riding, and a ground clearance of about 210 mm, making it suitable for Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and rough sections. On the features side, the bike keeps things basic. It has a semi-digital instrument cluster that displays important ride information, along with LED lighting and a USB charging port. It does not focus much on advanced electronics or connectivity features. In real riding conditions, the mileage usually comes out to be around 25–30 km/l, depending on how the bike is used. Overall, the TRK 502’s specifications are more aligned with stability, range, and comfort over long distances rather than everyday ease of use. | The Nightster Special is based on the same platform as the standard Nightster, but it adds a number of technology and convenience features that change the motorcycle’s overall specification without altering its core mechanical layout. Within Harley-Davidson’s lineup, it occupies a position that is noticeably different from the company’s traditional cruisers. While the styling retains familiar Harley-Davidson cues such as a low stance, exposed V-twin engine, and compact bodywork, the engineering underneath follows a more contemporary approach. Power comes from the Revolution Max 975T, a 975cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine that serves as a structural component of the motorcycle. Rather than sitting inside a conventional frame, the engine itself forms part of the chassis, with separate frame sections attached directly to it. This design reduces the amount of frame material required and contributes to the motorcycle’s overall rigidity. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and electronic throttle control, allowing rider-assistance systems and ride modes to interact with the powertrain. Unlike Harley-Davidson’s traditional air-cooled V-twins, the Revolution Max engine operates across a wider rev range and uses liquid cooling to manage temperatures. Fuel injection and electronic engine management systems continuously monitor operating conditions, while selectable ride modes adjust throttle response and electronic intervention levels. The engine’s design reflects Harley-Davidson’s broader shift toward modern performance-oriented powertrains. One of the motorcycle’s less obvious design features is its fuel storage arrangement. What appears to be a conventional fuel tank is actually an airbox cover. The fuel itself is stored beneath the seat, helping centralize mass and lower the centre of gravity. The fuel capacity is 11.7 litres, which contributes to the Nightster Special’s compact dimensions and narrow profile. The chassis uses conventional telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers. This setup differs from Harley-Davidson’s Softail models, which conceal the rear suspension beneath the motorcycle. Suspension components are configured to support everyday road use while maintaining the motorcycle’s compact proportions. The wheelbase and overall dimensions are considerably smaller than those of Harley-Davidson’s larger cruiser and touring models, making the Nightster Special one of the more manageable motorcycles in the brand’s range. Braking is handled by a single front disc brake and a rear disc brake, supported by a range of electronic rider-assistance systems. These include ABS, traction control, drag-torque slip control, and cornering-enhanced safety functions. The systems use onboard sensors to monitor motorcycle behaviour and adjust intervention levels when required. The riding position combines elements from both cruisers and standard motorcycles. Mid-mounted foot controls place the rider’s feet beneath the body rather than far forward, while the handlebar position encourages a relatively upright posture. The seat height of approximately 705 mm keeps the rider close to the ground, contributing to accessibility and confidence during low-speed manoeuvres. The most noticeable distinction between the Nightster and Nightster Special is the technology package. A 4-inch TFT display replaces the simpler instrumentation found on the standard model and acts as the centre of the motorcycle’s connectivity features. Through this display, riders can access navigation functions, smartphone connectivity, vehicle information, and ride-mode settings. Cruise control is also included as standard equipment on the Special variant. Taken together, the Nightster Special combines a liquid-cooled Revolution Max engine, compact chassis architecture, modern electronic rider aids, and connected technology features within a motorcycle that remains visually linked to Harley-Davidson’s cruiser heritage. Its specifications reflect a platform developed around contemporary engineering solutions while retaining a design language that remains recognisably Harley-Davidson. |
| Expert Review | The Benelli TRK 502 is an adventure-style bike that is mainly built for long-distance riding in India rather than daily city use. It uses a 500 cc twin-cylinder engine that feels smooth and steady, especially on highways, where it can cruise comfortably for long hours. In city traffic, the bike feels heavy and can be difficult to manage in tight spaces or slow-moving conditions. The riding position is upright and relaxed, which helps on longer rides, and the large fuel tank reduces the need for frequent stops. The suspension is set up to handle mixed road conditions, but due to the weight, rough roads still require careful riding. It comes with basic features like a digital display and LED lighting, without too many advanced electronics. In India, its relevance depends on how often it is used for touring, as its size and weight are less suited for everyday commuting., 4.1, MotoAutiv Team | The Nightster Special is an interesting motorcycle because it sits between categories rather than fitting neatly into one. Its proportions and low seat height suggest a cruiser, but the riding experience is influenced just as much by the Revolution Max 975T engine and modern chassis as by traditional Harley-Davidson design cues. The engine is central to the motorcycle's character. It revs more freely than Harley-Davidson's older air-cooled V-twins and encourages riders to use a broader portion of the rev range. Around town, the compact dimensions make the motorcycle feel easier to manage than most of Harley-Davidson's larger models, while the upright riding position and mid-mounted controls create ergonomics that are closer to a standard motorcycle than a conventional cruiser. The Special variant adds a TFT display, connectivity features, cruise control, and a more comprehensive electronics package, but these additions do not fundamentally alter the motorcycle's nature. On longer rides, the absence of wind protection and the relatively small fuel tank become more noticeable, while rough road surfaces can highlight the firm suspension setup. Overall, the Nightster Special feels less like a scaled-down version of Harley-Davidson's traditional cruisers and more like a modern middleweight motorcycle that happens to wear Harley-Davidson styling and branding., 4.3, 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 of Benelli TRK 502? 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 Benelli TRK 502 have? A: It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a chain final drive. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of Benelli TRK 502? A: The fuel tank capacity is 20 litres. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance of Benelli TRK 502? 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 Benelli TRK 502? A: Benelli TRK 502 weighs around 228–235 kg (depending on specification and additional gear/load). Q: What are the brakes and wheels/tyres setup of Benelli TRK 502? 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 of Benelli TRK 502? A: Mileage typically ranges around 25-30 km per litre (city and highway use). Q: What kind of suspension does Benelli TRK 502 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 Benelli TRK 502 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 engine powers the Nightster Special? A: It uses Harley-Davidson's 975cc Revolution Max 975T liquid-cooled V-twin engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Q: How is the Nightster Special different from the standard Nightster? A: The Special adds a 4-inch TFT display, smartphone connectivity, navigation functions, cruise control, additional ride modes, and a more comprehensive electronics package. Q: Is the Nightster Special liquid-cooled? A: Yes. Unlike Harley-Davidson's traditional air-cooled cruisers, it uses a liquid-cooled V-twin engine. Q: Does the Nightster Special have cruise control? A: Yes. Cruise control is standard equipment on the Special variant. Q: Does it have ride modes? A: Yes. Riders can select from multiple ride modes, including Road, Rain, Sport, and Custom settings. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The Nightster Special carries 11.7 litres of fuel. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is approximately 705 mm, making it one of the more accessible motorcycles in Harley-Davidson's lineup. Q: Does the Nightster Special support smartphone connectivity? A: Yes. The TFT display supports Bluetooth connectivity, navigation-related functions, and mobile device integration. Q: Does it have traction control and cornering ABS? A: Yes. The motorcycle includes traction control, ABS, drag-torque slip control, and cornering-enhanced rider-assistance systems. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The Nightster Special weighs approximately 225 kg in running condition. Q: Is it comfortable for long-distance touring? A: It can handle highway travel, but the compact fuel tank, lack of wind protection, and limited luggage options mean it is not designed as a dedicated touring motorcycle. Q: Is the Nightster Special beginner-friendly? A: The low seat height and manageable dimensions help accessibility, but the performance and weight make it better suited to riders with some experience. Q: How is it different from the Sportster S? A: The Nightster Special uses the smaller 975T engine and adopts a more balanced approach, while the Sportster S focuses more heavily on performance and uses the larger 1250T powertrain. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 662000 X | 714000 X Limited Edition | 714000 | | 1538000 |
| 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. | The Revolution Max 975T Engine – Unlike Harley-Davidson's traditional air-cooled V-twins, the liquid-cooled 975cc engine is designed to operate across a wider rev range. It responds quickly to throttle inputs and feels comfortable in both city traffic and open-road riding. Compact Dimensions by Harley-Davidson Standards – The Nightster Special is noticeably smaller and lighter than the company's cruiser and touring models, making it easier to manoeuvre in everyday situations. Low Seat Height Creates an Accessible Riding Position – Despite its modern chassis and engine, the motorcycle retains a low seat height that helps riders feel connected to the motorcycle at stops and low speeds. Modern Electronics Package – Ride modes, traction control, cornering-enhanced ABS, drag-torque slip control, cruise control, and rider-assistance systems are integrated into the platform. TFT Display Adds Connectivity Features – The Nightster Special receives a colour TFT instrument screen with smartphone connectivity, navigation support, and expanded vehicle information. Neutral Riding Ergonomics – Mid-mounted foot controls and a relatively upright handlebar position create a riding posture that differs from traditional forward-control cruisers. More Agile Than Most Harley-Davidson Cruisers – The combination of its weight, wheelbase, and chassis design allows the motorcycle to change direction more readily than larger Harley-Davidson models. Minimalist Design Approach – Exposed mechanical components, compact bodywork, and a short rear section give the motorcycle a clean and uncluttered appearance. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6‑speed manual |
