Benelli TRK 902 Stradale

Derived directly from the Xplorer platform, with which it shares its engine and chassis, the TRK 902 Stradale is making its market debut. This road-going crossover differs from the adventure version thanks to a series of features developed specifically for road use, which enhance its comfort, handling precision and suitability for long-distance touring. The new Benelli, designed for those who love to experience the beauty of travel, is making its debut on the Europen market. Whilst sharing the same engine and chassis platform as the Xplorer version, it stands out thanks to its distinctive styling and numerous technical features developed to enhance its road-going capabilities, resulting in a motorbike with a unique character. From the front, the most striking feature is a different windscreen, which is transparent and larger in size to offer excellent aerodynamic protection on long journeys. In this case, the windscreen is electrically operated, but its movement is managed by the same four-bar linkage mechanism already seen on the Xplorer. This visually striking design combines functionality with a commanding presence and stands out as an aesthetic feature as well as a technical one. The handguards have a different design as they do not house the indicators; these are instead positioned on the side radiator ducts, beneath the air intakes, in keeping with other versions of the TRK range. Finally, the chassis completes its identity as a road crossover, featuring 17-inch light alloy wheels and Pirelli Angel GT sport touring tyres, in sizes 120/70 at the front and 180/55 at the rear. The reduction in the front wheel size compared to the Xplorer (19”) – together with the reduced suspension travel, which drops from 170 mm to 130 mm – allows the rider’s seat height to be set at 820 mm. This results in a distinctive dynamic character, designed to prioritise road riding. The ability to plant both feet firmly on the ground even when fully laden represents a significant safety advantage for both rider and passenger, whilst the different chassis dimensions – such as wheelbase and trail – help to deliver more effective and precise handling on tarmac. The Benelli Centro Stile, which also oversaw the design of Stradale, aimed to evolve and emphasise the concepts present in the previous TRK series, making them iconic and dynamic without altering the nature of the design. Compared to the first 500cc version, the forerunner of the family, the 902 retains certain distinctive aesthetic elements that reinforce the family resemblance: the prominent front fairing, now more dynamic and compact; the double-arch headlight; and, in general, a certain imposing presence in its design that has ensured its success in the smaller-capacity versions. These components have been refined to create a motorcycle that is harmonious and consistent in its proportions and volumes. Another design feature is the passenger handholds, made from a single piece of reinforced nylon, which serve as structural, functional and aesthetic elements, perfectly integrated into the overall design of the tail section. Among the distinctive stylistic features of TRK 902 Stradale is the unique shape of the fuel tank, which will also be adopted by other models. It is made entirely of metal, and the plastic cover above it is limited to the upper section only, leaving the area in contact with the rider’s legs exposed. This benefits both the aesthetics and the riding position, thanks to the rear section facing the rider – which is particularly tapered – and a slender central section despite the tank’s generous capacity. The latter is an essential feature for long journeys; indeed, the 21-litre capacity, combined with the stated average fuel consumption of 5 litres per 100 km, ensures a long range for covering great distances. The engine, which is Euro 5+ compliant and shared with the Xplorer version, is the new 904-cc forward facing twin-cylinder unit with four valves per cylinder, optimised for long journeys and developed to deliver the best performance at low and medium revs – the ranges most frequently used in everyday riding. Torque is high right from the start, peaking at 9.2 Kgm (90 Nm) at 6,500 rpm, whilst maximum power is reached at 9,000 rpm, standing at 93.2 cv (68.5 kW). The intake system is new, featuring a dual Ø46 mm electronic throttle body operated by a Ride By Wire system controlled by a Bosch Motronic ECU, the industry benchmark for reliability and performance. Slipper clutch comes as standard. The new frame, developed by the R&D department in Pesaro and in line with the other platforms in the TRK family, consists of a tubular trellis frame with steel reinforcement plates designed to ensure the correct torsional stiffness for a satisfying riding experience in all conditions. This is further ensured by a top-class suspension system, suitably adapted to the characteristics of the Stradale: the 43 mm upside-down Marzocchi fork, adjustable for rebound, compression and preload, and the rear monoshock; the latter, which works in synergy with the aluminium swingarm, features a remote adjuster allowing convenient adjustment of the hydraulic rebound damping and spring preload. The brakes, supplied by Brembo, feature two 320 mm semi-floating discs at the front, with radial-mount monobloc calipers featuring four pistons actuated by a radial-mount pump, whilst at the rear there is a 260 mm disc, actuated by a traditional two-piston caliper. Given its purpose, and considering Benelli’s commitment to satisfying even the most demanding motorcyclists, the Stradale boasts first-class electronic and technical features. The 7-inch TFT dashboard, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allows riders to easily monitor all the bike’s parameters via an intuitive and easy-to-read interface. It also integrates with telephone functions, turn-by-turn navigation and maps, thanks to a dedicated app. Turning to the riding experience, the TRK 902 Stradale offers three riding modes – Normal, Rain and Sport – which allow the rider to customise the bike’s behaviour according to different conditions and riding preferences. In addition to the cornering ABS developed by Bosch – which can be deactivated at both the front and rear for off-road riding – the bike features Traction Control (which can also be deactivated) and Cruise Control. Also fitted as standard is the TPMS for tyre pressure monitoring and, last but not least, Quick Shift – which can also be deactivated – for smooth and immediate gear changes. In terms of active safety, TRK 902 Stradale, like the 902 Xplorer, is equipped with an advanced ADAS system featuring radar technology that integrates Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Collision Warning (RCW). The system monitors the area behind the bike and the blind spots, alerting the rider to the presence of vehicles via indicator lights on the dashboard, LEDs integrated into the rear-view mirrors and an audible warning. Each function can be managed individually, allowing the rider to customise the level of assistance. To make the journey more comfortable, there is a USB socket and, most importantly, a three-level heated seat and heated grips – essential features for enjoying the motorbike 365 days a year and travelling in all climates and at all altitudes. The TRK 902 Stradale is available in Pure White, Pastel Grey and Oxide Green.