If you’re looking for a motorcycle that screams power, style, and aggression—but still feels friendly enough to ride every day—then the Benelli 902S might just be your next dream machine.
This Italian-born, Chinese-backed streetfighter is all about muscular design, torque-heavy performance, and head-turning presence. But is it just a pretty face, or does it have the bite to match the bark? Let’s break it all down in this in-depth review that covers everything from design and engine specs to real-world riding experience and how it compares to the competition.
First Impressions: A Naked Machine That Stands Out
Picture this: you pull up to a red light on your 902S, and all eyes are instantly on you. This isn’t just any naked bike—it’s a sculpted beast with aggressive lines, bold tank shrouds, and a wide handlebar that makes you feel in control from the moment you grip it.
Benelli has always been known for its dramatic styling, and the 902S continues that tradition with flair. From its sharp LED headlamp to the muscular fuel tank and exposed steel trellis frame, the design screams “don’t mess with me.”
The overall build feels premium. Unlike some bikes in this category that rely heavily on plastic components, the 902S features a well-finished frame and metal parts that make it feel solid and sturdy—just the way a streetfighter should.
Engine and Performance: Torque with a Side of Thunder
Alright, let’s talk about what really matters: the engine.
Under the tank lies a Benelli-developed 899cc inline triple-cylinder engine, pushing out around 120 horsepower and 90 Nm of torque. That’s a lot of grunt for a naked bike, and it puts the 902S right into the sweet spot for riders who want thrilling performance without jumping into liter-bike territory.
The power delivery is smooth, with a strong mid-range punch that makes overtaking feel effortless. You’ll love how the bike roars to life with every twist of the throttle—thanks to its signature triple-cylinder soundtrack, which is equal parts growl and music.
The 6-speed gearbox is slick and pairs well with a slipper clutch, allowing you to downshift hard into corners without the rear wheel dancing. For street riders, this is a game-changer.
Want to cruise casually at low RPMs? No problem. Want to blast through the canyons on weekends? The 902S has your back.
Chassis, Ride & Handling: Confidence in Every Corner
What’s power without control, right?
The Benelli 902S comes equipped with a tubular steel trellis frame that offers rigidity without making the ride harsh. On the front, you get 50mm upside-down Marzocchi forks, and at the rear, there’s a monoshock with preload adjustability.
Translation? The bike stays planted in corners and absorbs bumps well—perfect for twisty mountain roads or rough city streets. It’s sporty without punishing you on daily rides.
Braking performance is top-notch, too. You’ve got twin 320mm front discs with Brembo calipers and a 240mm rear disc, all backed by dual-channel ABS. The braking feedback is sharp, and you’ll feel secure whether you’re slowing down from 150 km/h or just cruising in traffic.
The only catch? It’s a little on the heavier side, tipping the scales at around 220 kg (wet). But thanks to the low center of gravity and balanced frame geometry, the weight disappears once you’re rolling.
Features & Tech: Not Overloaded, But Smart Where It Counts
Unlike some of its competitors that throw in every possible gadget, the 902S focuses on essential tech that enhances your ride without overwhelming you.
Here’s a quick look at the key features:
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Full-LED Lighting – Sharp visibility and modern looks
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Digital TFT Display – Shows speed, gear position, RPM, fuel, and more
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Ride-by-Wire Throttle – Smoother response and future-ready
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Slipper Clutch – For smoother downshifts
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Dual-Channel ABS – Standard safety feature
You won’t find riding modes, traction control, or a quick-shifter here (yet). But honestly, that’s part of the charm. It’s a raw, mechanical riding experience that’s more about rider input than computer intervention.
Benelli 902S vs Competitors: The Naked Streetfighter Showdown
Curious how the 902S stacks up against its rivals? Here’s a comparison table to make things clearer:
| Feature/Spec | Benelli 902S | Kawasaki Z900 | Yamaha MT-09 | Triumph Street Triple R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 899cc Inline-3 | 948cc Inline-4 | 890cc Inline-3 | 765cc Inline-3 |
| Power Output | ~120 HP | 125 HP | 117 HP | 118 HP |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 98.6 Nm | 93 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Weight (Wet) | 220 kg | 212 kg | 189 kg | 189 kg |
| Suspension | USD + Monoshock | USD + Monoshock | KYB Adjustable | Showa Adjustable |
| Electronics | Basic | Traction Control | Ride Modes, IMU | Ride Modes, ABS, IMU |
| Approx. Price (India) | ₹10–11 Lakhs (est.) | ₹9.3 Lakhs | ₹11 Lakhs | ₹10.2 Lakhs |
As you can see, the 902S isn’t the lightest or the most tech-packed, but it brings serious muscle and styling for its price. Think of it as a brawler in the ring—it may not dance, but it sure knows how to throw a punch.
Everyday Practicality: Can You Live with the 902S?
Here’s the deal: the Benelli 902S isn’t just a weekend toy. It has the chops to handle everyday life, too.
The upright riding posture and wide handlebars give you good control in city traffic. The seat height of around 820mm is manageable for most riders, and the cushioning is decent enough for longer rides.
Fuel efficiency? You’re looking at 16–18 km/l, which is pretty fair for a nearly 900cc bike. The tank holds 15 liters, giving you a decent range for weekend getaways.
Add in Benelli’s growing service network and decent after-sales support, and you’ve got a bike that’s not just thrilling but also practical.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Benelli 902S?
So, here’s the bottom line—the Benelli 902S is not for the faint of heart. It’s bold, raw, and unapologetically mechanical. If you’re someone who loves the connection between man and machine, who values torque over tech, and who wants a unique bike that stands out in a crowd of Japanese and European rivals, then this is your ride.
It may not have all the modern electronics, but it offers something that’s becoming rare these days: pure, visceral motorcycling. And for many of us, that’s what riding is all about.