Benelli’s Chinese parent company Qianjiang Group has introduced an interesting looking QJ SRB 750 adventure tourer in its home market. We all know that Benelli is in the middle of a comprehensive portfolio overhaul, and this middle-weight adventure tourer could very well reach the international markets under the Italian branding.
Though the motorcycle debuted as a QJ product, it definitely looks like it was designed and developed to be a Benelli. If we have to guess, the motorcycle in question could be introduced as 2021 Benelli TRK 800 X in international markets including India. While the X is likely to be equipped with spoke wheels and dual-purpose tires, a road-focused base variant with alloy wheels and regular tyres could be on the card as well.
The medium displacement adventure tourer faithfully follows adventure tourer styling philosophy but manages to display a distinct character. Salient design elements include a sporty wraparound headlamp (probably LED), a high-mounted beak, generously proportioned fuel tank extension with integrated boomerang-shaped turn indicators, and two-piece seats.
Benelli TRK 502
In its QJ avatar, the bike sports dual-tone colour theme. Interestingly, according to Italian media reports, Benelli has stated that the TRK variant based on the medium displacement platform will be developed entirely in Italy and will have very few things in common with its QJ counterpart.
Powering the adventure tourer is a familiar Benelli 754 cc parallel-twin motor motor which also serves the Leoncino 800. The liquid-cooled engine engine is currently available in 81.6 hp tune but it is expected to be tweaked to suit the tourer with improved low-end torque. Transmission is a 6-speed unit.
The motorcycle is equipped with inverted telescopic front forks and rear monoshock (both are likely to be adjustable), twin front discs and a single unit at the rear, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels and fully digital dash. The Benelli version is likely to be equipped with dual-channel ABS, traction control and riding modes.
At a press conference in January, the Italian motorcycle brand confirmed that the TRK 800 will be ready by September 2020 but we suspect a considerably delay due to the pandemic emergency. The 2021 Benelli TRK 800 will have Europe as its primary market and will be positioned as a cheaper alternative to popular mid-weight adventure tourers like the Triumph Tiger 900, Ducati Multistrada 950, BMW F850GS, etc.
The new motorcycle would be a good addition to Benelli’s Indian portfolio. We expect it to reach our shores sometime next year at an attractive price point.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
