Chinese motorcycle manufacturers have taken the world by storm in recent years. Brands like CFMoto have set up shop in nearly every corner of the globe, impressing with their value for money, features, and tech. Another notable Chinese-owned brand that’s been making strides recently is Benelli, and for the 2024 model-year, they’ve announced their offerings for the US market. Let’s take a closer look.
Benelli TRK 702
The middleweight adventure bike segment is teeming with options for riders with all sorts of budgets. Benelli’s newest TRK 702 model range lives to serve, catering a respectable tech and performance package for riders who don’t quite have the budget for more established bikes like the Yamaha Tenere 700 or Aprilia Tuareg 660. The TRK 702 is offered in two flavors – the X, which is a more off-road-focused model, and the Street, a more touring-oriented machine.
The Benelli TRK 702 series makes use of a 698cc parallel-twin engine, and boasts tech features such as a full-color TFT display, ride modes, and Bluetooth smartphone pairing. Pricing-wise, we’re looking at $8,499 USD for the TRK 702X and $7,899 for the TRK 702 Street.
Benelli TRK 502
Of course, the Benelli TRK 502X continues to be available in the US market, as it’s the bike that garnered the most sales for the Chinese-owned Italian brand in recent years. It’s worth mentioning that the TRK 502X has proven itself as a solid choice in the small-to-mid displacement category, consistently being a favorite among ADV riders in Europe and other parts of the world. It goes up against the likes of the Honda NX500 (previously the CB500X), but commands a more attractive price of just $6,699.
Benelli Imperiale 400
Looking to lock horns with the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, the Benelli Imperiale 400 is the brand’s take on a laid-back, classic-inspired machine. With barebones accouterments, the Imperiale 400 is the spiritual descendant of the 1950s Motobi Imperiale, a bike created by none other than Giuseppe Benelli, one of the founding brothers of the original Benelli motorcycle company. It’s powered by a Euro 5-compliant fuel-injected single-cylinder engine with a modest output of 21 horsepower and 21.4 pound-feet of torque. Pricing wise, it carries an MSRP of $4,899 USD.
Benelli 302S
Up next, we have the 302S, a lightweight naked streetfighter that’s rocking an interesting engine. It’s one of the few remaining motorcycles – along with Benelli’s 500cc range of bikes – to feature a 360-degree parallel-twin, providing it with a meaty powerband and ample low-end torque. It locks horns with other bikes in the 300 class, namely the Yamaha MT-03 and CFMoto 300NK, all while delivering sporty styling and approachable performance. For the 2024 model-year, it carries an MSRP of $4,799 USD.
Benelli TNT 135
Last but not least, the Benelli TNT135 stands as Benelli’s most affordable model in the US market. This sporty-styled mini-bike is powered by a responsive 135cc single-cylinder engine pumping out 13 horsepower and 7.4 pound-feet of torque. Benelli markets it as a fun-loving mini-bike, sort of bearing the same ethos as the iconic Honda Grom. The TNT135, however, has an ace up its sleeve, and that’s affordability. Priced at just $3,199 USD, it’s a couple hundred bucks cheaper than the Grom.
Benelli’s EICMA shenanigans
At EICMA 2023, Benelli revealed some really interesting models such as a range of sportbikes, as well as the BKX300 adventure bike. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem as though these bikes will be making their way to the US in 2024. Nevertheless, chances are we’ll be seeing them launch in China or Europe this year, and hopefully, they’ll make their way to the US market for the 2025 model-year.
