Benelli’s TRK 902 Stradale tested in 2026 review

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Benelli’s TRK 902 Stradale aims to bring a road-focused alternative to the mid-size tall-rounder category, undercutting established rivals on price while packing a long equipment list. For roughly £7,999 it delivers a 904cc twin, heated kit, radar safety features and a steel trellis chassis — but our test revealed a machine that still needs refinement to match class leaders.

Who this bike might suit

The Stradale is priced to attract riders who want a lot of kit for their money. At its best it offers confident highway stability, comfortable ergonomics and useful touring features such as an electrically adjustable screen and a three-stage heated seat.

On the other hand, riders seeking a seamless, polished power delivery or class-leading dynamics may find it wanting. Low-speed fuelling is inconsistent, the rider interface can be clumsy, and some mechanical elements feel unrefined compared with competitors.

Fit, finish and equipment

Built by QJMotor in Wenling, China, the Stradale presents itself with Italian-styled bodywork and good apparent build quality for the price. The specification list is notable: heated grips and seat, cruise control, rear-facing radar for blind-spot and collision warning, and a 7-inch TFT display.

Motorcycle with visible tubular trellis frame on a factory production line
The Stradale’s steel trellis frame and Italian-styled bodywork come from a QJMotor production line.

The screen adjustment is electrically driven and stepless, which is handy on the move, but the controls are easy to mis-press — especially when adjusting the screen using the backlit D-pad. The instrument cluster also flashes a red indicator during sensor calibration that can feel alarming on first use.

Engine and drivetrain

The Stradale shares a 904cc parallel-twin and tubular steel trellis frame with Benelli’s Xplorer sibling. Peak outputs are listed at 91 bhp and 66 ft-lb of torque, so the hardware on paper is competitive.

In practice the engine’s low-end behaviour is temperamental. During city and slow-speed riding the throttle response often hunts, dips and surges. The bike offers three rider modes — Normal, Sport and Rain — but none of them materially correct the fuelling irregularities. Cruise control works, yet holding a steady speed can still feel unsettled.

Shift hardware includes an OE quickshifter and slipper clutch. Gearchanges are accurate, but the shifting character is deliberate rather than snappy, so the quickshifter loses some of its expected advantage.

Chassis, suspension and brakes

A tubular steel frame teamed with 43mm Marzocchi forks and a fully adjustable Marzocchi monoshock gives the Stradale a taut, sporty backbone. On well-surfaced roads the bike feels balanced and engaging to flick through bends.

Close-up of 43mm front forks and rear monoshock on a sport-touring motorcycle
Marzocchi 43mm forks and adjustable monoshock give the bike a taut chassis feel.

That said, during our time with the test bike we struggled to find a happy medium for high-speed damping within the factory adjustment range. There appears to be scope for improvement through a professional suspension setup. Stopping duties are handled by Brembo four-piston radial calipers up front and a single-piston rear unit; braking performance is effective, though feedback is a touch muted.

Comfort, lights and road manners

Riding position leans slightly forward but remains comfortable for longer trips. The seat, wide bars and the heated equipment combine into a package suited to touring. The twin LED headlamps provide a bright, usable beam for night riding, and the taillight will flash in coordination with the radar if a following vehicle gets too close.

Tire choice is Pirelli Angel GT front and rear, the same rubber found on a related QJMotor model built in the same factory. Weight and dimensions are in line with the segment: listed curb weight is 254 kg and seat height is 820 mm.

Value and ownership

The Stradale’s headline price is £7,999. Benelli backs it with a two-year unlimited-mileage warranty and an annual road tax figure listed at £125. For budget-conscious buyers willing to invest in suspension tuning and an ECU remap, the bike could represent strong value — provided those modifications don’t affect warranty or finance terms.

Key specifications

Engine 904cc, liquid-cooled, 8v, parallel twin
Max power 91 bhp
Max torque 66 ft-lb
Frame Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension 43mm Marzocchi forks, fully adjustable
Rear suspension Marzocchi fully adjustable monoshock
Brakes 2 x 320mm discs with four‑piston Brembo radials (front); 260mm single‑piston Brembo (rear), cornering ABS
Fuel capacity 21 litres
Seat height 820 mm
Weight 254 kg
Warranty Two year unlimited mileage

Model context and comparisons

The Stradale is Benelli’s largest offering in the mid-size tall-rounder class and was introduced this year as a new platform. It’s closely related to the QJMotor SRT900S — a bike produced in the same Wenling factory and sharing tires, engine and much of the mechanical layout. Where the Stradale tries to differentiate itself is in road-focused suspension, 17-inch wheels and a heavier equipment list tailored toward touring and commuter comfort.

Owners and feedback

At the time of publication there are no recorded owner reviews for the TRK 902 Stradale. Prospective buyers should weigh the strong equipment list and pricing against the observed need for further engine and chassis refinement when making a decision.

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