Fast Spin: Benelli TRK 702 X

We’ve simply received our palms on Benelli’s new TRK 702 X, which is vying for consideration within the more and more aggressive middleweight journey bike market. Ross Mowbray sees the way it stacks up.

Benelli’s on a mission. Since its takeover by Chinese language large QianJiang Motor, it’s churned out an enviable array of bikes – first focusing its consideration on fine-tuning its smaller- capability rides, earlier than upping the ante and entering into the middleweight market. We’ve spent loads of time on its bikes in recent times and have at all times discovered loads to love. Worth for cash’s at all times been the primary focus of our reward; however with respectable efficiency, strong finishes and top-level styling, they’ve largely proved exhausting to fault.

It’s offered respectable numbers, too. The A2- licence TRK 502 has executed notably effectively in its ‘native’ Italy. It really sits atop the gross sales charts over there. That’s fairly a giant deal. And Benelli’s looking for extra of the identical success with its TRK 702, which builds on all the good things that’s made the 502 so in style, however provides a much bigger, extra succesful motor into the combination. Sounds good, proper?

The TRK 702 X carries over the rugged large bike aesthetics of the 502, and it seems to be sensible within the flesh with the massive 20-litre tank, adventure-style beak, hand guards and spoked wheels serving to it look the half. It’s a cushty place, too, with large, broad bars serving to to supply a roomy, upright driving place. The surprisingly low 835mm seat gives loads of padding to make longer journeys a breeze. I’ve spent all day on it with no dramas. It’s a pretty chunky factor although, tipping the scales at 218kg dry. Whereas that places it in the identical kind of ballpark as the remainder of the present crop of middleweight adventurers, it appears to hold its weight a bit of greater (notably when brimmed with gas). It’s not unwieldy, however it’s noticeable if you elevate it off the stand earlier than you get rolling.

The centrepiece of the TRK 702 X is its ‘new’ 693cc parallel-twin engine – which is rumoured to be based mostly on the motor which powers Kawasaki’s Z650 (with an elevated stroke). It’s on no account probably the most dynamic or characterful factor, however with 75bhp at 8500rpm and 68.2Nm of torque at 6250rpm, there’s ample energy to make swift, easy progress even in extra of motorway speeds. It’ll sit at 75mph for prolonged durations with out a grumble, with little in the best way of vibration. The gearbox is strong, the fuelling is nice, and the clutch is gorgeous and light-weight.

It stops effectively sufficient, too, because of the dual 320mm discs squeezed by radial-mount four-piston calipers up entrance and single 260mm disc with a single floating caliper on the rear. They’re branded Benelli, however they appear remarkably much like Brembo/Bybre’s omnipresent models.

Though they’re not precisely pin sharp, there’s loads of chew to haul the whopper up in a rush, with little interference from the ABS even on the critically moist roads we’ve seen a lot of lately.

Suspension comes within the type of 50mm USD entrance forks with 140mm of journey, and a link-actuated, fully-adjustable rear shock. It’s a pleasant arrange, providing loads of poise with out compromising on consolation. Admittedly, I’ve spent most of my time bombing round within the rain, so I’ve not had an opportunity to essentially push it to its limits, however I believe it will maintain its personal even when the tempo picks up and extra is requested of it.

General, it handles effectively; proving itself loads nimble for a giant lump, with wonderful manners each on the town and out on the twisties (even with a bigger 19-inch entrance wheel). The Pirelli Scorpion Rally rubber undoubtedly helps the trigger, providing baggage of grip regardless of the highway situations. It’s an journey bike, so don’t come anticipating the pin-sharproad manners of a unadorned and also you gained’t be dissatisfied.

It’s a comparatively easy affair on the tech entrance. There’s a trendy 5-inch TFT show which you’ll hook as much as your telephone, however there’s not an enormous bundle of rider aids to fiddle with. I fairly like that.

I’ve been impressed with the TRK 702 X. It’s leaps and bounds higher than the much- cherished 502. That’s partly to be anticipated; it’s dearer, extra highly effective and higher outfitted. Nevertheless it seems like Benelli has made one other leap ahead with its newest era machine. All credit score to it.

Whether or not or not it’s adequate to tempt adventurous riders to peel their eyes away from the likes of Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda is one other query altogether, however with its £6899 price ticket and a free baggage promotion operating into 2024 (which incorporates panniers and a topbox price £1000), I wouldn’t be shocked if loads of persons are very tempted.