New Benelli 502S Cruiser at the Thai Motor Expo - Live
The new Benelli 502S Cruiser has arrived at the 2018 Thai Motor Expo. The motorcycle draws styling cues from the 402S Cruiser that made its debut at the 2017 EICMA motorcycle show. The first thought in our mind was its uncanny resemblance to Ducati’s power cruiser, the XDiavel.
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At the front is a unique, skull-shaped headlight that gives the middleweight cruiser an intimidating look. LED blinkers and a beefy, upside down telescopic suspension at the front accompany the headlamp. The front fender features the ABS tag on either side while the dual-tone paint gives it a premium look. Following the light is a compact, full-digital instrument console with telltale indicators placed on either side of the display.
The sides reveal the tubular trellis frame that underpins the middleweight cruiser. Body panels surrounding the radiator and an underbelly unit lend the motorcycle a muscular persona that matches the cruiser theme. The chiselled fuel tank has recesses to lock the knees and an aviation-style flush mount fuel cap.
The rider’s seat dips towards the centre while the step-up pillion seat is placed higher. The design should offer good support to the rider and provide better comfort on long rides. Speaking of comfort, the Benelli 502S offers typical cruiser style rider’s triangle with forward set footpegs and a tall handlebar.
At the rear is a split-style tail light, a feature that we have seen on the Ducati Diavel. The rear blinkers, number plate and the illuminator, are mounted on the tyre hugger that gives the motorcycle a compact and premium look from the back. Closer observation reveals the vertically mounted rear LED blinkers. A single-sided, twin outlet exhaust comes in dual tone finish.
Its 500cc, parallel-twin cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is claimed to deliver 46.9hp of maximum power while the top speed is rated at 160km/h. Anchoring tasks are performed by twin-sided, petal-type disc brakes at the front and a single, petal-type disc at the rear. Safety net includes a dual-channel ABS. Shock absorbing tasks are performed by upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock unit at the back.
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The Chinese owned Italian brand aims to make a strong comeback in India and has partnered with Hyderabad-based Mahavir Group. Last month, Benelli announced a 34% reduction in prices of its after-sales services to attract customer attention in the cost-conscious Indian market. Moreover, the brand has also increased the service intervals of its products from 4,000 km/4 months to 6,000 km/6 months.
On the product front, Benelli India plans to introduce a line up that will include new models, while some previous motorcycles will be discontinued. The company plans to add as many as 10 to 12 new bikes across three segments – city riding, cruising and adventure riding.