After riding both bikes back-to-back, the answer was obvious: the KTM 390 Adventure beats the Benelli TRK 502X in all the ways that matter to a rider. From nimble handling in city traffic to confidence-inspiring performance on loose gravel, here’s why I’d always choose the KTM.
The TRK 502X tips the scales at over 220 kg, while the KTM 390 Adventure weighs 158 kg (dry). That’s a 60+ kg gap. In tight parking lots or crawling through traffic, the KTM feels light on its feet. The TRK, by contrast, often feels top-heavy and sluggish, demanding more effort from your arms and core to keep it upright.
Power Where You Need It
Sure, the TRK’s 500cc twin sounds big. But the extra weight dulls the punch. On steep climbs, you’re left wanting more. As one rider said, “It’s a sheep in a lion’s skin.” The KTM’s 373 cc single delivers 43 bhp in a light frame, so overtakes and hill climbs feel effortless.
Every rider knows how crucial dealer support is. Getting genuine parts for Benelli can be a waiting game—some owners report delays of months for simple items like brake pads. KTM’s 350+ service network and Indian manufacturing base ensure that parts are readily available, and service costs remain reasonable.
Off-Road Confidence
Adventure riding isn’t just about raised handlebars. It’s about throwing the bike into loose mud, gravel tracks, and uneven roads—and trusting it’ll stick the landing.
Riders praise the KTM’s 43 mm upside-down forks and WP rear shock for soaking up rough trails, while lamenting the TRK’s softer suspension and higher center of gravity make it less confident off-road.
All adventure bikes vibrate, but the KTM’s feedback is predictable and only noticeable above 5,000 RPM. On a 500 km highway run, my KTM’s mild vibes kept my hands tingly but not numb. The TRK, however, dishes out unpredictable buzz even at 3,000 RPM, leading to sore wrists and a harsher feel on long rides.
The KTM 390 Adventure gives you that smile ride after ride. Although the TRK 502X may look good on a showroom floor, it struggles with weight, service reliability, and overall refinement on real roads.
As fellow rider and adventure guru Chris Birch once said, “You don’t ride the bike you think you want—you ride the bike that makes you feel alive.” For me, that’s the KTM 390 Adventure every single time.
