The eccentrically styled Benelli 502C mimics the evil power cruiser, but is very obliging in nature.
- Pleasant handling, low consumption
- Coherent chassis, good price-performance ratio
- A2 driving license suitable
Founded in Italy in 1911, but long since in the hands of Chinese investors, the Benelli brand is trying hard to get back into the spotlight and broaden its product range. In addition to the long-legged TRK 502 and a few other models, there is an eccentric-looking cruiser. The 502C is equipped with the same engine as the TRK 502 and TRK 502X. Thanks to its engine power of 35 kW / 48 hp, the €6,299 bike can be driven with an A2 driving license.
In the test: 48-hp engine
Painted matt black, the half-litre motorcycle with the massive tank looks really beefy from different perspectives. The slanted mass distribution of the Benelli 502C – almost everything at the front, an extremely short, free-floating rear at the back, i.e. almost nothing – is reminiscent of the striking Ducati Diavel. For the price of the Benelli, however, you would hardly get more from Ducati than the 1.3-litre engine of the Diavel. The large LED headlight with insect-like daytime running light and projection lens in the lower area of the 502C is just as eccentrically designed as the side view with the attractive tubular space frame construction. The striking double rear silencer with the pleasant sound also catches the eye. The unmissable motorcycle is extremely pleasant to ride: the inline twin engine revs quickly and at the same time offers enough power so that you don’t have to squeeze it all the time. And all this with moderate fuel consumption: if you drive calmly, you can travel 100 kilometers on less than four liters. Only if you drive hard can you expect values of around 4.5 liters. The comparatively huge 21.5-liter tank enables enormous ranges: in practice, you can easily travel 400 kilometers before the reserve light comes on.
Handling: Good-natured. Brakes: Good
The handling of the 220 kg Benelli is good-natured, the mounted Pirelli tires of the type Angel GT are a perfect match for the chassis. However, their capabilities are rarely fully used, as the seating position with the footrests mounted quite far forward usually encourages relaxed driving . This Benelli is in its element when gliding along gently rolling roads. Thanks to a suspension travel of almost 13 centimeters, which is ample for a cruiser, there should be a suitable chassis setting for every taste. The braking system is also generously designed: the two radially mounted four-piston brake callipers in the front wheel are combined with two 28-centimeter brake discs and ensure adequate deceleration at all times; the rear single-disc brake works bravely. The ABS regulates calmly when it is necessary. The half-liter cruiser is also pleasant to ride because the seat height of 77 centimeters gives even shorter people a secure footing. The hollow seating position behind the fat tank and the very wide handlebars takes some getting used to, but is certainly comfortable on manageable stages. The TFT display of the 502C looks good and offers sufficient information with speed, rpm and gear display as well as information on coolant temperature, fuel level and time.
Technical Specification
For correct and reliable info, we pull technical details directly from Benelli’s website.
| Category | Details |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, parallel-twin |
| Displacement | 499.6 cc |
| Max Power | 48 hp (35 kW) @ 8,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 45 Nm @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front Suspension | 50 mm telescopic fork, 130 mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shock, 120 mm travel |
| Front Brake | Dual 280 mm disc, four-piston radial calipers |
| Rear Brake | Single 240 mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| ABS | Standard |
| Front Tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tire | 160/60 ZR17 |
| Wheelbase | 1,510 mm |
| Seat Height | 770 mm |
| Weight | 220 kg (wet) |
| Top Speed | Approx. 160 km/h |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 liters |
| Instrumentation | TFT display with speed, rpm, gear display, fuel level, coolant temperature |
| Key Features | Matte black finish, large LED headlight, comfortable cruiser setup |
| Price | Approx. €6,299 |
| Manufacturing Origin | China (under Benelli brand) |
Conclusion: Good price-performance ratio
With the 502C, Benelli is leaving those segments in which success seems predictable. Anyone who develops an affection for its unusual appearance and prefers to glide rather than rushing excitedly through the gears will find a companion that will attract attention thanks to the pleasant, by no means weak engine and the special look. Its production in China is advantageous for buyers: for 6299 euros, you get a lot of motorcycle for your money.