Best value for money on the planet. Nice smooth engine, good brakes, lovely and comfy. Ok it's a bit big, but big blokes like me need a meaty bike. Just had a test ride on one, and was amazed at how lovely and smooth it was. It also looks like it will last well as it is built like a tank. Pick my new one up next week. As Nathan says"Good
Sir, please help me. I'm also 5 foot 4 inches in height. Did you really flat foot down. And also how did you manage the weight.. For our height can we manage the bike?
500cc is all you need to enjoy the roads and scenery really. Unless you want to overtake everything get a 1000. I had a GPZ500s and found that a great bike for any roads.
Best, most positive and informative review I've viewed so far. Saw one in a local bike shop in Melbourne, Australia today. It's been rubbished as an overweight, underpowered Learner bike. I've heard there's an 800 due out in the next 6 months?
Watched this a few times before taking one on a roadtest. Impressed for the money as got the option for one at under four and a half grand including the Givi Trekker panniers. It's a 2019 unregistered 502 in the White which I'm taking out again today to confirm or decline my intention to buy. Thanks for the vlog, very helpful.
Gary Porter yes I did. I spend more time on it cos of it’s ease of use than any of my other bikes which are similar. My mate has a chuckle at me as he says, of all the lovely bikes you have I see you more on this than any other and it’s true. I put a screen extension on it and almost perfect. Added twenty quid chinese spots and wired them into the usb socket. Just the job come the dark days. Money well spent I say. In fact my local dealer is having a problem getting another due to their popularity. Spot on 👍
@@johnroberts6836 I'm taking the plunge and decided that at 51 (and in light of the covid19 etc.) It's time to do something I've always wanted to do and get my licence. I'd been looking at something like a V-Strom 650 once I've done it, but now going to have a look at one of these as well, with it being lower capacity it might just bring insurance costs for me down too! I'm a big enough lad at 6'1" and decently strong enough that it should fit me well.
Hi Nathan, Nice review, as always ... how does it stack up against the Himalayan ? Would either cope with the kind of gravel roads in Scandinavia ? Nothing too lary ... 👍🏻🏍🤓
Cheers Matthew! Yeah the Himalayan would easy do some gravel roads. I was out on it the other day in deep mud and it does that alright. The Benelli no chance. That one's built for the road!
nathanthepostman thanks Nathan, that’s great ! As an aside, I’ve been enjoying your Iceland videos ... would the Himalayan be up to some of the F roads ? Also, I was intrigued by the hut you found down one of them, but for the life of me can’t find the clip again 🙄 You said they are marked on the maps, and there is a name for them, can you remind me what it is please ? Are they for general use, or emergencies only ? Loving your Himalayan stuff 👍🏻🏍
This to me hits the spot more so than some of the newer Chinese offerings in that they seem to have focused more on the basics here and got them pretty good judging from Nathan's comments. rather than focussing on bells and whistles on a bike with an engine that's just not up to scratch, e.g. Also think in the UK having a physically big bike is not a bad thing, giving more presence and making it less likely the cars will try to mess with you. I'd question 235kg though, blimey that's what my Triumph Tiger Sport weighed in at so I wouldn't be surprised if it's not as heavy as that. And you can as of December 2020 get a brand new 2019 one of these for £4.5k...
Seen these in Wigan at the moment with £500 off, so £4500..................... for a brand new bike! And i believe that the high weight quoted has now been put down to bad communications, and its actually 213Kg wet.
Good question. I'd say the Himalayan is more fun because it's more versatile and for mixed road uses it's the one I'd go for for sure. The Benelli makes a better road tourer if that's what you're after.
Worth saying that Benelli is chinese owned; they retain an R&D and assembly centre in Italy but the ownership is wholly chinese. That said, they seem to be making decent bikes and althouh people are suspicious about quality, reports from owners don't seem to bear this out. I just wish they'd make an 800 version.
Nope!, they are doing what ALL manufacturers are doing. The Benelli scrambler is 170kg dry. This is basically the same bike EXCEPT it weighs 40kg more. Does a slightly bigger tank and some different plastics really weigh 40kg?????????? Because obviously what we want from a low powered ADV is a huge amount more weight? Why isn't anyone pointing that out!! It could have been ok at a similar weight. As it is why would you buy one of these when you can buy a second hand DL650 and have another 15hp. Did they make it massively heavy so it didn't embarrass the ridiculous 250kg ADVs.
I can see your point but then the benelli is a very different bike to a dr650, which is a dual sport or trail bike. The benelli is an adventure styled road bike akin to a multistrada or versys 650. They're also from different ages, the benelli needing a cat and abs and at the end of the day it's a cheap bike. And you don't often get cheap and light in the same sentence. Not sure why it'd be so much heavier than the Leoncino but given their discrepancy with the weight of the trk502 I wouldn't put money on 170kilos for the Leoncino being accurate. But I stopped putting much faith in spec sheet weight long ago as I'm sure manufacturers just pluck a number out of the air and confuse it by calling kerb weight or dry weight or wet weight and having different definitions of wet. I wouldn't mind trying the new X version of the trk502 to see if that's more of an all rounder. That's got a high lift exhaust and bigger front wheel and stuff. Still not going to be a dr650 alternative mind.
@@nathanthepostman I agree with you to a point, BUT it is still heavier than a second hand V-Strom DL650 and makes wayyyy less power! The original Vstrom 650 is less than 200kg dry AND makes 64hp (They are very quick 180kph), handle well and would probably be better than the TRK off-road. TRK has cheaper price than new V-strom and better looks. I still don't know where the extra 40kgs came from, but maybe you are right and the scrambler is also heavier than they are saying. However, having said that a New Zealand mag tested both back to back at the press launch and confided that the TRK had been re-geared to make up for the extra weight and was struggling a bit at road speeds - didn't sound too good. Thanks for your response.
I didn't personally find the TRK struggled on the road, not if you accepted it for what it is; a 500cc twin. It was about equal to a CB500X as you would expect. The V-Strom 650 is an interesting comparison.I'm not personally a big fan of that bike, the 1000cc more so. I don't think you'd notice any difference between it and the TRK in terms of weight as a new V-Strom weighs 220 kilos wet which is about same as TRK. In the UK it's also more than £2000 more than the Benelli and not everyone wants to buy a second hand bike. I guess if you're curious then the best thing is to try and ride one.
@@nathanthepostman The biggest thing the TRK has going for it is styling. It looks really, really cool. Personally I think if you want a good looking bike, this leaves EVERY other ADV in the dust. I probably won't ride one as it is just wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too heavy. Price is great too ($9,300 vs $15,000 for V-strom650). Also if you wanted a very manageable power delivery, having less power could be good. The Benelli is also wayyyyyyy better value than the V-Strom 250 (Which is very slow, very heavy AND very expensive). I guess if you aren't willing to buy second hand (although I'm confused as to why) the Benelli could make some sense. Cheers for your response Nathan.
1) You can't compare a used with a new bike.. 2)Yes Dl is more powerfull but 150 cc more.. Benelli is 500 cc and cou can ride it if you have A2 diplom.. 3)Yes it's a little bit heavy but with huge fork, 2 disc plates and all the extras.. 4)For 500 cc has good torgue.. 5)Is much more beautiful than the Dl
Best value for money on the planet. Nice smooth engine, good brakes, lovely and comfy. Ok it's a bit big, but big blokes like me need a meaty bike. Just had a test ride on one, and was amazed at how lovely and smooth it was. It also looks like it will last well as it is built like a tank. Pick my new one up next week. As Nathan says"Good
I've just tested the 502 & at 5 foot 4 I can get both feet down (almost) flat. Great test thank you
Sir, please help me. I'm also 5 foot 4 inches in height. Did you really flat foot down. And also how did you manage the weight.. For our height can we manage the bike?
500cc is all you need to enjoy the roads and scenery really. Unless you want to overtake everything get a 1000. I had a GPZ500s and found that a great bike for any roads.
Really excellent video by a guy who clearly knows what he's talking about.
Best, most positive and informative review I've viewed so far. Saw one in a local bike shop in Melbourne, Australia today. It's been rubbished as an overweight, underpowered Learner bike.
I've heard there's an 800 due out in the next 6 months?
Watched this a few times before taking one on a roadtest. Impressed for the money as got the option for one at under four and a half grand including the Givi Trekker panniers. It's a 2019 unregistered 502 in the White which I'm taking out again today to confirm or decline my intention to buy. Thanks for the vlog, very helpful.
Did you take the plunge???
Gary Porter yes I did. I spend more time on it cos of it’s ease of use than any of my other bikes which are similar. My mate has a chuckle at me as he says, of all the lovely bikes you have I see you more on this than any other and it’s true. I put a screen extension on it and almost perfect. Added twenty quid chinese spots and wired them into the usb socket. Just the job come the dark days. Money well spent I say. In fact my local dealer is having a problem getting another due to their popularity. Spot on 👍
Getting quite a following in the UK now too. Got their own FB page.
@@johnroberts6836 I'm taking the plunge and decided that at 51 (and in light of the covid19 etc.) It's time to do something I've always wanted to do and get my licence. I'd been looking at something like a V-Strom 650 once I've done it, but now going to have a look at one of these as well, with it being lower capacity it might just bring insurance costs for me down too! I'm a big enough lad at 6'1" and decently strong enough that it should fit me well.
Excellent Video, beautiful terrain.
Hi Nathan,
Nice review, as always ... how does it stack up against the Himalayan ?
Would either cope with the kind of gravel roads in Scandinavia ? Nothing too lary ... 👍🏻🏍🤓
Cheers Matthew! Yeah the Himalayan would easy do some gravel roads. I was out on it the other day in deep mud and it does that alright. The Benelli no chance. That one's built for the road!
nathanthepostman thanks Nathan, that’s great ! As an aside, I’ve been enjoying your Iceland videos ... would the Himalayan be up to some of the F roads ?
Also, I was intrigued by the hut you found down one of them, but for the life of me can’t find the clip again 🙄 You said they are marked on the maps, and there is a name for them, can you remind me what it is please ? Are they for general use, or emergencies only ?
Loving your Himalayan stuff 👍🏻🏍
This to me hits the spot more so than some of the newer Chinese offerings in that they seem to have focused more on the basics here and got them pretty good judging from Nathan's comments. rather than focussing on bells and whistles on a bike with an engine that's just not up to scratch, e.g. Also think in the UK having a physically big bike is not a bad thing, giving more presence and making it less likely the cars will try to mess with you. I'd question 235kg though, blimey that's what my Triumph Tiger Sport weighed in at so I wouldn't be surprised if it's not as heavy as that. And you can as of December 2020 get a brand new 2019 one of these for £4.5k...
What bothers me the most is if Benelli is a reliable company :[
Nice review sir.. How about the throttle response at all rev range? Is it accurate?
Hey there, great video, just one quick question, how does it ride uphill, i am asking this due to low power to high weight ratio on paper
Seen these in Wigan at the moment with £500 off, so £4500..................... for a brand new bike! And i believe that the high weight quoted has now been put down to bad communications, and its actually 213Kg wet.
I'm struggling to look over the tank. I hate not being able to see where I'm going. lol
Benelli QJ's new 750cc parallel twin is out. This bike needs it badly.
Great bike ❤
Adventure doesn’t have to be off road
Looking at getting this or the Himalayan. Which out of the two would you say is more fun.
Good question. I'd say the Himalayan is more fun because it's more versatile and for mixed road uses it's the one I'd go for for sure. The Benelli makes a better road tourer if that's what you're after.
@@nathanthepostman Now a 502x coming out for mixed on and off road use. Time for a new review???
Worth saying that Benelli is chinese owned; they retain an R&D and assembly centre in Italy but the ownership is wholly chinese. That said, they seem to be making decent bikes and althouh people are suspicious about quality, reports from owners don't seem to bear this out. I just wish they'd make an 800 version.
Nope!, they are doing what ALL manufacturers are doing. The Benelli scrambler is 170kg dry. This is basically the same bike EXCEPT it weighs 40kg more. Does a slightly bigger tank and some different plastics really weigh 40kg?????????? Because obviously what we want from a low powered ADV is a huge amount more weight? Why isn't anyone pointing that out!! It could have been ok at a similar weight. As it is why would you buy one of these when you can buy a second hand DL650 and have another 15hp. Did they make it massively heavy so it didn't embarrass the ridiculous 250kg ADVs.
I can see your point but then the benelli is a very different bike to a dr650, which is a dual sport or trail bike. The benelli is an adventure styled road bike akin to a multistrada or versys 650. They're also from different ages, the benelli needing a cat and abs and at the end of the day it's a cheap bike. And you don't often get cheap and light in the same sentence. Not sure why it'd be so much heavier than the Leoncino but given their discrepancy with the weight of the trk502 I wouldn't put money on 170kilos for the Leoncino being accurate. But I stopped putting much faith in spec sheet weight long ago as I'm sure manufacturers just pluck a number out of the air and confuse it by calling kerb weight or dry weight or wet weight and having different definitions of wet. I wouldn't mind trying the new X version of the trk502 to see if that's more of an all rounder. That's got a high lift exhaust and bigger front wheel and stuff. Still not going to be a dr650 alternative mind.
@@nathanthepostman I agree with you to a point, BUT it is still heavier than a second hand V-Strom DL650 and makes wayyyy less power! The original Vstrom 650 is less than 200kg dry AND makes 64hp (They are very quick 180kph), handle well and would probably be better than the TRK off-road. TRK has cheaper price than new V-strom and better looks. I still don't know where the extra 40kgs came from, but maybe you are right and the scrambler is also heavier than they are saying. However, having said that a New Zealand mag tested both back to back at the press launch and confided that the TRK had been re-geared to make up for the extra weight and was struggling a bit at road speeds - didn't sound too good. Thanks for your response.
I didn't personally find the TRK struggled on the road, not if you accepted it for what it is; a 500cc twin. It was about equal to a CB500X as you would expect. The V-Strom 650 is an interesting comparison.I'm not personally a big fan of that bike, the 1000cc more so. I don't think you'd notice any difference between it and the TRK in terms of weight as a new V-Strom weighs 220 kilos wet which is about same as TRK. In the UK it's also more than £2000 more than the Benelli and not everyone wants to buy a second hand bike. I guess if you're curious then the best thing is to try and ride one.
@@nathanthepostman The biggest thing the TRK has going for it is styling. It looks really, really cool. Personally I think if you want a good looking bike, this leaves EVERY other ADV in the dust. I probably won't ride one as it is just wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too heavy. Price is great too ($9,300 vs $15,000 for V-strom650). Also if you wanted a very manageable power delivery, having less power could be good. The Benelli is also wayyyyyyy better value than the V-Strom 250 (Which is very slow, very heavy AND very expensive). I guess if you aren't willing to buy second hand (although I'm confused as to why) the Benelli could make some sense. Cheers for your response Nathan.
1) You can't compare a used with a new bike..
2)Yes Dl is more powerfull but 150 cc more.. Benelli is 500 cc and cou can ride it if you have A2 diplom..
3)Yes it's a little bit heavy but with huge fork, 2 disc plates and all the extras..
4)For 500 cc has good torgue..
5)Is much more beautiful than the Dl
For me not good enough only 160kmph
Adventure doesn’t have to be off road