Ah, the Benelli TRK 902 Xplorer—a motorcycle that dares to blend Italian styling with Chinese production while promising to tackle everything from rugged trails to your local coffee shop’s parking lot. If you’re ready for an adventure bike that screams “budget-conscious globetrotter,” then strap in because Benelli has entered the chat.
What’s the Deal?
Set to hit the UK market in late 2025, the TRK 902 Xplorer aims to stake its claim in the increasingly crowded middleweight adventure bike segment. MotoGB, the UK importer, assures us it will cost less than £10,000. Because nothing says affordability like a brand-new adventurer built in a Chinese factory with an Italian logo slapped on it.
Features and Gizmos: Almost Too Practical
Benelli isn’t holding back with features—well, at least not entirely. Here’s the breakdown:
- 7-inch TFT Dash: Connectivity and navigation are included. So, you can get lost in style before realizing you don’t have cell service.
- Fog Lights: Perfect for those 12 minutes of actual fog you’ll ride through each year.
- Electronically Adjustable Screen: Adjust it to just the right angle so the bugs hit you in a straight line.
- 22-Litre Fuel Tank: For those who like their adventures uninterrupted by pesky things like gas stations.
- Tyre Pressure Monitors: Because who has time to check tires manually anymore?
The Pillion Problem: Toolbox for One, Please
Here’s a quirky twist: the prototype ditches pillion provisions entirely. Instead, you get a handy toolbox in place of the rear seat. Final production models will have a pillion seat and pegs, but let’s not pretend that’s the star feature. The toolbox is clearly the unsung hero of solo adventurers everywhere.
Performance and Specs: Adequate but Not Jaw-Dropping
Under the hood (or tank, rather), the TRK 902 Xplorer packs Benelli’s revamped 904cc parallel-twin engine, offering 98.6bhp and 66.4lb.ft of torque. The suspension is adjustable, the brakes are Brembo, and it’s all wrapped up in a trellis chassis that’s rugged enough to handle off-road abuse—or at least a spirited ride over a pothole-laden street.
Here’s what you get for your money:
- Suspension Travel: 200mm at both ends. That’s enough to soak up bumps but not enough to make you an off-road god.
- Ground Clearance: 230mm, in case you want to look like you’re conquering the Dakar while actually avoiding speed bumps.
- Wheels: Tubeless spokes with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear, catering to trail riders who dabble in asphalt.
The Elephant in the Room: Made in China, Styled in Italy
Yes, Benelli is owned by China’s Qianjiang Group, a company that churns out over 1.2 million vehicles annually. While the production is firmly in China, the design and R&D still happen in Italy. So, you get that signature European flair mixed with Chinese efficiency—or at least that’s the sales pitch.
Rivals: A Crowded Playground
The TRK 902 Xplorer joins an increasingly competitive segment, rubbing shoulders with models like:
- KTM 890 Adventure R: For those who want actual off-road prowess.
- Yamaha Ténéré 700: The minimalist’s dream.
- BMW F900GS: The tech-laden adventurer.
- CFMoto 800MT-X: Another Chinese-built contender.
Final Thoughts
The Benelli TRK 902 Xplorer is the definition of a middleweight adventure bike: capable, affordable, and just stylish enough to turn heads. But let’s not sugarcoat it—it’s entering a fiercely competitive market where it must prove itself against both budget-friendly and premium options.
If you’re looking for a bike with Italian styling, Chinese practicality, and a splash of off-road capability, this might just be your next ride. Just be ready to answer the inevitable question at bike meets: “Wait, Benelli is Chinese now?”
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