Benelli 502C

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Overview

The new Benelli 502c is a distinctively designed Italian cruiser with swagger. It has a distinct style and elegance that gives it an unmistakable road presence. Because of aggressive body lines, a sensuous steel trellis frame, comfortable ergonomics, and double-barrel stainless exhaust pipes, the Benelli Roar turns heads in awe.

According to Benelli, the 250cc to 500cc motorcycle segment in India has a lot of potential. That statement is also supported by the current lineup. The Imperiale 400, Leoncino 500, and TRK 502 models cater to different demographics, and the 502C cruiser was recently added to the mix. Continue reading to find out if the Benelli 502C lives up to its "Urban Cruiser" moniker.

Benelli 502c Design and Style

The new Benelli 502C appears to be big and butch. It exudes a big cruiser vibe that most buyers would find appealing. In many ways, it resembles the Ducati Diavel, such as the LED headlight with DRLs positioned like fangs, the large and bulky tank, the short, stubby seat, and even an airy rear end. However, it does not appear to be quite right, as you believe certain items are larger or smaller than required. For example, the tank appears to be quite large but is supported by a relatively small engine. The rear tyre has a smaller section and is not as wide as the Diavel's. Even the fit and finish levels on the 502C aren't all that great, with exposed wiring and poorly finished welds. The switches are inadequate for a motorcycle of this calibre. However, the paint quality is above average.

Benelli 502c Engine and Gearbox

2024 Benelli 502c is powered by a 500cc BS6 engine with two cylinders in line, four strokes, liquid cooling, and four valves per cylinder. The 500cc engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission and a wet multi-plate clutch. It has a rated power output of 47.5 HP at 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 46 Nm at 6000 rpm.

Although it is not the most lively engine in the segment, it has a linear and punchy power delivery that will make you fall in love with it. The rumbling exhaust note adds to the overall experience. It growls at low revs and becomes angrier and more sporty as you add more gas. The engine also allows the rider to cruise around the city at speeds ranging from 40 to 45 km/h in the top cog. You don't have to work the gearbox very hard to keep it singing, and it may only take one downshift to get past the really slow vehicles in your path.

The motor is capable of cruising at 120 km/h on the highway. Its sweet spot, however, is 95 to 100 km/h, and when driven in this range, it delivers excellent fuel efficiency. Having said that, the engine is not without flaws. The refinement isn't the best, as a light buzz is felt at the bars and pegs across the rev range. It also becomes a little annoying at higher revs. The clutch is slightly heavy, and the gear shifts are positive but not slick.

Benelli 502c Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

2024 Benelli 502c is suspended by an Arch bar truck frame, upside down telescopic fork, 41mm outer tube at front, and Telescopic coil spring oil damped at rear. The new Benelli 502c is equipped with 280mm dual discs up front and 240mm discs in the rear. The 502c is outfitted with 17-inch alloy wheels (17*3.5 inch front rim and 17*4.5 inch rear rim) wrapped in 120/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR17 rear tyre sections.

Overall, the suspension's plush setup absorbs the majority of the bumps and potholes encountered on your commute. Only when riding on concrete roads at speeds of 40-45kmph do you notice a bobbing sensation, which can be annoying. As the ride calms down, one solution would be to ride faster or add a pillion seat. On the highway, you must also be cautious of sharp bumps, which can throw you out of your seat. The twisties are where it really impressed us. The 502C is eager to go down, and thanks to the wide bars, you have plenty of leverage to get from one side to the other quickly. It prefers long sweepers because it enjoys the sensation of being leaned over. It maintains its calm and can carry a lot of speed into the corner.

While the Pirelli Angel GT tyres are among the best touring-spec rubber on the market, the brakes are not. Its dual front disc setup does not shed speed as quickly as we would have preferred. The brake progression is good, and the ABS intervention is minimal and predictable.

Key Features of Benelli 502c

On the 502C, Benelli uses all-LED lighting. If you are serious about touring, we recommend getting auxiliary lights in addition to the headlight. The small full-colour console is disappointing. The graphics are below average for a bike at this price point, and the screen lacks clarity. Furthermore, there is a dedicated Dark mode layout that changes the positioning of data on the screen, making it difficult to reconfigure what information you needed at the time. In terms of data, there is only the bare minimum. A speedometer, a bar-type tachometer, a fuel gauge, two trip metres, an odometer, and a clock are included.

Top Speed and Mileage of Benelli 502c

2024 Benelli 502C top speed is approximately 175 km/h, and mileage is approximately 20 to 25 km/l. The 500cc motorcycle can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 3.14 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.24 seconds (approximate).

Benelli 502c Colour Options

Benelli offers the new 502c in two colour options: Red and Black.

Benelli 502c Competitors

Benelli Leoncino 500, BMW R NineT Scrambler, CF Moto 650 GT, CF Moto 650 MT, CF Moto 650 NK, Kawasaki Z650 RS, Kawasaki Vulcan S, and Kawasaki Z650 are the top competitors for the new Benelli 502C.

Conclusion

To summarise, the new Benelli 502C is a joy to ride in the city due to its agility and tractable engine. The motor is also simple to operate for those upgrading from a 150-200cc motorcycle. Not to mention the raspy exhaust note and attention-grabbing styling. Furthermore, its main selling point is the Rs 5 lakh price tag, which makes the 502C a lakh cheaper to buy than the Rs 6.10 lakh Kawasaki Vulcan S.

2024 Benelli 502C appears to be a jack of all trades. But, as the saying goes, a jack of all trades can be a master of none, and the 502C is no exception. It would be a much better motorcycle to ride if the suspension setup and ride quality were improved. And, because it's a cruiser, we'd have liked to see it equipped with a windscreen and a more comfortable seat to improve the high-speed and long-distance riding experience.