Affordable adventure motorcycles are slowly gaining popularity in India because of their inherent design that makes them quite apt for our roads. These bikes are ideal not only for gliding over bad roads effectively but also going the distance and exploring undiscovered places. When bikes in this segment are offered in an affordable package, it makes the deal for enthusiasts even sweeter.
Currently, the Indian market is dominated by the Royal Enfield Himalayan in the entry level ADV segment. Further up the price range are the BMW G 310 GS and the Kawasaki Versys-X 300. By the end of next year Benelli will have three products under the TRK range: the TRK 251, the TRK 502 and the hardcore TRK 502 X.
Here’s all we know about the entry level Benelli TRK 251:
Design and features:
As expected from an adventure tourer, the Benelli TRK 251 has the characteristic beak-like front fender flanked by muscular tank extensions, high-set tail and a reasonably sized pillion seat. The overall design language is akin to the TRK 502 and the instrument console is fully digital. The headlamps are projector units while the tail light and the indicators are LED. For optimum riding range, Benelli has equipped the TRK 251 with a massive 17-litre fuel tank. Coupled with the claimed efficiency figure of 24.3kmpl, the total range would ideally exceed 400km. The generous ground clearance of 200mm will also help make short work of our pothole-riddled roads.
Powerplant:
Just like the upcoming Leoncino 250, the TRK 251 also uses the same 249cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine that’s good for 25.8PS at 9250rpm and 21.2Nm at 8000rpm. A 6-speed transmission transfers the power via a chain drive. The same engine is being used by other Benelli bikes in its quarter-litre portfolio as well. Compared to the Royal Enfield Himalayan’s 411cc air-cooled engine with oil cooler, it makes 1PS more. However, when it comes to torque output, the Himalayan is 10.8Nm torquier. Despite the bigger engine and additional torque, the Himalayan makes do with a 5-speed transmission only.
Mechanical Underpinnings:
The TRK 251’s steel trellis frame rides on 41mm upside down forks that offer 120mm of travel while the rear monoshock is good for 51mm of travel. Both front and rear suspension travel is the same as the Leoncino 250’s. It makes sense as this motorcycle is more of a soft roader rather than an out-and-out adventure tourer like the TRK 502 X. The 17-inch alloy wheels are shod with 110-section front and 150-section Metzeler Sportec M5 Interact road-biased tyres. Braking responsibilities are handled by a 280mm petal disc up front and a 240mm petal disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS offered as standard. Interestingly, the TRK 251 weighs the same as the Leoncino 250, with a dry weight of 153kg.
Expected pricing and rivals:
The TRK 251 is likely to be priced at around Rs 2.3 lakh ex-showroom, which makes it around Rs 62,000 more expensive than the Himalayan. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 on the other hand costs an eye-watering Rs 4.69 lakh, and the BMW G 310 GS is also quite expensive at Rs 3.49 lakh, both ex-showroom Delhi. Going by the expected pricing of the TRK 251, it would be an ideal product for someone who is looking for an affordable ADV that’s slightly more premium than the Himalayan, at the expense of outright off-road abilities.
Source: zigwheels.com
