Quick Analysis
Benelli TRK 502
23.0 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
SUZUKI GSX-8R
9.0 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | — |
| Displacement | 500 | 776 cm3 |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 81.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 78 Nm @ 6800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 l | 14 L |
| Mileage | 25 kmpl | 23.8 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 210 kg | 205 kg |
| Seat Height | 835mm | 810 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc Front 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | Disc 310 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | USD Telescopic Forks | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear Brake | Disc Rear 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | Disc Caliper - Rear 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) | Link type, coil spring, oil damped |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 180/55ZR17M/C |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/trk502white.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gsx8rmetallicmattblack.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gsx8rmetallicmattswordsilver.webp |
| Color Options | — | Metallic Matt Black Metallic Matt Sword Silver Metallic Triton Blue |
| 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. | Doesn’t deliver the high-revving top-end excitement of inline-4 supersport motorcycles. Wind protection at very high speeds is modest and can feel tiring on long highway rides. Suspension tuning leans slightly firm, which can feel bumpy on rough roads. Weight is on the heavier side, noticeable at low speeds or during tight maneuvers. Not designed for hardcore track riders seeking extreme performance or razor-sharp handling. Fuel economy drops significantly when ridden aggressively. |
| 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. | Riding the GSX-8R feels like Suzuki’s attempt to give you a middleweight sportbike that’s equally at home in everyday traffic, curvy mountain roads and spirited weekend runs. It packs a 776 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel-twin engine with DOHC and a 270-degree crank. That means it’s not just about straight-line speed — the 270° crank gives the engine a throaty, V-twin–like rumble and a broad, usable torque band instead of a peaky, high-revving nature typical of many sport-bikes. The “cross-balancer” Suzuki uses helps keep vibration in check, meaning that even on longer rides or in stop-and-go city traffic, the engine stays smooth and more comfortable than you might expect from a half-litre-plus street-fighter. The motor is rated to produce around 81–82 bhp at about 8,500 rpm and a healthy 78 Nm of torque at around 6,800 rpm. In real-life terms, you get strong mid-range punch — meaning overtakes on highways or quick accelerations from a traffic light feel confident without needing to wring the engine out to the redline. That balance makes the GSX-8R versatile: capable of quick, enthusiastic blasts when you want sporty fun, but also manageable in city commutes or everyday riding. The 6-speed gearbox helps you extract that torque smoothly, and the bike comes with a bi-directional quick-shift system built in. In practice that means you can shift up or down without pulling in the clutch — a real bonus if you like brisk, crisp gear changes during sporty riding or just want ease while navigating traffic. Suzuki hasn’t compromised on the chassis: a steel frame built around the engine keeps the bike slim, compact, and well-balanced, while an aluminum swingarm adds to nimble handling and stability. The geometry — with a wheelbase of 1,465 mm, moderate rake/trail (25° / 104 mm), and a curb weight of 205 kg — positions the GSX-8R in that sweet spot where it feels stable at speed yet flickable enough when carving through corners. Suspension plays a big part in how the bike behaves on real roads. Up front there are inverted telescopic forks from SHOWA (oil-damped, coil-spring), and at the back a link-type mono-shock. That setup gives you a controlled, firm ride when pushing hard — helpful for sporty riding — but also enough compliance to absorb bumps, potholes or rough patches you might encounter on Indian roads or during longer rides. The balance leans toward sporty control without making the ride harsh. When it comes to tyres and wheels, the GSX-8R runs on 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels with 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres — high-performance radials from Dunlop (RoadSport 2) with good wet-grip and durability. That means cornering, braking and overall grip feel confident — even if road conditions are not ideal. The braking setup — twin discs up front and a rear disc, with ABS — helps ensure your stopping power matches the bike’s punch. As for packaging, the GSX-8R isn’t overly bulky: at 2,155 mm long, 770 mm wide, and 1,135 mm tall, with a seat height of 810 mm, it manages a sporty footprint without feeling unwieldy. For many riders, that translates into reasonably manageable maneuverability in city traffic or narrow roads — though at 810 mm seat-height and 205 kg weight, taller riders will feel more at home; beginners or shorter riders may find the seat quite firm and the weight noticeable when stationary. Fuel-wise, a 14-litre tank gives a decent range, and the bike returns, according to official WMTC figures, about 23.8 km per litre under mixed usage. That’s respectable for a middleweight sportbike — meaning for many of your urban rides, weekend joyrides or moderate touring, the fuel economy remains fairly practical rather than thirsty. The electronics and rider aids make a strong case for the GSX-8R being more than just raw hardware. A 5-inch colour TFT display serves as the meter console, giving essential info at a glance. The throttle is ride-by-wire, giving smooth control over power delivery, and there’s a selectable riding-mode system (with Active, Basic and Comfort modes) that lets you tailor throttle response and torque delivery to conditions — useful when switching between city traffic, wet roads, or spirited riding. Add in traction-control (adjustable), low-rpm assist to ease traffic starts, and an easy-start button — and you have a package that aims for practicality without stripping away sportiness. Styling and ergonomics matter too, and Suzuki seems to have paid attention. The GSX-8R carries a sharp, modern sportbike stance — aggressive fairing and front design, slim rear, exposed seat rails, compact proportions — that signals performance without going overboard. The riding position is slightly sporty: the forward-positioned “hip point” and mildly aggressive handlebars let you lean into corners confidently — but it’s not so extreme that city commuting becomes uncomfortable. Putting all this together — power, chassis, suspension, electronics and practicality — the GSX-8R feels like Suzuki’s answer for someone wanting a “do-it-all” middleweight bike: capable of daily commuting, fun weekend rides, spirited canyon runs or moderate touring without forcing you to compromise too much. It isn’t the most powerful in its class — but the balance it strikes, especially with torque-rich engine, rider aids, handling and usability, may make it a very compelling all-rounder, especially in markets like India where roads, fuel economy and versatility matter. Lastly, in terms of cost, the bike is priced at around ₹ 9.25 lakh (ex-showroom, for the base/standard variant). That positions it quite competitively in the mid-range sportbike segment, offering a lot of modern features and a usable engine without the premium price tag that heavy superbikes carry. If I were telling a friend which kind of rider this bike suits best: the GSX-8R is ideal for someone who wants a sporty, engaging ride — but not at the cost of everyday usability. If you commute, do city traffic, occasional highway runs, weekend joyrides or light touring, this one fits beautifully. If you’re after raw top-end speed or hardcore track performance, it might not blow away everything — but as a balanced, real-world sportbike, it’s one of the stronger contenders in its class right now. |
| 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 mileage? A: The mileage is about 23.8 km/l under mixed riding conditions. Q: What is the fuel-tank capacity? A: It has a 14-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the engine displacement? A: The engine displacement is 776 cc. Q: What type of engine does it have? A: It uses a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank. Q: What kind of transmission does it use? A: It has a 6-speed constant-mesh manual gearbox. Q: What are the tyre sizes? A: The front tyre size is 120/70 ZR17 and the rear is 180/55 ZR17. Q: What kind of suspension does it have? A: Up front there's an inverted telescopic fork (oil-damped, coil spring), and at the rear a link-type mono-shock (oil-damped, coil spring). Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is 205 kg. Q: What braking setup does it use? A: It features twin disc brakes at the front, a disc brake at the rear, and includes ABS. Q: What kind of electronics / riding aids does it offer? A: It includes ride-by-wire throttle, selectable riding modes, digital instrumentation, and rider-assist features for better control and usability. |
| Fuel System | — | Fuel injection |
| Price Variants | | 662000 | | 988550 |
| 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. | Strong and usable mid-range torque that makes the bike easy to ride in the city and lively on open roads. Smooth engine character thanks to the 270° crank, giving a refined feel even at higher speeds. Comfortable yet sporty riding posture that works for daily use as well as weekend rides. Agile handling with good stability, making it confidence-inspiring for both new and experienced riders. Modern electronics like riding modes, traction control, ride-by-wire, and quick-shifter add convenience and safety. High-quality build and attractive, modern styling with a sharp fairing and sleek proportions. Versatile enough for commuting, spirited cornering, and even moderate touring. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 Speed Manual |
