Is This The New Benelli TRK 502?

Looks like Benelli’s TRK 502 may soon receive an overhaul for the year 2020-21. After launching the SRK 600 (aka TNT 600) overseas, Benelli’s sister brand QJ Motor has filed type-approval documents for a new 500cc adventure tourer, codenamed ‘SRT500’, in its home country. The ADV may be based on the TRK 502 but it comes with distinct styling cues. 

It’s not only sharper and sleeker than the TRK 500 but it’s also 10kg lighter at 225kg kerb. QJ Motor intends to offer the SRT500 in three variants: a road-biased version with alloy wheels and two off-road centric models with laced spoked wheels and dual-purpose tyres. The only differentiating factor between the two off-road models are the brakes. The top-spec model features Brembo calipers while the standard variant makes do with generic units possibly from J.Juan. The laced spoked wheels on the off-road variants make way for tubeless tyres. It’s a welcome change from the standard spoked wheels on the TRK 502 X. 

That’s pretty much all there is in terms of mechanical differences. It’s powered by the same 500cc parallel-twin motor suspended on the same tubular frame. However, it’s tuned to put out 49PS as opposed to 47.5PS on the TRK 502. The improved power output also helps it comply with European A2 regulations.

A couple of other motorcycles from QJ Motor could possibly be rebranded as Benellis for the global market. The SRK 600, for instance, is expected to be rebranded and sold as the TNT 600 in the international market. Same goes for the SRB 750 which may be sold as the Benelli TRK800. The same strategy could be used for the SRT500. Expect Benelli to launch the 500cc ADV in India sometime next year for a price of around Rs 5.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom).