Overview
The DSK Motowheels and Benelli, an Italian and the oldest manufacturer have finally entered the Indian two-wheeler market. Benelli has had a tremendous history at the famous Isle of Man race too. Amongst the other exciting bikes, this joint-venture has launched 5 bikes in India – the Benelli TNT 300, TNT 600 i, TNT 600 GT, TNT 899 and TNT 1130 R, where TNT stands for ‘Tornado Naked Tre’. The 300cc Benelli TNT 300 is the most affordable offering with an ex-showroom price tag of INR 2.83 lakhs. The TNT 300 will compete against the established bikes in our market, including the KTM 390 Duke and the Kawasaki Z300.
Design and Style
The large V-shaped headlamps that are complimented by the puny windscreen makes the TNT 300 look like a robot. The muscular profile comes from the dual disc and golden upside down forks. The fuel tank is nicely shaped with well cut out knee recesses for smooth grip. The arrow-head shaped cowl directly extending from the front of the tank makes it look bigger and gives you a ‘big-bike’ like feel. The under seat exhaust looks quite similar to the one seen on the Kawasaki’s ER-6N. The bike offers comfortable riding posture with a 795mm seat height, the tall handle bars and a wide seat for the rider and the pillion as well. It has an extended wheelbase of 1410 mm for a stable ride. The large tail light and the chunky grab rails flows well with the rest of the TNT 300 design.
Instrument Panel
There is a good combination seen on the instrument panel with analogue tachometer and digital speedometer, fuel gauge, trip meter and odometer. This instrument cluster looks more impressive and premium than the fully analogue or fully digital. The white background on the tachometer along with red needle makes it look more appealing.
Dimensions and Fuel tank Capacity
The TNT 300 has got a length of 2130 mm, width of 800 mm and a height of 1120 mm as its dimensions along with a wet or kerb weight of 185 Kgs. It has a fuel tank capacity of 16 litres which does not disappoint you on the long runs.
Engine and Gearbox
The Benelli TNT 300 is powered by a 300cc, 4-stroke, 8-valve, liquid cooled, two-cylinder, DOHC engine which generates a maximum power of 37.73 Bhp at 11,500 rpm and a peak torque of 26.5 Nm at 10,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a six speed transmission and a wet clutch. It uses the electronic injection with twin 38 mm throttle bodies.
Brakes and Suspension
The motorcycle comes fitted with 260 mm Twin disc brakes at the front and 240 mm single disc brakes at the rear end. Benelli is offering two different combinations of tyres for the TNT 300. One is Pirelli manufactured 120/70-R17 for the front and 160/60-R17 for the rear and other one being MRF manufactured 110/60-R17 for the front and 150/60-R17 for the rear. The suspension duties are handled by Benelli 41 mm upside down forks with 115 mm stroke at its front while Benelli shock 120 mm stroke with adjustable preload rebound are placed at the rear end.
Shades and Price
The Benelli TNT 300 is available in three striking shades which are Black, Red and White. The approximate ex-showroom price is INR 2.83 lakh, which may vary.