Kiwi Rider January 2022 Vol.1 | Page 29

BENELLI TRK800

Benelli is making big progress in terms of stepping away from being a LAMS-only manufacturer with its new line of 754cc paralleltwin motorcycles . Joining the 752S and Leoncino 800 variants for 2022 is the all-new TRK 800 which takes the adventure travel ethos of the original TRK502 and adds some big-bore spice . The TRK800 was only announced at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan in November and there is still a bit of information Benelli is sitting on , mostly to do with what electronics are accompanying the TFT dash , but we do know the important mechanical details . As above , the TRK800 runs Benelli ’ s big-bore parallel-twin which means power figures of 76.2hp ( 56kW ) at 8500rpm with 67Nm of torque at 6500rpm . Styling too has taken a step up from the LAMS bike . The bold new looks give the TRK800 an aggressive , muscular stance that gives the bike the appearance of a capable adventurer . Packed into the new styling are fully LED lights , a DRL and the must-have of the class - a beaked upper fender . We ’ ll have to wait until a test unit comes our way to see just how capable Benelli ’ s new adventurer actually is , but it looks like a good option for the average rider .

OUTSIDE THE BOX Who ’ s it actually for ? Riders wanting to step up from the Benelli TRK502 or ADV Tourers on a budget . The competition : Suzuki DL650 V-Strom .

BENELLI LEONCINI 800 TRAIL

If a more stripped back adventure steed is your thing , Benelli ’ s new Leoncino 800 Trail could be a competitive option for your dollar . Benelli ’ s stylish scrambler is yet to have a defined price for the New Zealand market , but we expect it to be competitively priced as per Benelli norms . Powering the Leoncino 800 Trail is the same 754cc parallel-twin as the rest of the Benelli 800 range . That means power figures of 76.2hp ( 56kW ) at 8500rpm with 67Nm of torque at 6500rpm and that ’ s all backed by a six-speed gearbox with a wet slipper clutch transferring power to the 17-inch rear wheel . The Trail ’ s tyres measure in at 120 / 70-19 in the front with a 170 / 60-17 in the rear . The suspension has been beefed up slightly with the 50mm Marzocchi fork still offering the same adjustment as the road version , but with 8mm of additional travel . The front-wheel has also been upgraded for purpose and is now a gravel bashing 19-inch rim . The Leoncino 800 Trail seat is also raised compared to the road model , now measuring 29mm taller at 834mm . The rest of the 800 Trail follows the same specsheet as the Leoncino 800 with a TFT dash , LED lighting and an upright riding position .

OUTSIDE THE BOX Who ’ s it actually for ? Riders wanting a stylish commuter and weekend warrior . The competition : Triumph Street Scrambler .
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