Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs Benelli TRK 502: Real-World Performance Comparison
- by Niraj
- Jul 15, 2019
- | Views: 6517
Which brand offers the best “budget” ADV? The Japanese or the Italians? We compare the numbers to find out
The adventure tourer segment has seen a surge in terms of popularity in recent times. But most of these bikes like the BMW R 1250 GS and the Triumph Tiger 1200 have been unattainable due to their mortgage breaking price tags. If you’re someone with a budget of around Rs 5 lakh, you’ve got two options - the Kawasaki Versys X-300 and the Benelli TRK 502. With both packing a parallel-twin engine, purpose-built design and priced so closely, which one should you opt for? We compare their real-world numbers to find out.
Also Read - Kawasaki Versys X 300: Road Test Review
Acceleration
|
Benelli TRK 502 |
Kawasaki Versys X-300 |
|
|
Engine |
500cc, in-line two-cylinders, liquid cooled engine |
296cc, parallel-twin, liquid cooled engine |
|
Power |
47.5PS |
40PS |
|
Torque |
46Nm |
25.7Nm |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
6-speed |
|
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 |
Benelli TRK 502 |
|
|
0-60kmph |
3.41 seconds |
3.03 seconds |
|
0-100kmph |
8.3 seconds |
7.29 seconds |
|
Top speed (achieved) |
132kmph |
139.56kmph |
Despite their displacement and power differences, the Versys-X 300 put up quite a respectable 0-100kmph number. Not to mention, it can also hold a respectable highway speed. But the displacement advantage of the Benelli is clearly visible.
Also Read - Benelli TRK 502X, TRK 502: First Ride Review
Roll-ons
|
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 |
Benelli TRK 502 |
|
|
30-70kmph in 3rd |
3.89 seconds |
3.93 seconds |
|
40-80kmph in 4th |
4.96 seconds |
4.72 seconds |
Thanks to the TRK 502’ 360-degree crank, it sacrifices a bit of low-end torque and it shows. It also doesn’t help that the Benelli weighs 235kg, a whopping 51kg heavier than the Versys! Not only is the Versys quicker in 30-70kmph roll-ons, but it also packs a shorter wheelbase (1450mm), which should make zipping through traffic easy.
Braking
|
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 |
Benelli TRK 502 |
|
|
80-0kmph |
42.07m |
30.71m |
|
60-0kmph |
23.85m |
17.63m |
You’d expect the Versys to win this round, right? Surprisingly, it is the TRK 502 which comes to a halt quicker despite its hulking demeanour. The front (twin 310mm) and rear (single 260mm) disc, in conjunction with Pirelli Angel ST tyres, offer a rather impressive stopping performance. The Kawasaki, on the other hand, just takes too long to stop and offers very less feedback to the rider.
Fuel efficiency
|
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 |
Benelli TRK 502 |
|
|
City |
29.86kmpl |
30.97kmpl |
|
Highway |
27.57kmpl |
33.5kmpl |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
17-litres |
20-litres |
|
Range |
469km |
670km |
To be honest, we’d expected this round to go to the Versys. But surprisingly, despite packing a larger capacity engine and more bulk, it is the TRK 502 which is the most fuel-efficient of the duo in both the city as well as the highway! It also helps that it carries a mammoth 20-litre fuel tank, which should provide you with a range of close to 700km, making a ride from Pune to Goa without a fuel stop possible. The Versys-X 300 is not only less frugal, but also packs a smaller fuel tank. So expect quite a bit of fuel stops on your road trips with this one.