Benelli TRK 552X vs Kawasaki Versys 650: Which Adventure Tourer Bike Is Better?

Choosing between the Benelli TRK 552X and Kawasaki Versys 650 depends on the kind of roads you ride on. Benelli launched the TRK 552X in India on October 22, 2026. It is built for adventure rides and long trips.

The Benelli gets spoke wheels, higher ground clearance and touring features for riders who want to explore rough roads. The Kawasaki Versys 650, on the other hand, is more road focused. It offers a bigger engine, more power and traction control.

Both bikes suit different riding needs. So, which one should you choose: the adventure ready Benelli or the highway friendly Kawasaki?

Benelli TRK 552X vs Versys 650: Price and Specifications

The price gap gives Benelli an early edge. The standard TRK 552X costs Rs. 89,000 less than the Versys 650. Choosing the Limited Edition narrows that gap to Rs. 73,000.

Here are the key specs:

These numbers show two distinct mindsets. Kawasaki gives you extra power and punch. Benelli counters with serious ground clearance and off road wheels. My take: that extra 15 kg on the Benelli is a heavy tax to pay.

Engine, Performance and Highway Touring

The TRK 552X runs a new 554cc, liquid cooled, DOHC parallel twin engine. It makes 52 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 49 Nm at 6,500 rpm. A six speed gearbox and slipper clutch handle transmission duties.

Benelli India built this new twin as part of its updated TRK adventure platform. They also reworked the chassis and bolted on extra touring gear.

The Versys 650 uses a 649cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin motor. It pushes out 66 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 61 Nm at 7,000 rpm. Kawasaki links it to a six speed gearbox and a wet clutch.

On paper, the Kawasaki bike wins for pure speed. That extra power helps when overtaking fast trucks on the highway with a pillion and full luggage. Real world pickup depends on gearing and throttle response, though.

Benelli makes less power, but it still tours well. A big 20 litre fuel tank, heated seat, and heated grips keep you going on cold highway runs. Benelli redesigned the seat with extra foam, too.

The Versys gets a 21 litre tank and an adjustable windscreen. Kawasaki tuned this engine for low and mid range grunt, matching its upright riding stance.

I'd take the Versys engine for pure highway cruising any day. Don't buy either bike based on engine size alone. Take both out on the highway, load them up, and see how they cruise.

Off Road Ability, Comfort and Features

The TRK 552X brings the right hardware for dirt roads. You get a 19 inch front spoke wheel and a 17 inch rear spoke wheel. Metzeler tyres measure 110/80R19 up front and 150/70R17 at the back.

Ground clearance stands at 210mm. That is 40mm higher than the Versys 650's 170mm figure. You clear big rocks easily. But that tall 860mm seat makes tiptoeing at traffic lights quite scary.

Kawasaki sticks to tarmac. The Versys 650 runs 17 inch alloy wheels and street tyres. Clearance is lower, but it grips smooth asphalt brilliantly. You also get two mode KTRC traction control for slick, rain soaked roads.

Both bikes bring good tech to the table:

• Benelli TRK 552X: 5 inch TFT display, Bluetooth, navigation, T BOX connectivity, and tyre pressure monitoring.
• Benelli comfort equipment: Heated seat, heated grips, adjustable handlebar, and hand guards.
• Kawasaki Versys 650: 4.3 inch colour display, smartphone connectivity, adjustable windscreen, and traction control.

Benelli's system packs route planning, turn by turn directions, offline maps, and trackback features. That helps when cell service dies in the mountains.

Kawasaki's traction control keeps you upright when roads get messy. In my view, Benelli gives you way more factory features for your money here.

Weight remains a huge factor. The TRK 552X tips the scales at 235 kg. The Versys 650 weighs 220 kg. That makes the Benelli heavy and tall. Try pushing both backwards on a slope before buying.

Mileage, Running Costs and Rivals

Fuel bills matter when you cover thousands of kilometers every month. The Kawasaki Versys 650 lists a mileage of 20 kmpl. Treat that as a rough claim, not a rule.

For the Benelli bike, expect an estimated mileage of 30 kmpl. Real world test numbers aren't out yet. Wait for real road tests before calculating your monthly fuel budget.

Both use twin cylinder petrol engines, so aggressive riding will drop those numbers fast. Remember, Benelli's lower sticker price does not guarantee cheap service or cheap spare parts.

Check out these market rivals too:

These prices reflect current market listings. Note that Suzuki discontinued the popular V Strom 650XT in India.

The KTM 390 Adventure works best if you want a light, cheap off roader. Honda's NX500 gives you smooth twin cylinder touring, while the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 delivers triple cylinder road speed.

Honestly, the KTM is still the smartest choice for pure off road fun. But the Benelli and Kawasaki remain direct rivals built for long highway miles.

Which Bike Should You Buy?

The Benelli TRK 552X makes sense if you want big bike presence and trail capability without paying Kawasaki money. Its 19 inch front spoke wheel and 210mm ground clearance handle broken backroads with ease. Heated grips and built in navigation make long winter rides effortless.

That 235kg weight needs serious muscle. If you are a shorter rider or new to heavy bikes, test it thoroughly. Maneuvering this tall seat in bumper to bumper city traffic takes real work.

The Versys 650 suits riders who stick to highway asphalt and want smooth power. Its 66 bhp motor easily pulls away from the Benelli's 52 bhp. Traction control adds real peace of mind in heavy rain, and the 845mm seat sits lower.

The Kawasaki costs more upfront. Ask local dealers about service schedules and spares pricing for both brands before signing anything.

My view: that Rs. 89,000 savings on the Benelli disappears quickly if you lack a good service center nearby. Factor in dealer network quality before deciding.

Verdict

The Benelli TRK 552X wins on trail hardware and feature list. The Kawasaki Versys 650 wins on engine power, lower weight, and highway manners. Pick the Benelli for bad roads and trail riding. Buy the Kawasaki for fast, effortless highway touring. Take a back to back test ride to seal the deal.

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