In a world where adventure motorcycles are becoming larger, heavier, and more expensive, the Benelli TRK 251 steps in as a breath of fresh air for riders looking for something lightweight, affordable, and adventure-ready. While Benelli has made its mark with larger offerings like the TRK 502, the TRK 251 caters to a different audience—new riders, urban explorers, and those who crave a nimble machine for both commuting and occasional escapades beyond the city limits.
Let’s dive deep into what makes the TRK 251 a compelling option in the entry-level adventure touring segment.
Italian Design, Practical Intent
At first glance, the TRK 251 looks like a scaled-down version of its bigger sibling, the TRK 502—and that’s a good thing. The styling is bold and muscular, with an adventure-touring silhouette that gives it the presence of a larger bike. It sports a tall windscreen, a beak-style front fender, sculpted tank shrouds, and split seats. Even though it sits in the 250cc class, its road presence is undeniable, and it easily turns heads in traffic.
Despite being made under the Chinese-owned QJMotor umbrella, Benelli has retained much of its Italian design flair, which sets the TRK 251 apart from some of its more utilitarian Japanese rivals.
Engine and Performance
Under the aggressive bodywork lies a 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, producing around 25.8 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 21.2 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. It’s paired with a 6-speed gearbox that delivers smooth shifts and decent gearing for both city riding and open roads.
While the numbers may not impress seasoned riders, the TRK 251’s power delivery is linear and predictable—perfect for newer riders still getting accustomed to throttle control and gear changes. On highways, it can comfortably cruise at around 100 km/h, but don’t expect it to blaze past 130 km/h with ease. It’s more about the journey than speed.
Ride and Handling
One of the strong suits of the TRK 251 is its ride quality and comfort. Thanks to the 41mm upside-down front forks and rear monoshock, the bike handles rough roads and potholes better than your average commuter. The suspension is tuned on the softer side, which helps soak up undulations but can feel a bit floaty when pushed hard through corners.
The wide handlebars and upright seating position offer great ergonomics for both short city commutes and longer weekend rides. With a seat height of 800mm, it’s approachable for average-height riders, although shorter riders may find it a tad tall at first.
At 164 kg (kerb weight), it’s not the lightest in its segment, but it feels manageable thanks to good weight distribution. The 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with road-biased tyres, provide decent grip on tarmac, though off-road aspirations should be kept modest.
Features and Technology
Benelli has equipped the TRK 251 with a fully digital LCD instrument cluster, which displays all essential info like speed, rpm, fuel level, gear position, and trip meters. It’s functional, if not fancy. One notable absence is smartphone connectivity, which some rivals now offer as standard.
You also get LED lighting all around, which adds a modern touch and improves visibility. The fuel tank holds 18 litres, which is generous for a 250cc bike and contributes to excellent touring range—expect over 400 km per tank with conservative riding.
Braking duties are handled by a 280mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, both equipped with dual-channel ABS. The braking performance is adequate, though the feel at the lever could be sharper.
Who Should Buy the TRK 251?
The Benelli TRK 251 is not trying to be a hardcore off-roader or a high-speed tourer. Instead, it’s aimed at:
- New riders looking for a stylish, approachable entry into the world of adventure bikes.
- Commuters who want something more substantial and comfortable than a naked or scooter.
- Urban explorers seeking a capable all-rounder with touring potential.
- Motorcycle enthusiasts who appreciate Italian design in an affordable package.
It’s also ideal for those who might eventually want to upgrade to something bigger like the TRK 502 but need a more manageable starting point.
Final Thoughts: Is the Benelli TRK 251 Worth It?
In a market full of sporty 250cc machines, the Benelli TRK 251 dares to be different. It offers a unique blend of adventure styling, comfort, and road manners, making it one of the few true “mini ADV” bikes in its class. Sure, it has a few limitations—modest top-end performance, basic electronics, and slightly higher weight—but it makes up for those with real-world practicality and touring ability.