Head-to-Head Shootout

Benelli TRK 552X vs Kawasaki Versys 650: Middleweight Adventure Tourer Shootout

The middleweight adventure touring segment in India has witnessed a titanic clash. With the national arrival of the newly upgraded Benelli TRK 552X priced at Rs 7.74 lakh, it stands squarely in the crosshairs of the long-standing benchmark, the Kawasaki Versys 650 (Rs 7.77 lakh). Separated by a minuscule price gap of just Rs 3,000, both machines target cross-country explorers but approach adventure through vastly contrasting design philosophies. Here is the definitive comparative breakdown.

Engine Architecture and Highway Performance

Under the fuel tank, powertrain configuration dictates highway cruising character:

• Kawasaki Versys 650: Powered by a proven 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with an even 180-degree crank. It delivers 66 PS (65.7 bhp) at 8,500 rpm and 61 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Its smooth Japanese engine spins freely at triple-digit speeds, effortlessly cruising at 130–140 km/h with minimal vibration.
• Benelli TRK 552X: Driven by an overhauled 554cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine featuring an uneven 270-degree crankshaft. It produces 52.3 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 49 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. While yielding 13 bhp to the Kawasaki at top end, the TRK’s 270-degree crank produces rich low-end tractor-like pull and a deep V-twin-like exhaust rumble.

Wheel Architecture and Off-Road Trail Capability

Where the Benelli delivers an emphatic counter-punch is on rough terrain. The TRK 552X arrives factory-equipped with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cross-spoke wheels compatible with tubeless dual-purpose tyres, combined with Marzocchi USD front forks, an aluminium engine bash plate, and 205 mm of ground clearance. It readily handles gravel trails, riverbeds, and broken Himalayan tracks.

By contrast, the Versys 650 is unapologetically a road-biased sports tourer. It rides on 17-inch cast alloy wheels front and rear. While its long-travel Showa suspension (150 mm) soaks up tarmac imperfections with magic-carpet plushness, its alloy rims and lower 170 mm ground clearance make rocky trail riding precarious.

Touring Features, Comfort, and Equipment

Benelli spoils riders with factory-standard luxury touring amenities: heated handlebar grips, heated rider seats, backlit switchgear, full crash guards, and a 5-inch TFT display. However, it is a substantial heavyweight tipping the scales at approximately 228 kg kerb.

The Versys 650 is lighter at 219 kg, making it more manageable when maneuvering in hotel parking lots. It features a modern 4.3-inch TFT display with Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) and a manual 4-way adjustable touring windscreen.