There’s something about waking up before the sun hits the valleys of Malshej Ghat. That familiar chill in the air, the mist rolling over cliffs, and the slow hum of a bike engine waiting to awaken. This time, it was the Benelli TRK 702,a mid-range adventure tourer that’s built not to impress on paper but to deliver on the road. I saddled up, curious about this Chinese-Italian hybrid machine. What followed was a day of hairpin corners, aggressive climbs, and long empty stretches that gave me time to understand what the TRK 702 truly is.
In the Test: 70 HP Engine
The first time I rolled on the throttle, the TRK 702 didn’t lunge forward like a wild beast. No drama. No intimidation. Just clean, progressive power. This 698cc parallel twin, churning out 70 horses, feels like it’s been tuned for long rides, not short sprints. It isn’t the kind of engine that overwhelms you; it warms up to you. Through the early curves of the ghat, with birds darting between tree canopies, I found myself pushing the revs higher, looking for that sweet spot. Below 4,000 rpm, the engine stays mellow, almost too polite. But cross that threshold, and the bike transforms. It starts breathing deeper, louder, and the exhaust note turns into something more confident. There’s a balance shaft working hard underneath, because even at higher RPMs, there’s hardly any vibration. The crankpins are offset by 180 degrees, and that contributes to this smooth, pulsing rhythm that becomes addictive after a few kilometers. In fact, by the time I crossed the first waterfall vista, I was already in tune with this engine’s soul.
Neither Driving Modes Nor Traction Control
Here’s the thing: the TRK 702 doesn’t come with riding modes. Or traction control. There’s no ride-by-wire either. And I didn’t miss any of it. Because when you’re throwing the bike into a tight bend on a mountain road with sheer drops to your right, what you want is predictability. And that’s exactly what this bike offers. The throttle response is mechanical, sure, but it’s smooth and linear. There are no surprises when you open up the throttle coming out of a corner. It just… pulls. I appreciated that simplicity more than I thought I would. No electronics trying to anticipate my moves. Just me, my wrist, and the road. The TRK 702 felt honest. Unfiltered. And when the rain briefly kissed the tarmac midway through the ride, I realized something else: sometimes, traction control can make you lazy. This bike made me ride with awareness, of my inputs, my lean angles, and road surface. It was old-school in the best way.
Range Approx. 400 Kilometers
After about 150 km of twisties, tunnels, and tea stalls, I glanced at the fuel gauge. Still a good amount left. The 20-liter tank and Benelli’s claimed 4.6L/100 km economy felt accurate. I wasn’t hypermiling, either. Just enjoying the ride, often in third or fourth gear, revving comfortably. That kind of range isn’t just a number; it’s freedom. It means fewer fuel stops and more continuous time on the saddle, which is exactly what you want on a trip like this. Through the scenic plateau, past fog-shrouded cliffs and abandoned rail tunnels, I realized this bike could easily stretch to Pune or Nashik and back on a single tank. The gearbox deserves a mention here. Six speeds, spaced just right. Crisp shifts. No false neutrals. The clutch is light, and I could manage it with two fingers even in traffic near the base of the ghat. For a bike that looks this hefty, it behaves surprisingly light at the levers.
Good Handling, Moderate Damping
Let’s talk corners. The TRK 702 isn’t a sportbike, but it’s planted. On the 17-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Angel GTs, the bike tipped in with an ease I didn’t expect from something weighing 232 kg. Credit to that 160-section rear, narrow enough to keep agility intact. Through the tighter switchbacks of Malshej, where monkeys are known to dart across the road without warning, the Benelli felt composed. The weight distribution is solid. The trellis frame offers good flex and feedback. And the seat height, at 800 mm, is approachable. I’m average height and never once felt nervous putting a foot down. Now, damping. That’s where things get nuanced. On smoother tarmac, the upside-down 50mm front fork and rear monoshock do a decent job. But the moment I hit broken patches or a stretch of gravel near the landslide-prone zones, the fork started to show its limits. It’s not adjustable, and it’s on the stiffer side. That helps under hard braking, minimal dive and strong bite from the radial calipers, but it does transmit sharper bumps directly to your arms. So, while cornering grip and high-speed stability are commendable, don’t expect plush, pillowy suspension. It’s functional. Not forgiving.
Solid Equipment
In terms of kit, the TRK 702 punches above its price. For ₹7.3 lakh (European price tag converted), you’re getting a backlit LCD TFT, dual USB ports, solid handguards, adjustable levers, and even smartphone integration for navigation. The screen could use more data,like range or gear position,but it’s legible and doesn’t wash out in bright sunlight. The handguards are tough enough to deflect actual debris, not just for show. The rear rack is massive and ready for a top box or soft luggage. The mirrors stay steady even at triple-digit speeds. It all feels solid. Like a bike made for the long haul, not showroom posing. Sure, if you look closely, some plastics and panel gaps hint at cost-saving. But nothing feels cheap or fragile. Everything that matters is built to endure.
Benelli TRK 702: Technical data, price
| Manufacturer information | Specification |
| Motor | Liquid-cooled inline twin-cylinder, 698 cc displacement, 51.5 kW/70 hp at 8500 rpm, 70 Nm at 6000 rpm; four valves/cylinder, DOHC, injection, six-speed gearbox, chain |
| Performance/Consumption | Top speed 180 km/h, 4.6 l/100 km |
| chassis | Steel tubular frame; 50 mm USD telescopic fork at the front, non-adjustable, 140 mm travel; cast aluminum double-sided swing arm at the rear, central spring strut with adjustable rebound damping and preload, 154 mm travel; cast aluminum wheels; 120/70 ZR17 tires (front) and 160/60 ZR17 tires (rear). 320 mm dual disc brakes at the front, 260 mm single disc brake at the rear. |
| Assistance systems | Switchable ABS |
| Dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1505 mm, seat height 790 mm, ready-to-drive weight 232 kg, payload 209 kg; fuel tank capacity 20 l |
| Price | 7299 euros |
Conclusion
As I parked the TRK 702 at a cliffside tea stall, with clouds brushing the valley below and the bike gently ticking as it cooled, I found myself smiling. Not because it’s the fastest. Not because it’s the flashiest. But because it’s real. The Benelli TRK 702 doesn’t try to out-tech the giants. It doesn’t woo you with acronyms and rider aids. It wins you over by being a proper motorcycle. One that can take on mountain roads, cruise highways, and carry luggage, all while sipping fuel at a modest pace. In a world obsessed with specs, this bike dares to be simple. And in doing so, it’s carved out a space for itself,between the hyper-expensive ADVs and underpowered commuters. So, would I ride it again? Absolutely. Especially if the road winds like Malshej, and the sky looks like rain.
