Benelli TRK800 Debuts

This story comes from Onthrottle.co.nz - Written by Mathieu Day-Gillett

Benelli has followed up its popular LAMS approved TRK502 range with a new 800 model that brings added power and premium technology to the Benelli adventure touring family.

Set to start making its way into the world in the second half of 2022 with an as yet undetermined price point (however, we expect it to likely be sub-$15,000) the TRK800 will likely go head-to-head with the likes of the CFMOTO MT800, rather than the premium offerings from Europe and Japan.

At its centre is Benelli's 754cc parallel-twin engine and 6-speed gearbox that debuted with the 752S roadster. Power isn't jaw-dropping by any means with 76.2hp at 8500rpm and 67Nm at 6500rpm claimed by Benelli.

The TRK800 keeps its styling reminiscent of the 502 models but has evolved somewhat. Benelli says that the new model "evolves in style with the intention of making some of the elements present in the 500 version iconic, such as the front end and the front mudguard, which here are more tapered and dynamic, the double-arched headlights, which in the TRK 800 we find full LED with DRL, and the muscular nature of the bike, which is expressed here with a new proportion of volumes."

It's an interesting looking bike and once again it's hard to not draw comparisons with Benelli's more premium Italian cousins from Borgio Panigale.

The chassis is based on a tubular trellis frame with a high-strength steel plate. Dry weight is a rather hefty 226kg. That means a wet weight somewhere above 240 once the full 22-litre fuel load and other fluids are added into the mix.

Benelli claims that the bike's ergonomics have been carefully considered down to the smallest detail, to easily accommodate both rider and passenger even with side and top cases.

Protecting the rider from the elements is an adjustable windscreen and handguards while a slim yet spacious seat should mean good comfort out on the road.

The suspension is supplied by Marzocchi with a 50mm fork up front offering adjustable rebound, compression and spring preload while sporting 170 mm travel. The rear end features a centrally mounted monoshock with preload and hydraulic rebound damping.

The TRK800 definitely sits more on the road end of the adventure touring spectrum with its short wheel travel, and this is further reinforced by the wheel choice, a 19-inch front wheel matched to a 17 inch at the rear.

Braking comes from Brembo with a dual 320 mm diameter semi-floating disc setup on the front matched to four-piston calipers, while a 260 mm diameter disc with a single-piston caliper does stopping duties on the rear.

There's not a lot to say about what electronics the TRK800 is running at the time of writing, with Benelli only confirming that the dash is a TFT unit. We'd assume ABS and traction control will be standard features.