Key points
- Benelli has introduced two new middleweight adventure bikes, the TRK 700 and TRK 700X.
- Both bikes are powered by a 698cc parallel-twin engine that produces 70 horsepower and 50 pound-feet of torque.
- They are equipped with a five-inch full-color TFT display, Bluetooth smartphone pairing, heated grips and saddles, full-LED lighting, a tall windscreen, and modernized bodywork.
- The TRK 700 and TRK 700X are differentiated by their wheel setups. The TRK 700 has cast wheels, while the TRK 700X has wire-spoked wheels. The TRK 700 is also more road-oriented, while the TRK 700X is more off-road-oriented.
- Benelli has announced the launch of the TRK 700 and TRK 700 X in the European market. As of now, the launch date for the US and other markets has yet to be confirmed.
- The TRK 700 and TRK 700X are priced the same at 7,740 Euros, or about $8,618 USD.
Details
The Benelli TRK 700 and TRK 700X are the Italian-Chinese brand’s entry into the middleweight adventure motorcycle segment. With the popularity of bikes like the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Aprilia Tuareg 660, the TRK 700 has quite a competition to face. However, it does seem to have some noteworthy features that could help it stand out.
Engine
The bike is powered by a 698cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine with a standard 180-degree crankshaft. This engine configuration is expected to provide a distinct sound and performance, similar to the Kawasaki Versys 650. With 70 horsepower and 50 pound-feet of torque, the TRK 700 has competitive power figures for its class.
Hardware
The frame setup is a steel trellis that uses the engine as a stressed member. This design helps in reducing weight and increasing rigidity, which should translate to improved handling both on and off-road. The suspension consists of 50-millimetre inverted front forks with 140 millimetres of travel and a preload adjustable rear monoshock.
Electronics
Both the TRK 700 and TRK 700X are equipped with modern technology that’s common in this category, such as a five-inch full-colour TFT display with Bluetooth smartphone pairing. Additionally, heated grips and saddles are available as factory-installed options. The bikes also feature full-LED lighting, a tall windscreen, and modernized bodywork that somewhat resembles the previous iteration of the Ducati Multistrada.
Pricing
One interesting aspect is that the TRK 700 and TRK 700X are priced the same at 7,740 Euros (approximately $8,618 USD) in the European market. The launch date for the US and other markets has not been confirmed yet.
As with any new motorcycle entry, success will depend on how well it performs and is received by consumers in comparison to the more established players in the segment. Benelli’s strong backing from Qianjiang and the competitive pricing may help the TRK 700 series find its place in the middleweight ADV market. However, it ultimately comes down to the reviews, performance, and customer feedback once the bikes hit the market in different regions.
Pros of the Benelli TRK 700 and TRK 700X:
- Competitive Engine: The 698cc parallel-twin engine with 70 horsepower and 50 pound-feet of torque provides good power for a middleweight adventure bike, allowing for enjoyable on-road and off-road performance.
- Sturdy Frame: The steel trellis frame, utilizing the engine as a stressed member, offers reduced weight and increased rigidity, contributing to better handling and stability.
- Modern Technology: Equipped with a five-inch full-color TFT display with Bluetooth smartphone pairing, the bikes offer convenient connectivity options. Optional features like heated grips and saddles add to rider comfort.
- Versatility: The availability of two variants, TRK 700 and TRK 700X, with different wheel setups, allows riders to choose between road-focused or more rugged off-road capabilities.
- Competitive Pricing: Offering both models at the same price of 7,740 Euros (approximately $8,618 USD) in the European market can be attractive to potential buyers looking for value in the middleweight adventure segment.
Cons of the Benelli TRK 700 and TRK 700X:
- Market Competition: The middleweight adventure bike segment is highly competitive, with well-established players like Yamaha and Aprilia, which may make it challenging for Benelli to gain significant market share.
- Brand Perception: While Benelli has improved under Qianjiang ownership, some riders might still perceive it as less reputable compared to more established brands.
- Availability: The bikes have been announced for the European market, but the launch date for other regions, including the US, has not been confirmed yet. Delayed availability might lead to missed opportunities in certain markets.
- Limited Reviews: As of now, there may be limited information available from real-world reviews and performance tests, making it harder for potential buyers to fully assess the bikes’ capabilities.
- Service and Support: Depending on the region, the availability of authorized service centres and spare parts might vary, potentially affecting the ownership experience.
Conclusion
The Benelli TRK 700 and TRK 700X show promise with their competitive engine, frame design, and modern features. However, they also face stiff competition in the middleweight adventure segment and need to prove themselves through real-world performance and customer satisfaction.
Potential buyers should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the availability of authorized support when evaluating these bikes.
