Benelli unveil 502C Cruiser

Described by Benelli as “brazen and elegant”, the 502C has elements of Ducati’s Diavel in its styling, including the heavily-docked tail, dual mufflers, distinctive headlight and wide handlebars.

Listed maximum outputs of 35kW at 8500rpm and 45Nm at 5000rpm from the liquid-cooled 500cc parallel twin are almost identical to the other Benelli 500s, as is the 6-speed transmission, but presumably gearing has been adjusted to suit.

As well as the engine and transmission, the 502C’s 17-inch alloy wheels are the same as the Leoncino 500 and TRK 502, as is the 120/70 front and 160/60 rear tyre combination.

The steel swingarm is the same as the Leoncino 500, too, but the trellis frame is of a different configuration to both the Leoncino and TRK 502 models to suit the 502C’s cruiser stance. This stance is complemented by wide, swept-back handlebars and forward controls for cruiser-style riding ergonomics, while the 705mm seat height is the lowest in Benelli’s 500cc range.

Front forks are 41mm USD units (compared to 50mm forks on the other models) delivering 125mm travel, while the monoshock rear offers 50mm travel with adjustable pre-load.

The 280mm semi-floating dual front discs are smaller than the 320mm discs on the other Benelli 500s, but the 502C uses powerful 4-piston (instead of 2-piston) front calipers, while a single-piston caliper grips the 240mm rear disc. ABS is standard.    

Wet weight of 217kg is a full 18kg lighter than the TRK 502 but 10kg over the Leoncino 500, while the 21-litre fuel capacity is actually the greatest of all Benelli’s 500cc range.

There’s digital instrumentation (with speedo, tacho, odo, temp, fuel, gear position indicator and clock) and an LED headlight, but things like rider-assistance tech and other functions are unconfirmed.

Available colours include Gloss Black, Matte Black metallic and Matte Cognac Red metallic.

The all-new 502C is now available from Benelli dealers Australia-wide, priced at $9,790 ride away, backed by a 2-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

See your Benelli dealer for more details.