Here’s a first look at the 2016 Benelli T302R sportsbike and TnT135 mini-moto, rumoured to be introduced to the Malaysian market soon. No details on pricing as yet, but unnamed sources have hinted that the retail prices for both new models will be below current competitor pricing.
First seen at the EICMA show in Milan last year, the Benelli T302R is a fully-faired sportsbike that carries a parallel-twin engine displacing 300 cc. Rated at 36 hp at 12,000 rpm, and 27 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm, the T302R uses a six-speed gearbox to get power to the ground.
Upside-down forks suspend the front end of the Benelli T302R, with braking taken care of by twin-petal discs grabbed by four-piston brake calipers. Weight is claimed to be 180 kg, with a 790 mm seat height. Fuel resides in a 14-litre tank.
On the smaller bike front, the Benelli T135 mini-moto follows styling cues from the Kawasaki Z125 Pro very closely. Power is claimed to be around 11.7 hp at 9,000 rpm and torque at 10 Nm at 7,000 rpm from the single-cylinder air-cooled, four-valve twin-spark 135 cc engine driving a five-speed gearbox.
Rolling on 12-inch wheels, the Benelli T135 has a 41 mm upside-down fork and a lateral rear shock absorber with spring pre-load adjustment. Braking is with single-discs front and rear, and seat height is 780 mm. The T125 weighs in at 121 kg, with a 7.2-litre fuel tank.
Rumours have it that the Benelli T302R and TnT135 will be hitting the Malaysian market in October 2016, but no details on pricing are available. Sources have reported both new Benelli models were seen testing in the Bukit Beruntung, Selangor, area, where the Benelli Keeway factory is located.
Closest competitors to the 2016 Benelli T302R are the KTM RC250 at RM21,081, Yamaha YZF-R25 at RM20,630 and the Kawasaki Ninja 250 at about RM22,000. For the Benelli T125 mini-moto, it goes head-to-head with the Kawasaki Z125 Pro, which retails at RM10,435.
As earlier stated, both the Benelli T302R and T135 are being priced to undercut competitors locally. Would you be interested in a full-faired sports 300 cc bike below the RM21,000 point, or a 135 cc mini-moto below RM10,000? Leave us a comment with your thoughts and opinions below.
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Pricing is one thing. Warranty and availability of parts must also be considered. Local distributor must gives 2 years and 50,000km warranty.
Kompeni alredi bangkrup
Yes, it is like Proton, going to be bankrupt.
Just like ur toyota showroom too… oh wai
300cc is odd in malaysia especially the license part. it’s neither a superbike but need to get superbike license.
Fyi government did reintroduced B1 license last few years
Which is license to ride motorcycles with 500cc and below it