Benelli, a famed Italian marque recently ended up its relationship with its operational partner in India, DSK Motowheels, due to its bankruptcy. The brand has moved on and geared up for its second inning with a new local partner associated with Hyderabad based Mahavir Group. Reportedly, a dozen Benelli bikes, majorly fall in small and medium displacement to roll out by 2019. In the question, Benelli TRK 251 could be one of them. It is a compact adventure tourer debuted at EICMA 2017. While its India launch is imminent as confirmed.
Well, the TRK 251 does not see any direct competition in the segment. We can see it knocking head with the likes of BMW G310GS and the upcoming KTM 390 ADV. How will they stack up against in the real world is future. Have a look on specs comparison on paper the imminent Benelli TRK 251 and the BMW G310GS that is German motorcycle maker’s entry-level adventure offering in the Indian market.
Design and Styling:
The Benelli TRK 251 appears a toned down version of the TRK 502 with shared elements. However, it\'s meant for off-roading. Stand tall, the ADV features Bifocal projector headlamps with eyebrow-like DRLs, a tall visor, massive fuel tank, purposeful fairing, long travel suspension and comfortable seats. In addition to this, an all-digital instrument console offers ride related information yet the rear place top rack provides ample space for your belongings.
The BMW G310GS, on the other hand, is a cheapest BMW adventure motorcycle that draws design inspiration from brand’s flagship adventure tourer the BMW R 1200GS. With the elements such as raised front beak, long travel suspension, high ground clearance and slightly upswept exhaust, the G310GS is a complete adventure tourer. While, the features like a triangular headlamp, GS and BMW moniker on the fuel tank and on its extension, a mix of black and red shade adds sporty character to the motorcycle. It also gets all-digit instrument cluster and a large luggage rack that improves its functionality.
Underpinnings:
To take care of your ride, the Benelli TRK 251 is packed with 41 mm upside-down front fork and an adjustable rear monoshock as suspension setup. While braking setup on the adv based on steel trellis frame consists of a 280 mm front and a 240 mm rear disc. The bike runs on similar sized scrambler wheels shod up with Front (110/70-R17) and rear (150/60-R17) tyres.
The BMW G310GS is a dedicated off-roader which stands on different sized wheels. The 19-inch front and the 17-inch rear wheel wrapped with nutty tyres. An association of 41mm USD front forks and a rear monoshock take care of suspension duties. While, the stopping responsibilities are handled by a 330mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, anchored with Bybre callipers. The ABS feature which missed out on Benelli TRK 251, is being provided as standard on the G 310 GS.
Power Specs:
Powering for the Benelli TRK 251 comes from a 249 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. It is a shared unit with Leoncino 250. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the mill churns out 25.8 HP and 21.2 Nm of torque.
The BMW G310GS gets a 313cc reverse-inclined single-cylinder engine. It is the same powertrain that powers its naked sibling the BMW G310R and JV partner’s fairing flagship, the TVS Apache RR 310. The water-cooled is rated to develop 34 PS @ 9500 rpm along with 28 Nm @ 7500 rpm via a coupled 6-speed gearbox.
Price:
As mentioned above, the bike does not any direct rival in its displacement range. While, considering its brand value, build quality and features, we could see its priced around INR 2.3 lakh, slight premium from its closest rival the RE Himalayan on sale at INR 1.72 lakh. While, the BMW G310GS that is the cheapest adventure from German bike maker retails at INR 3.49 lakh, ex-showroom. All the mentioned prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.