Quick Analysis
BMW G 310 GS
13.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
BENELLI 502C
17.5 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid cooled system | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 313 cc | 500 |
| Engine Type | single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with four valves and DOHC | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve |
| Power | 34 PS (25 kW) at ~9,500 rpm | 35kW at 8500 r/min |
| Torque | 28 Nm at ~7,500 rpm | 46N·m/6000 r/min |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 l | 21.5 |
| Mileage | — | 22 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 169.5 kg | 220 |
| Seat Height | 835 mm | 760 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Single disc 300 mm with a 4-piston radial caliper | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Upside down fork , Ø 41 mm | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm |
| Rear Brake | Single disc 240 mm with a floating caliper | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Cast aluminium dual swing arm | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/80 R19 | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/70 R17 | 160/60 ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubelesss | Tube |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | — |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V / 8 Ah | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/g310gsracingred.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/g310gscosmicblack3.webp | — |
| Cluster | Digital | — |
| Color Options | Racing Red Cosmic Black 3 Polar White with Racing Blue Metallic | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black |
| Cons | Seat height of 835 mm may be challenging for shorter riders. Fuel tank is only 11 litres, limiting long-distance touring range. Relatively expensive compared to entry-level adventure bikes in India. Single-cylinder engine vibrations can be felt at higher speeds on long rides. No advanced electronics or ride modes, which some competitors offer at this price point. | 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. |
| Detailed Overview | When you swing a leg over the BMW G 310 GS in India, the first thing that strikes you isn’t a spec number — it’s the way the bike feels poised and ready, like it’s itching to turn the everyday commute into something a bit more special. Its heart is a compact but spirited 313 cc single-cylinder engine that’s liquid‑cooled and built with a four‑valve DOHC layout. On the road, it delivers about 34 PS of power and 28 Nm of torque, which translates into an engine that eagerly picks up pace from traffic lights and makes highway overtakes feel composed and manageable. There’s a crispness in the throttle response as you roll on, and because the unit is tuned for usable mid-range punch rather than just top-end bravado, it doesn’t feel strained when navigating busy city grids or climbing up highway ramps. What really sets the G 310 GS apart — especially in an Indian context — is how its engine integrates with the rest of the bike. It uses electronic fuel injection and a six‑speed gearbox that’s smooth and precise, making the everyday routine of changing gears feel natural rather than a chore. The slipper-style clutch helps ease off the engine braking during downshifts, which is a small touch riders appreciate when darting through traffic or easing into a tight corner on a winding stretch outside town. Suspension is usually where a motorcycle reveals its true character, and in this case, the long-travel upside-down fork up front paired with a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear makes the G 310 GS feel more confident than most bikes in its class. Hits and potholes on Indian roads are absorbed with surprising composure, and the suspension doesn’t chatter or feel overly harsh when you’re hitting uneven surfaces. Instead, it communicates what’s happening beneath you, giving a stable foundation whether you’re bombing through B-roads or cruising in city traffic. When it comes time to stop, the bike delivers real confidence. The sizeable 300 mm front disc with a radial-style caliper offers a reassuring bite that’s progressive rather than abrupt, and the 240 mm disc at the rear complements it well. Together with dual-channel ABS, this setup translates into a braking feel that’s both sure-footed and predictable — something you notice especially when rain-slick roads or sudden traffic require a firm hand on the lever. Looking at the physical feel and stance of the bike, its dimensions play a big part. With a kerb weight of around 169.5 kg and a seat height of about 835 mm, it strikes a balance between being accessible and offering that elevated, adventure-oriented riding posture. This isn’t a heavy adventure tourer — it’s light enough that filtering through morning traffic doesn’t feel like a wrestling match, but it carries enough substance that it doesn’t feel under-planted when you’re doing steady speeds on the highway. The wheelbase and upright ergonomics give you a commanding view of the road, and the bike’s compact footprint aids nimble lane changes and quick direction shifts throughout your ride. Tyres and wheels also reflect its dual-purpose nature: a tall 19-inch front tyre and a wide 17-inch rear tyre wrapped around sturdy cast aluminium wheels support a mix of on-tarmac stability and confidence-inspiring grip on less predictable surfaces. They’re tubeless radials, which means fewer worries about punctures and easier repairs — a practical advantage on rougher stretches outside metropolitan areas. On the utility side, the 11-litre fuel tank isn’t huge, but paired with around 28–30 kmpl real-world mileage, it still allows for respectable range between stops — something that’s useful once you’re out of the city and chasing horizon lines. The digital instrument cluster is clean and clear, giving you instant access to speed, gear position, trip info, and more without clutter, while LED lighting up front ensures you’re well-lit during early morning starts or night rides. An electric starter fires things up instantly when you’re ready to go. Small touches — like adjustable levers that let you tailor reach, a luggage rack that welcomes practical storage choices, and comfortable GS-style ergonomics — round out the ownership experience, making the bike feel well-thought-out. On long runs, you’ll notice that the seating and posture help reduce fatigue, and in city traffic, the bike’s responsiveness and light weight read as confidence-boosters rather than intimidating features. In real-world use across India’s varied roads — from smooth expressways to pot-holed urban stretches and everything in between — the G 310 GS doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be everything at once. It’s refreshingly honest: an adventure-styled machine with genuine capability that doesn’t overwhelm, a motor that’s eager but tractable, and chassis dynamics that deliver composure and agility in equal measure. For riders seeking an entry point into adventure touring without the bulk or intimidation of larger displacement bikes, this little GS feels like a machine that was built with everyday use and long-weekend exploration in mind — a tool that’s as ready for the traffic snarls of your daily commute as it is for the open road just beyond the city’s edge. | 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. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine type? A: The engine is a 313 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke unit with DOHC and four valves. Q: What is the power output? A: The bike produces 34 PS of power. Q: What is the torque? A: The torque is 28 Nm. Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is approximately 28–30 kmpl. Q: What type of transmission does it have? A: It has a 6-speed manual gearbox. Q: What type of fuel system does it use? A: It uses electronic fuel injection. Q: Does it have ABS? A: Yes, it comes with dual-channel ABS. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: It has a 300 mm front disc with radial caliper and a 240 mm rear disc. Q: What is the front suspension? A: It has an upside-down telescopic fork with long travel. Q: What is the rear suspension? A: It has a cast aluminium dual swingarm with preload-adjustable monoshock. Q: What are the tyre specifications? A: The front tyre is 110/80 R19, the rear tyre is 150/70 R17, and both are tubeless radial tyres. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is approximately 169.5 kg. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 835 mm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 11 litres. Q: What type of battery does it use? A: It uses a 12 V / 8 Ah maintenance-free battery. Q: What type of headlight does it have? A: It comes with an LED headlight. Q: What type of starter does it use? A: It has an electric starter. Q: What kind of instrument cluster does it have? A: It has a fully digital display showing speed, gear position, trip information, and more. | 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. |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection | — |
| Price Variants | | 324973 | | 580000 |
| Pros | Compact and lightweight adventure bike, making it very manageable in city traffic and narrow streets. Refined engine that delivers smooth power and strong mid-range torque, perfect for both urban commuting and occasional highway runs. Comfortable long-travel suspension that absorbs potholes and rough Indian roads effectively. Strong and predictable braking with dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety. High-quality build and premium feel typical of BMW motorcycles. Good ergonomics and upright seating that reduce fatigue during longer rides. LED headlight and digital instrument cluster improve visibility and usability. Tubeless radial tyres provide better grip and easier maintenance. | 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. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed |
