As you may have already seen from Bike Riding Adam’s review of the Benelli TRK 902 Xplorer, we recently had the pleasure of spending a full day out on the road with our two new Benelli TRK 902 models.
The ride-out gave us the perfect opportunity to introduce the bikes properly to a group of invited riders, giving them plenty of time in the saddle to experience the performance, comfort and character of the new TRK 902 range for themselves.
Despite the typically unpredictable British weather, we were delighted to see everyone arrive ready for a full day of riding. The rain certainly made an appearance, but it did little to dampen the atmosphere. If anything, the changing conditions gave the bikes an even better opportunity to show what they could do across a variety of roads and surfaces.
Welcoming Our Guests
The day began at MotoGB Headquarters, where we welcomed our guests and took some time for everyone to meet, catch up and prepare for the journey ahead.
Joining us for the day were Gemma from Two Wheels Feels, Shaun from Tins on Tour, Danny and Shelley from Intrusive Riders, and Adam from Bike Riding Adam. Each rider brought their own experience, perspective and riding style, making it a great opportunity to gather a range of genuine impressions of the new Benelli TRK 902s.
Before setting off, we gave everyone a short introduction to the motorcycles, talking through some of the key features and technology fitted to the bikes. It was also a useful opportunity to highlight a few details that aren't always immediately obvious when first approaching a new motorcycle.
With cameras mounted, riding gear sorted and the bikes prepared for the day ahead, it was finally time to get out on the road.
Taking to the Road
Leaving MotoGB Headquarters behind, our route took us north towards Clitheroe, giving everyone plenty of opportunity to begin getting familiar with the bikes.
Rather than simply arranging a short test ride, we wanted the day to feel like a genuine ride-out. Longer stretches on the road allow riders to get a much better understanding of a motorcycle – from comfort and riding position to handling, engine response and how easy the bike is to live with over the course of several hours.
With a mixture of flowing roads, tighter sections and plenty of classic Lancashire scenery, the route offered a good introduction to the TRK 902s before we reached our first stop of the day.
A Well-Earned Break
Our first break was at Riverbank Tea Rooms, where everyone had the chance to warm up, grab some refreshments and share their early thoughts on the bikes.
A few well-earned scones and cups of tea provided the perfect opportunity to recharge while we also took some time to capture photographs and video content from the ride.
More importantly, it gave everyone a chance to talk openly about their first impressions. These informal conversations are one of the best parts of days like this, particularly when a group of riders with different levels of experience and different riding backgrounds are all getting to know the same motorcycles at the same time.
After a short break, it was time to get back on the bikes and continue our journey.
Continuing Through the Yorkshire Dales
From Clitheroe, we headed further north towards Settle, taking in more fantastic roads along the way.
Our next destination was the historic Ye Olde Naked Man Café, where we stopped for lunch and another chance to discuss how the TRK 902s had been performing throughout the day.
By this point, everyone had spent a significant amount of time riding the bikes, meaning first impressions were beginning to turn into much more detailed opinions.
It also highlighted exactly why we wanted to organise the event in this format. Specifications and feature lists can tell you a lot about a motorcycle, but there is no substitute for spending several hours riding one across real British roads.
For many people, travelling between locations might simply be the way to get from one place to another. For motorcyclists, the journey is very often the best part.
The combination of good roads, good company and two brand-new Benellis made for a brilliant day, regardless of what the weather decided to throw at us.
Experiencing the TRK 902 in Real-World Conditions
Throughout the day, the changing weather and varied roads gave our guests an opportunity to experience the TRK 902s in conditions that were far more representative of real-world UK riding than a short demonstration route could ever provide.
From longer stretches of open road to winding country lanes and wet surfaces, the bikes were given a proper day out.
It also meant our guests could spend time getting comfortable with the motorcycles, exploring their features and understanding how they behaved as the miles added up.
For us, having riders experience the bikes in this way is extremely valuable. Independent feedback from people who spend a great deal of time around motorcycles gives us another perspective, while also allowing riders to form their own genuine opinions based on a meaningful amount of time in the saddle.
A Successful Day on the Road
Days like this are about much more than simply introducing a new motorcycle.
They are about getting people together who share the same enthusiasm for riding, heading out onto some fantastic roads and giving riders the opportunity to experience a motorcycle properly.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Gemma from Two Wheels Feels, Shaun from Tins on Tour, Danny and Shelley from Intrusive Riders, and Adam from Bike Riding Adam for joining us.
The weather may not have been perfect, but the company, the roads and the motorcycles certainly made up for it.
Most importantly, the new Benelli TRK 902s were able to show exactly what they are capable of during a full day of real-world riding – and judging by the smiles when we arrived back at MotoGB Headquarters, it was a day well spent.
