Benelli TRK 902 Xplorer

The new flagship model hits the market. With the official launch of the TRK 902 Xplorer, Benelli is expanding its crossover range upwards with a model that represents the evolution of a successful product family, characterised by a strong identity, advanced technical design and best-in-class equipment. The Benelli TRK 902 Xplorer, the new crossover from the ‘Leoncino’ manufacturer, makes its official market debut. Designed to explore the beauty of different terrains and landscapes, even beyond tarmac roads, this version is aimed at an experienced audience seeking a bike that is both comfortable and equipped to a high standard, capable of ensuring dynamism, enjoyment and safety whilst riding. Its adventurous spirit is immediately apparent from the front view, thanks to the compact windscreen with its particularly sophisticated shape. The quadrilateral frame, which defines the position of the manually adjustable windscreen, stands out as both an aesthetic and technical feature, combining functionality with striking visual presence. Also at the front, the indicators stand out: moved from their more traditional position to the handguards, they make way for standard LED spotlights, which are thus positioned in a highly protected and distinctive location. Its adventure-oriented nature is unmistakably highlighted by the standard tubeless wheels with tangential spokes, featuring aluminium hubs and rims; the 19-inch front wheel is specifically designed to optimise off-road riding. The rear wheel is 17” and both are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion™ Rally STR M+S tyres. With these features and thanks to the 170 mm suspension travel, the ground clearance reaches 215 mm, whilst the rider’s seat height is 840 mm. These characteristics make it easier to tackle the typical obstacles encountered when riding off-road. The Benelli Centro Stile, which oversaw the design of the 902 Xplorer, sought to evolve and emphasise the design concepts seen in the previous TRK series, making them iconic and dynamic without altering the ‘muscular’ nature of the design. Compared to the first 500cc version, the forerunner of the family, the 900 retains certain characteristic stylistic 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 forms – features that have ensured the success of 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 the TRK 902 Xplorer 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—the part 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, Euro 5+ approved and shared with the Stradale version, is the new 904-cc forward facing twin-cylinder unit with four valves per cylinder. It has been optimised specifically for touring, with its tuning prioritising low and mid-range revs – the ranges most frequently utilised during normal use of the motorbike. Torque is high right from the moment the throttle is opened, 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, synonymous with efficiency and reliability. Slipper clutch comes as standard. The new frame, developed by the R&D department in Pesaro 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 enhanced by top-class suspension components: 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 callipers 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 calliper. Given its purpose, and considering Benelli’s commitment to satisfying even the most demanding motorcyclists, the Xplorer 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 phone functions, turn-by-turn navigation and maps, thanks to a dedicated app. Turning to the riding experience, the TRK 902 Xplorer 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 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 ride 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 riding in all weather conditions. Also included as standard are structural reinforcements and protective features typical of crossover models, such as tubular crash bars, complemented by a generous aluminium skid plate and a centre stand – essential for maintenance and for stabilising the bike when fully loaded. TRK 902 Xplorer is available in the colours Jungle Fog Green, Dune Sea and Cement Grey.