What’s the Benelli TRK502X like at faster speeds? Performance and wind protection test!

[@markjordan4868]

They're a nice looking bike, honest view 👍

[@GillyBikes]

Thank you. Still loads more to test with this bike. Definitely going to try some off road next time. 😎

[@thomasmichaelnoon]

That’s a fantastic looking bike for under 5 Grand, but like you moving it about might be a bit of a stretch for me, but I would consider a test ride. Been watching you channel a long time now and love your reviews, some of these 125 bikes are amazing looking machines and I really enjoy them. Keep talking in the videos, it’s interesting,I get bored with videos of just bike noise, I like the info you give us. Keep up the great work you do 👍

[@GillyBikes]

Thank you, I really appreciate that. There are some great 125’s out there. I try to talk just about the bikes but it’s to easy to start talking about something else. Sometimes I can’t help it. These for less than £5000 are amazing value. 👍

[@darrengibbons7588]

I did love mine ,so easy to to ride and one of the better balanced bikes I have owned . I did a tour to Scotland with full luggage and the only draw back was on exposed motorways and dual carriage ways when it was windy . I found with the full luggage and my 15Stone 6ft 2in frame on it you had to work the gearbox and use the revs which then hurt the full consumption . Great for normal back roads and A roads . Never had any aches and pains from it totally comfortable . The 235kgs do hurt the 48bhp . Could now do with an upgrade and losing 35kgs . Would I have another one absolutely yes however maybe consider the 702x as not too big a gap on price . Keep doing what you’re doing . Good honest reviews are few and far between .

[@GillyBikes]

Thank you. The 702x is one of my favourite bikes. Comparing it to this is difficult. It beats it on weight and power but with the savings on these at the moment it’s a difficult choice. Have you still got yours?

[@Fractal379]

Thanks, Gilly! Looking forward to your touring test. Thanks for all your content, and for always being you.👍

[@GillyBikes]

Cheers it’s mid December but I really fancy a trip to either wales or Scotland. 🤔

[@davidmcmillan688]

Another great video looking forward to the next 1 💪

[@GillyBikes]

Thank you. The off road test is coming out on Christmas Day. After the presents but before the dinner 😉

[@rorywcork]

Have a 502x since 21 Lovely bike did bilbao to roscoff last year without an issue 18k up on it without issue

[@GillyBikes]

That’s great to hear. Thanks for sharing.

[@turningwheels2584]

How long and which route did you take if you don't mind me asking??

[@rorywcork]

@@turningwheels2584 no problem, our constraint was our ferry bookings so... Arrived in Bilbao at 8am on a Sunday back through Roscoff @ 22:00 on the following Friday. We wanted to avoid main tourist spots. so.... Bilbao, Pamplona, Mont-de-Marsan, Limoges, Angers, St Malo, Roscoff Hope this makes sense

[@gaelic_roads]

Hi, I really like your videos on the trk502 x, I have the trk502 and I really love it, it does everything you need for a motorcycle, i believe when you are doing 70 on the motorway you are only doing about 66, looking forward to your next video, keep up the good work and drive safe, best wishes have a great Christmas and new year. John

[@GillyBikes]

Thanks John. All the best to you and your family. These are brilliant bikes. I’m going to try it off road next. Should be fun. 😁

[@pcpc72]

Nice review bud, looking forward to the next one , stay safe

[@GillyBikes]

Thank you and same to you. The next one I do on this should be fun I’m planning to take it on some dirty roads. It’s an adventure bike after all 😁

[@claudiogooner3648]

Keep up the good work love your content

[@GillyBikes]

Thank you 😁😁😁😁😁

[@andyc750]

Seem like a great value bike to me seen a few reviews of them and seen few complaints about them, one thing nobody has done is given info on how it js with a passenger, and as for your video's, keep doing it as you do now, honest and without any bull or trying to sell the bikes, all most of us want to really see is what the bikes are really like without bias from a real world rider, you fit that bill to a tee

[@GillyBikes]

That’s a good idea. I might take someone on the back and see what they think. 👍

[@turningwheels2584]

I've had the mrs on the back of mine a few times, was fine, it's not a speed demon anyway just a pleasant fun ride with or without a pillion. Pillion and fully loaded?? Yes will do it no problem. Will just take a little more time getting to 70/75 than if you was on your own.

[@duanestiles4821]

Hey there I’m glad you’re doing well and I’m sure like your vids just do you and know you’re capabilities just keep up the good work and stay positive and strong and you’re gonna be fine

[@GillyBikes]

Thanks. I’m trying so hard to stay positive at the moment. 👍

[@juliandone15]

I will have a Benelli TRK502! I just need to make room in the garage. It's still smaller and lighter than my old Tiger 955i. I tried the TRK straight after the Voge Rally ( and was impressed) but I didn't try the Voge 525DSX. I need a bike with room because No1 Son is a ginger giant (6'7") and he tends to ride my bikes more than I do

[@GillyBikes]

6’7” 😳. I don’t think the 525x is as tall as this. Did you try the DS900X? They come with loads of extras. Heated everything!

[@turningwheels2584]

I know I've commented already but i thought I'd ad my 2 cents 👍 awesome video, subscribed actually! I'm quite familiar with these trks as had mine for over a year and researched a lot before hand. There's 2 versions of the trk 502, the x and the non x. The x is 235kg, has a high sided exhaust, 17 rear and 19in front steel spoked wheels with tubes, a larger rear sprocket for off road and longer suspension travel. These extras make it taller and heavier. The non x is road orientated, under slung exhaust, 17 rear and 17in front alloy tubeless tyres, smaller rear sprocket for better cruising by around 500rpm. It's lighter 213kg and lower, i can stand flat footed with bum off of the seat. They are both great bikes but for me the non x was a no brainer, it's lower, lighter, cheaper, no tubes, cruises nicer and no exhaust to burn my soft panniers...... But would i take it off road?? No way!!

[@GillyBikes]

Thanks for that. I got the weight figures from the MotoGB site. 😳. And big thanks for sharing your experiences with the bike.

[@MrCOUNTYCORK]

5000 miles done and i find very little vibration, its been a great wee bike with plenty on the motorway, more than happy with the wee bike and ive owned all makes of bikes ☘️👍

[@GillyBikes]

Thank for sharing your experience. I’ve loved my time with it. A nice bike to ride on all roads. Great value for money as well over here, they have just been reduced to £4799 for a new one. I think that’s a lot of bike for the money.

[@MrCOUNTYCORK]

@GillyBikes for sure , for the money it's a steal, I took my chances on one because I seen a guy had put on 80 thousand miles touring on the 502x and very little problems, the guy that owned it before me had only a thousand miles on the bike and it was too tall for him and I got it at with a good deal , happy I did as it's been a cracker wee bike for me , can't complain the Chinese are now taking over where the Japanese were years ago

[@fatange]

I bet it’s brilliant for a tour. Wind protection on the motorway is a must. I can’t believe they are so cheap. Seems like a lot of bike for the money.

[@GillyBikes]

They are a great option for the taller rider. Wind protection and performance is good enough for a tour. Absolutely 😎

[@docholliday2364]

Hello brother went touring on mine earlier this year it was excellent .

[@GillyBikes]

I’m finding it to be a great touring bike. Where did you go? How far?

[@docholliday2364]

@ Scotland all in about 1200 miles not one problem. Bike is very comfortable enough power for my needs very planted on road.👍

[@GillyBikes]

That’s a good test as well with all of the roads around there. I need to get back up to Scotland myself. I loved my trip around the NC500 but that was so many years ago now. I’m definitely due another trip up there.

[@darrengibbons7588]

Upgraded mine to a cfmoto 800mt sport when they were on offer in August £6799 was a no brainer really . Iam guessing there must be a new Benelli 502 model early next year as the reduced price says they want to move a few of their old stock . Great bike for that price

[@GillyBikes]

I thought that at first, but there are new Euro emission rules early next year. I’m guessing these don’t pass the next rules so they would have to be registered now. Either way though they are a great price. 👍

[@chrispeart1067]

Thanks for the review, cracking value for money at 5k , I paid more for a tiger that's 9 years old , sounds like it's got enough power for most and certainly looks the part 👍

[@GillyBikes]

It’s a decent bike. I’m sure the tiger has more power, but like you say for the money this is a great option

[@maskedavenger2578]

I never do more than about 10 to 20 miles of motorway as I find them mind numbingly monotonous . So haven’t really missed out by downsizing to my little 250 Chinese Suzuki DL V Strom . Like my 250 , the Benelli is a bit on the heavy side regards weight in ratio to its cc capacity . This I reckon is an advantage , especially on motorways & similar faster roads where the weight, offers a more stable well planted ride & still has more than enough performance to hold its own , with the flow of motorway traffic . At £4 , 999 it’s got to be worth a punt , for a bike which now has been around long enough & proven itself 👍

[@GillyBikes]

Other parts of the world these bikes sell unbelievably well. The number 1 seller in Italy. They are brilliant for the money. They just highlight again that you don’t need 1000+ cc’s to tour

[@maskedavenger2578]

@ I have toured north wales on Honda c 50 ‘s 70 ‘s & Suzuki GP 100’s back in the day .& know people who toured all around Europe on 250 Honda superdreams . I reckon a 1000 cc bike would be more of disadvantage to tour the world on . A 500cc is more than adequate for real world riding . If I was a bit younger in better health & going back up in capacity ,I would draw out 5 grand & slap it in a Benelli dealers hands today , might even draw out more for the 702 in green with alloy wheels . 👍

[@GillyBikes]

@maskedavenger2578 the 702 would be my choice. Feels smaller and lighter than the 502. A more modern feel.

[@maskedavenger2578]

@@GillyBikes My thoughts too, plus I believe the basic 702 is also being sold at a bargain price at some dealers . 👍

[@bubaaa4989]

​@GillyBikes I'm 702x owner. Been up to hills, did some long mileage tours, great bike for money. Done 5000kms in the last 3months, no complaints on my side. 502x is definitely underpowered for that size.

[@Opnmdjxkxmmff]

It is Chinese made but it was designed by Marco Belucci an italian, I love this engine, the bigger engined ones have no soul. Wringing this engine out is a lot of fun. Have you tried the Leoncino 500? Another good bike.

[@GillyBikes]

Yes. I really like the Leoncino 500 and the 800. I’ve had loads of fun on them both. I was really impressed with the 500 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnuWlGWubZVshMksi=n5CjvyVtZEHCfNhQ

[@trevorturner7682]

If needed could it be lowered?

[@markhinde6187]

Nice post Gilly, be careful when you do the "off Road Test" it's a big lump mate, If it was me I would skip that one being 5ft 7in and 12 stone wet through

[@GillyBikes]

Normally I would avoid it but I want to be thorough. Adventure bikes should be capable of the odd gravel / farm track. Hopefully this one is as well 🤞

[@Old_Geezer]

Enjoy your new toy to the full. As you say, a decent saving over the previous RRP. I've never in over 50 years, purely by choice, bought a brand new bike from any manufacturer at any price and have never felt the need to experience the depreciation but that's just me. My Christmas present to myself this year is a mint, 22 year old ZZR1200 with very low dry miles and FSH - £2150 delivered to my door 😁 (I need to stop, I really do). I'm a 5'7" short arse myself and never ride off road, so trail/off road/adventure bikes of any size have never been on my radar. Back in 1989 I sat on one of the original Super Teneres owned by a mate of mine and it was way too tall for me to even want to ride - cool looking bike though. As far as touring goes, I know a multitude of riders preach that "Adventure Bikes" are the bees knees but I'm not a member of that club and I'm not fond of the aesthetic either - be they BMW's or anything else. If most of your riding is on tarmac - and let's be honest, that is true for the vast majority of the owners of such bikes, a purpose designed tourer, in my opinion, will, hands down, be a better choice if serious touring mileage, solo or two up, is something you do with any regularity and want to do in comfort. Your points about larger capacity bikes are fair enough, but there are plenty of positives too - it all depends what you want from your machinery. I think most would agree that "top speed" is, to all intents and purposes, irrelevant if it's 150-190mph as is the case with some bikes I currently own and have owned in the past - it was certainly not the reason I bought any of them. The character of an engine counts for a great deal and displacement and configuration both play a big part in that. Long distances, carrying a pillion, an engine that doesn't have to work hard and rev high at cruising speeds, less buzz and vibration, all can contribute to a less tiring experience. Big gobs of torque, less need to stir the box and acceleration on tap even if you're in a gear or two too high at a given moment. Bigger engines also tend to last a lot longer as they are far less stressed - providing they are well made and well looked after of course. Fuel consumption isn't really a consideration for me, although I occasionally wish all my 750 to litre plus bikes could achieve what my son's 125 can do to the gallon 🤣. I will admit that what I think was a more ridiculous trend was when engines on bikes started reaching capacities in excess of 1100 or 1200 cc's - once only the preserve of Harleys and Goldwings - it all got a little bit too much seeing 1400, 1500 and now even 1800cc behemoths arriving in manufacturers' line ups. Even so, I guess there is a market, for such apparent excess and I'm not judging people who own them at all. Different strokes for different folks and all that - singles, twins, triples, fours, even sixes, motorcyclists have argued, and will probably forever argue, the merits and downsides of one over the other - that's just another integral part of the motorcycling life! Whatever you ride however, losing your licence should actually be pretty difficult to do as long as you always remember a couple of wise old missives:- "The throttle works both ways" and "It's not how fast you go, it's how you go fast". That said, Merry Christmas and Happy Miles!

[@GillyBikes]

Wise words and a very merry Christmas to you and your family. Adventure bikes and off roading is not for everyone, however I tried a bit of off roading and absolutely loved it. Not so much the adventure bike riding more of the smaller capacity bikes like the Voge 300 rally that I bought myself. A mixture of fun, ability and madness. You should try it. For a fun day out it’s amazing. 👍

[@Old_Geezer]

@@GillyBikes Too old for such shenanigans now I'm afraid - ancient bones break easier and mend slower! But your choice is, to my mind, spot on. More fun to be had on a smaller capacity, light(ish) weight off road machine designed for the purpose - minimalist, less is more, and less prone to horribly costly damage in the event of a tumble - which is part and parcel of riding on the loose stuff I reckon 😁 Merry Christmas to you and yours too!

[@sal9black]

Barry from Cornwall do you have problems with the battery on your bike I have the 502 not the x

[@GillyBikes]

I’ve not had any problems with this one. 👍

[@duncanfraser7240]

Do they offer a lower seat, for the smaller rider, or is there a mod you could try, have a very merry Christmas, cheers from north scotland

[@GillyBikes]

I’ve been told to play with the suspension as it might help. At the moment it’s quite hard and doesn’t really move when I sit on it. Hopefully I can change that. I’m not aware of a lower seat option. The more I ride it though, the more I like the 702 version. But I’ve got it a few more weeks so hopefully loads More Riding to do. To confirm

[@bally632]

I think they've pre registered alot of their bikes because they are pre 2024 model's and won't be Euro 5+ ,and their not allowed to sell new older models after a cut off date. I'm sure in 2 Moto would confirm that if you ask 🙂

[@GillyBikes]

I think you are right. I just love the big discounts. 🥳

[@John_Wilson513]

Thanks for this. How do the mudguards perform? Do they let the wheels shower you and the bike with water and muck ?

[@GillyBikes]

At the minute i don’t know however, The next video my plan is to get dirty so that should cover you question. Some off road stuff 👍

[@GerardMcmullan]

Hi I got a 2019 trk the only thing I didn't like is the crash bars stick out to much and the center stand is a bad design.

[@GillyBikes]

I agree about the crash bars. They seem to stick out as much as the handle bars. Did you buy yours from New?

[@russellhawkins7466]

Not a bad bike. good review. So this or the voge ???

[@GillyBikes]

Such a difficult decision. 🤔. For the money this is a great option. But you have to be taller than me. I don’t remember having the same issue on the Voge. I will have to do a comparison before I give this back.

[@bobhiggins4729]

There will be pre-reg deals on lots of bikes as any euro5 stock cannot be registered from 1st Jan 2025 when Euro5+ comes into effect. Given the current state of the market, I see this stock depressing bike prices well into the spring or even later. Not many people now have the disposable income for an expensive toy. Being a pessimist I also see a big contraction in employment (at least in the private sector) next year, which will bring even more pressure on motorcycle sales. I think the industry will suffer the same retraction as the early 80's after the late 70's boom years. Thanks for your reviews I find them interesting.

[@GillyBikes]

Stay positive. I fear you might be right though. This uk government are doing all they can to ruin our lives and businesses. I think it’s going to be the expensive bike dealerships that take the biggest hits. These cheaper bikes might actually have improved sales figures.

[@Old_Geezer]

There's someone in Wales selling a 2021, 2 owner TRK502 on Ebay at the moment with only 2700 miles, full luggage, and which, from the photos, looks pretty tidy - just in case any of your viewers fancy scratching the itch but are on a tighter budget and not bothered about brand new - he's offering it for £2750, which at a quick glance seems a lot lower than most.

[@GillyBikes]

That seems really cheap. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@Old_Geezer]

@@GillyBikes Disclaimer: Could be a dog 🤣Doesn't look it though.

[@GillyBikes]

As long as you’re not giving the warranty you should be ok 😂.

[@simonhewitt9805]

Great looking bike and excellent value. Think I'd pay a bit more for the 702X personally...or '21 BMW F850GS Advent.TE, 19k miles, 853cc/95hp for £6750 ? 🤔

[@GillyBikes]

All good Options. That’s the thing with these bikes. They are more Suited to the person that either can’t pay more or doesn’t want to pay more. For the money they are great value. But if you pay more you will get more. I love the 702x and I really like the Voge DSX900 which is basically the F850GS with very single extra thrown at it. Half the price of the GS but nearly double the price of the 502x

[@trevorturner7682]

2inch platform boots like they had in the 70's that'll help you walk it 😂👍

[@GillyBikes]

I think I need some high heels 😂

[@RobertCole-hm1ki]

I sat on the TRK502 model, and I thought it a bit top heavy and tall, I'm 5' 6" so I bought a Leoncino 500 trail. Would like the wind protection though, so maybe a test ride on the 502 with a possibility of getting it lowered. By the way what brand are your gloves?? Looking forward to your next video.👍

[@GillyBikes]

I love all the Leoncino range. Great looking bikes. Here is a link for the place I got my gloves. Big savings on them at the moment. rideiron.com/?ref=GillyBikes

[@RobertCole-hm1ki]

@@GillyBikes Cheers, thanks for that!!

[@mikeastley9325]

It’s always puzzled me why so many riders walk their heavy bikes backwards. I stay off the bike and push it with left hand on the bars and right hand on the rear grab rail. 🤷‍♂️

[@GillyBikes]

It’s good exercise for the legs 😁😂

[@mikeastley9325]

@ 😉👍

[@martinthompson5255]

Now then, thank you for posting this, ive been considering one of these as a cheap tourer for next year...may i ask your hieght and inside leg??😂 bit personal but you know, at 5'10 with a 32" leg myself im curious

[@martinthompson5255]

Ah you're 5'8"😅...apologies!

[@ChrisWeaving]

I have one and I’m 5 foot 11, flat foot both feet 👣 👍

[@alternativeperception6949]

Haaaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaaa that no talking bit is brilliant

[@GillyBikes]

I couldn’t help myself 😂

[@turningwheels2584]

I rode up through Belgium from near the border of Switzerland a couple of months ago on my trk502. Motorway all the way up to the coast for ferry back to dover. 3 hrs at 80/85 mph (130kmh) with 1 stop for coffee. Was it a struggle - no Was it comfy - yes definitely Was i fully loaded - yes It used a tank of fuel and sat around 7.5k revs (i have a 2022 non x version, lighter and a different rear cog by 2 teeth i believe) Would i do it again - i plan to 👍

[@GillyBikes]

That sounds amazing. I did the same a couple of years ago. The roads through Switzerland and Belgium are amazing. I’m going head back there myself in the summer. I can’t wait 😍

[@turningwheels2584]

​@@GillyBikesme too!! I meant to say Luxembourg not Switzerland, i want to do Switzerland the next time around!!

[@GillyBikes]

I would 100% recommend it. Some beautiful roads for Riding.

[@rayso11]

Is there a 125cc model.? 😊

[@GillyBikes]

There is a new Benelli coming out. The BKX125. It looks amazing. I can’t wait to try one.

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Turn it round before you get on it, my xadv 750 at 236kg is very similar, one slip withyour foot and it'll be over on you 🤨👍🏻

[@GillyBikes]

I think that would be easier for next time. 👍

[@OneSpicyPringle]

Benelli Turkey 502

[@GillyBikes]

You can’t beat a bit of Turkey at Christmas 🍗

[@THECONTROVERSIALCYCLIST]

It seems really slow to 70 mph. Old Honda CB500 would kill it. These new bikes seem dangerously slow for their size??

[@GillyBikes]

The joys of euro emissions 💩. Better for the environment apparently 😴

[@blowduke]

They are so heavy for a 500 cc my ktm 690 is 135kg and got 70 bhp

[@GillyBikes]

That is loads lighter. I really like the 702 version which has more power and feels lighter. But this bike is a few thousand pounds cheaper so it makes sense if you want a cheap adventure bike

[@JIMWSMITH]

This is what I don't understand about this bike is the weight 235 kg plus fuel its heavy as fook for a little 500cc bike. Personally think now things have moved on , your just better off spending the extra money and buying the 702x , which is lighter and has more power , maybe the 502 x has served its purpose. 😮

[@GillyBikes]

It’s down as 213kg but I do agree. The 702 seems much lighter and more power. The 702x is one of my favourite bikes. For price and kit it’s a hard one to beat.

[@turningwheels2584]

The 502x is 235kg and the non x (road version) is 213kg.

[@JIMWSMITH]

@@turningwheels2584 213 kg dry weight.

[@ogasi1798]

LOT OF BIKE FOR THE MONEY

[@GillyBikes]

They really are. Especially when you consider there are average 125’s around the same money.

[@taffy2wheels577]

Ha ha . I think your a great .. Mime artist.. 😂

[@GillyBikes]

Name change coming charleychaplinBikes 😂

[@fatpigeonadventurerider2118]

Nobody in the right mind would pay £6299 for the Benelli TRK502X. It's an old design and needs a huge upgrade. Plus the 2nd hand market resale is woeful.

[@GillyBikes]

Personally at that price I would go for the more modern 702.