Motorcycle specifications BenelliTRK 800 2022 Le trail de Pesaro grandit

born in 1911 in Pesaro, in Italy's Marche region, Benelli is now part of the Qianjiang Motorcycle group. Relaunched in the early 2000s - we remember the Tornado, TNT and Tre K available in 900 and 1130 ^cm3 - this historic brand was then bought by the Chinese firm in 2005.

from 2012 onwards , Benelli began to explore the small and medium-displacement market in order to enter emerging markets such as India, for example. In 2013, Benelli launched the BN600 roadster in France, followed by the BN600GT, and in 2018 unveiled the neo-retro Leoncino 500 and the TRK 502 trail bike. 2019 sees the launch of the 502C power cruiser, a more off-road-oriented X version of the TRK 502, and a neo-retro in the vein of the Royal Enfield, the Imperiale 400.

on the strength of this successful renaissance, Benelli was logically expected to come up with bigger bikes. After launching its mid-size roadster, the 752 S, in 2020, the Sino-Italian brand finally unveiled the definitive version of the new and eagerly-awaited TRK 800 at the latest Milan Motor Show, held in November 2021.

already seen in a pre-production version in 2019, the TRK 800 features a rather angular and aggressive silhouette, which seems to draw its inspiration from the competition. It has a bit of BMW R 1200 GS look, mixed with a hint of Ducati Multistrada, all the while adopting the segment's aesthetic codes to create a leggy machine with plenty of volume up front.

the engine is none other than the 754 cm3 in-line twin already used on the 752S roadster. Liquid-cooled, this twin delivers 76.2 hp at 8,500 rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. A six-speed gearbox transmits the power to the rear wheel, controlled by an oil-immersed clutch assisted by an anti-dribble system.

as for the chassis, it's all very classic, with a tubular steel trellis frame. The inverted fork is a 50 mm Marzocchi, with fully adjustable hydraulics and spring preload, and a generous 170 mm of travel. At the rear, the aluminum swingarm is driven by a monoshock with hydraulic rebound and preload adjustment, and 171 mm of travel. As for braking, the TRK 800 features a pair of 320 mm semi-floating front discs clamped by Brembo 4-piston radial-mount calipers, while a single 260 mm disc clamped by a two-piston caliper takes care of the rear.

The TRK 800 is fitted with 19" wheels at the front and 17" at the rear, equipped with mixed tires. Despite its flattering size and 226 kg curb weight, the TRK 800 offers a seat height of 834 mm, which some may find a little high... (for comparison, a Triumph Tiger 900 offers a seat height adjustable between 810 and 830 mm).

in terms of equipment, the front end features a double LED headlight, topped by an adjustable bubble. The dashboard adds a modern touch with a large 7-inch TFT display. Finally, the fuel tank holds 22 liters.

more than ever, in 2022, the medium-displacement trail bike has the wind in its sails. Surfing on the undeniable success of the Yamaha Ténéré 700, the market in this segment is booming, not to say exploding. Faced with an avalanche of competitors in 2022, the new Benelli TRK will have its work cut out for it. With no revolutionary arguments to put forward, no technological or electronic debauchery to draw on, and no historical legitimacy in off-roading either, the TRK 800 will have to rely on a very competitive price positioning if its classic but serious technical sheet and angular yet modern plastic are to seduce the customer.

but before we make our predictions, let's take a closer look. Opposite it, the TRK is confronted by two machines that may be more roadworthy, but which benefit from the solid reputation of their respective brands: the Kawasaki Versys 650, available from €8,599, and the Triumph Tiger Sport at €9,095. Then come the more trail-oriented machines, more in tune with the spirit of the TRK 800: the Suzuki V Strom 650 XT at €9,399 and the Yamaha Ténéré 700 at €10,199. More roadworthy, the BMW F 750 GS starts at €10,300. We take things up a notch with the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport costing €11,500, followed by two Italians: the Moto Guzzi V85TT available from €11,999 and the new Aprilia 660 Touareg also announced from €11,999. With a name that sounds like a true benchmark for the genre, the BMW F 850 GS starts at €12,750. The next big leap is the KTM 890 Adventure, priced from €13,949, and the new Husqvarna Norden 901, from €13,999. As for the all-new Ducati Desert X, it's in a completely different league, with a base price of €16,290.

this overview of the market shows just how numerous and sharp the competition is. So the Benelli TRK 800's main selling point will be its price. Given that its little sister, the TKR 502 X, costs €6,999, and that the 752 S roadster, with which the TRK 800 shares its powertrain, retails for €7,199, we can imagine that a price between €7,999 and €8,499 would enable it to make the most of its opportunity by making a trail bike that's right up to date and accessible to as many people as possible. Let's hear it..

The TRK 702 was due to arrive in the^2nd half of 2022, but since its presentation, nothing. It seems that Benelli is waiting for the 702 to be well established before moving on to this bigger machine. Or perhaps a 900, to keep up with market trends and step up the pace more concretely.

Michael Levivier - Manufacturer's photos