Quick Analysis
Benelli TRK 502
5.5 pts
Unweighted: 5 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT EXPLORER
21.0 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 500 | 1160 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 150PS / 148bhp (110.4kW) @ 9,000rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 130 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 l | 20 L |
| Mileage | 25 kmpl | 19.6 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 210 kg | 246kg (90% fuel - mass in running order) kg |
| Seat Height | 835mm | Adjustable 850/870 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual-Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc Front 320 mm Caliper - Front 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 | USD Telescopic Forks | Showa 49mm, semi-active damping USD forks. 200mm travel. |
| Rear Brake | Disc Rear 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | Brembo single piston caliper, OC-ABS, single 282mm disc. Rear master cylinder with remote reservoir. |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) | 200mm 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 Tourance, 120/70R19 (M/C 60V TL) |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | Metzeler Tourance, 150/70R18 (M/C 70V TL) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | 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/trk502white.webp | — |
| Color Options | — | snowdonia white |
| 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. | Height & weight make it demanding: The Explorer variant has a tall seat (≈850-870 mm or more) and substantial wet weight (~250 kg+), which can be challenging for shorter riders or in slow-speed manoeuvres. Not a true off-road machine: While capable, the road-biased wheel/tyre setup and size make it less agile on rough trails compared to more off-road dedicated bikes. Premium cost & ownership: Purchase price and running costs are high in the premium adventure bike segment; some owners note small quality/control issues. Some interface/usage quirks: Certain riders report mild issues with features such as navigation display responsiveness, clutch feel in low revs, and switchgear ergonomics. |
| 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 **Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer** is the ultimate expression of Triumph’s grand touring adventure motorcycle lineup, engineered for riders who crave long-distance comfort, advanced technology, and refined performance on tarmac and light trails. Designed as a flagship road-focused adventure bike, the GT Explorer combines luxury and durability with impressive engineering precision. It is powered by a 1,160 cc inline-three-cylinder engine derived from the Speed Triple 1200, producing an exhilarating 150 PS of power at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The unique T-plane crankshaft design delivers a distinctive sound and a linear power delivery that enhances both low-end torque and highway acceleration, making it perfectly suited for long-distance touring and high-speed cruising. The GT Explorer stands out for its comfort-oriented and feature-packed design. It comes equipped with a massive 30-litre fuel tank, offering exceptional range for cross-country travel—ideal for riders who prefer to go the extra mile without frequent fuel stops. The ergonomics are well thought out, featuring an adjustable seat height (850 mm to 870 mm), wide handlebars, and a well-padded seat that ensures a fatigue-free experience on long journeys. Wind protection is exceptional thanks to the tall, electronically adjustable windscreen and aerodynamically designed fairing. Heated grips, heated seats, cruise control, and a keyless ignition system add to the comfort and convenience, ensuring the GT Explorer feels more like a luxury tourer than a rugged adventure bike. In terms of technology and performance, Triumph has equipped the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer with the latest innovations. The motorcycle features a 7-inch full-color TFT display integrated with the My Triumph connectivity system, allowing smartphone pairing, navigation, music, and call control. It comes with six riding modes—Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Rider-Configurable, and Off-Road Pro—allowing the rider to tailor the performance and traction to different road conditions. The semi-active Showa suspension system automatically adjusts damping for varying loads and surfaces, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. The braking setup features top-spec Brembo Stylema calipers with cornering ABS, providing confidence-inspiring stopping power. Advanced rider aids such as traction control, hill-hold assist, adaptive cornering lights, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) further elevate safety and riding precision. The GT Explorer’s chassis is built using a lightweight aluminum frame and a shaft-driven setup for smoother and low-maintenance performance. Unlike its Rally siblings, the GT Explorer features 19-inch front and 18-inch rear cast alloy wheels with road-biased tires, making it perfect for long highway rides and mild off-road trails. Despite its size and 255 kg wet weight, the bike feels balanced and stable at all speeds, with Triumph’s engineering ensuring superb maneuverability for such a large adventure motorcycle. Visually, the GT Explorer embodies a rugged yet elegant design, highlighted by its bold tank shrouds, premium finishes, and distinctive LED lighting setup. Every detail reflects Triumph’s attention to quality and craftsmanship. Competing directly with heavyweights like the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and Ducati Multistrada V4, the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer stands as a benchmark for comfort, technology, and performance in the full-size adventure segment. Overall, it’s a motorcycle built for explorers who value refinement, endurance, and luxury as much as adventure—making it one of the most capable and feature-rich touring motorcycles available today. |
| 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 engine does the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer use? A: It uses a 1,160 cc liquid-cooled, 12-valve DOHC inline three-cylinder engine producing approximately 150 PS at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what is the mileage? A: The GT Explorer features a large 30-litre fuel tank, giving it an extended touring range. Some sources list its claimed consumption at about 5.5 L/100 km (~18 km/l) under ideal conditions. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the GT Explorer? A: The seat height is adjustable at about 850 / 870 mm depending on configuration. Its wet (running) weight is about 255 kg for the GT Explorer. Q: What electronics and features come with the GT Explorer? A: It includes a full-colour 7″ TFT display with My Triumph connectivity, multiple riding modes, semi-active suspension (Showa), adaptive lighting, cruise control, heated seats & grips, tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and other advanced rider aids. Q: What kind of wheels and tyres does the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer use? A: It uses cast alloy wheels sized 19″ front and 18″ rear (for the GT version) with road-biased tyres, in contrast to the off-road oriented rally versions. Q: What is the starting price of the GT Explorer in India? A: The ex-showroom price in India is listed at around ₹ 20,89,000 for the GT Explorer variant. Q: Is the GT Explorer suitable for long-distance touring? A: Yes. With its large fuel tank, comfortable ergonomics, high-spec suspension and advanced technology package, the GT Explorer is tailored for road-focused adventure and long-distance touring. Q: What is the service interval for the Tiger 1200 range? A: Service interval is approximately every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. |
| Price Variants | | 662000 | GT EXPLORER | 2089000 RALLY EXPLORER | 2229000 RALLY PRO | 2079000 GT PRO | 1939000 |
| 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. | Incredible touring capability: With a large fuel tank (30 litres in the Explorer variant) and premium components, the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is built for long-distance comfort and endurance. Top-level technology and features: Semi-active suspension, multiple riding modes, cruise control, tooth-some TFT display, and premium electronics elevate the experience. Strong engine and refined performance: The 1,160cc inline-three delivers excellent power (≈150 PS) and torque, providing both highway punch and touring usability. Comfort and ergonomics: Reviewers highlight the bike’s comfortable riding posture, wind protection, and stability even on lengthy road trips. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6 speed |
