Benelli India has officially launched the highly anticipated 502C, their entry into the urban cruiser segment. The bike brings a unique blend of muscular styling, a twin-cylinder engine, and premium components—while offering incredible value for money.
Most impressively, the Benelli 502C starts from 5.26 lakhs, making it one of the most affordable twin-cylinder cruisers currently on sale in the Indian market.
At a time when performance motorcycles are becoming more expensive, Benelli’s pricing strategy signals a bold move to capture riders looking for style, performance, and street presence—all without crossing the premium price barrier.
The Benelli 502C starts from 5.26 lakhs, which undercuts many of its rivals and positions it as an accessible upgrade for existing 300cc–400cc owners.
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Bold Cruiser Styling
The 502C’s visual appeal is undeniable. With sharp body lines, an aggressive front fascia, and a low-slung cruiser stance, the bike makes a statement. The overall design is strongly reminiscent of the Ducati Diavel, featuring a stretched wheelbase, beefy fuel tank, and exposed frame. It combines the classic cruiser proportions with modern aesthetics.
The floating single-seat design, forward-set footpegs, wide handlebar, and LED headlamp give it a proper cruiser silhouette. Its 21-litre fuel tank is sculpted, adding to its visual weight and practicality for long-distance rides. Whether at a standstill or in motion, the 502C turns heads everywhere it goes.
It’s worth repeating: all this style and substance starts from 5.26 lakhs. That’s remarkable for a machine that visually matches or exceeds motorcycles priced significantly higher.
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Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Benelli 502C is a 500cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. This motor is already a proven unit, shared across the Benelli Leoncino and TRK 502 models. It produces 47.5 PS of power at 8,500 rpm and 46 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The engine is paired to a smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox.
This setup offers more than adequate performance for Indian roads. Whether cruising on highways or navigating urban traffic, the 502C handles both with ease. The power delivery is linear, and the exhaust note is throaty—adding to the emotional appeal of the ride.
And let’s not forget—the twin-cylinder excitement starts from 5.26 lakhs. That’s the kind of performance and engine layout usually reserved for bikes in the ₹6 lakh+ segment.
Ride and Handling
Despite its cruiser DNA, the Benelli 502C offers stable and predictable handling. It features upside-down front forks and a rear mono-shock suspension, tuned for comfort rather than aggressive cornering. The suspension setup manages road imperfections well, while still maintaining enough stiffness for highway stability.
The bike is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with wide Pirelli Angel GT tyres. Braking duties are handled by twin 280mm discs at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, both supported by dual-channel ABS. The 502C weighs 216 kg (dry), which means it’s not exactly light, but its weight is well distributed and manageable once in motion.
What makes this package even more impressive is that it starts from 5.26 lakhs. Not many cruisers in India at this price point offer this level of ride refinement and braking hardware.
Comfort and Ergonomics
One of the strongest selling points of the Benelli 502C is its comfort-oriented setup. The bike has a relaxed riding position thanks to its wide handlebars and forward-set footpegs. The seat height is just 750 mm, which makes it accessible for riders of most heights. The seat itself is well-padded, offering decent comfort for both city commutes and longer highway trips.
The pillion seat, while minimalist in design, is suitable for short rides. However, long-distance touring with a passenger may require the addition of an aftermarket backrest or seat cushion. Still, for solo riders looking to travel in comfort and style, the 502C delivers.
And once again, it’s essential to remember that this level of comfort and cruiser ergonomics starts from 5.26 lakhs—a rarity in today’s market.
Features and Technology
The 502C isn’t just about looks and power. It also brings a decent list of features to the table. The bike comes with a fully digital TFT instrument console that displays gear position, speed, RPM, fuel level, and trip meters. All lighting—headlamp, taillight, indicators—is LED.
The bike includes standard dual-channel ABS, adjustable clutch and brake levers, and a large 21-litre tank—perfect for highway touring. These small but significant touches add to the overall premium feel.
The fact that such a feature-rich motorcycle starts from 5.26 lakhs enhances its appeal even further.
Ownership, Warranty, and Service
Benelli is offering the 502C with a 3-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which should reassure potential buyers. Bookings for the motorcycle have started across India for a token amount of ₹10,000.
However, it’s important to note that Benelli’s service network is still growing. While major cities have service support, buyers in smaller towns may find access more limited. The brand’s spare parts availability and service quality have also seen mixed feedback in the past. That said, Benelli appears to be working on improving its after-sales experience.
Despite these concerns, the 502C’s value remains compelling. After all, the urban cruiser experience starts from 5.26 lakhs.
Competition and Market Positioning
The Benelli 502C finds itself in a unique space in the Indian motorcycle market. Its closest rival in form and function is the Kawasaki Vulcan S, which is priced significantly higher. Royal Enfield’s Super Meteor 650 is another cruiser in the market, but with a different engine layout and character.
What sets the Benelli apart is its aggressive styling, street cruiser design, and a pricing advantage. Again, to emphasize—this sporty, twin-cylinder cruiser starts from 5.26 lakhs, putting it within reach of a larger group of riders aspiring for a “big bike” feel.
Who Should Buy the Benelli 502C?
The Benelli 502C is ideal for riders looking for:
- A head-turning, muscular cruiser
- A twin-cylinder experience
- Long-distance comfort
- Urban practicality
- A value-for-money premium feel
For motorcyclists moving up from smaller displacement bikes, the 502C offers a natural step into the world of premium mid-weight motorcycles—without the intimidating size or price tag.
And yes, it starts from 5.26 lakhs—a point worth repeating, considering the design, hardware, and overall package.
Final Verdict
The Benelli 502C brings Italian flair to the Indian streets. It has the looks, the road presence, and a proven engine that delivers performance with refinement. While it does have some drawbacks, such as limited service reach and a heavy kerb weight, the overall package is hard to beat.
In a market where most middleweight twin-cylinder cruisers are priced well beyond ₹6 lakhs, the 502C starts from 5.26 lakhs—which makes it a game-changer for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
If you’re looking to make a bold statement with your next bike, and want cruiser comfort with city-ready performance, the Benelli 502C deserves serious consideration.
After all, this urban Italian cruiser starts from 5.26 lakhs—and that alone makes it one of the most exciting two-wheeler launches in recent times.
