Shown during the 2016 Malaysian MotoGP race at the Sepang International Circuit were two new models from Benelli, the 2017 Benelli TnT302 and TnT135. According to Benelli Keeway Malaysia, the bikes will be officially launched here in November.
Having seen pre-production photos of the Benelli 302R and TnT135 last July, we were informed that both machines would be in Malaysia by October this year, and it appears that Benelli has kept its word.
Known just as the 302R, this quarter-litre sports bike carries a 298.8 cc, DOHC liquid-cooled parallel twin, fed by EFI. Rated at 38.1 hp at 12,000 rpm and 28.4 Nm torque at 9,000 rpm, this fully-faired twin is meant to complement the current single-cylinder, 250 cc Benelli TnT25 and the naked sports Benelli TnT300.
Power from the 302R’s engine gets to the ground via a six-speed gearbox and chain, with a final drive ratio of 14/40 sprockets. Rolling on 17-inch wheels, braking – without ABS – is done with Benelli own-brand calipers grabbing twin 260 mm petal discs in front and a single 240 mm disc at the rear.
Upside-side down forks hold up the front end of the 302R, which are non-adjustable units, giving 120 mm of travel. The rear suspension is a monoshock unit with 50 mm of travel adjustable for spring preload.
Seat height on the Benelli 302R is a low 780 mm, making it suitable for a wide range of riders, while fuel is carried in a 14 litre tank. Dry weight is claimed to be 190 kg, which puts the 302R slightly on the heavy side of things.
In the mini-moto area, Benelli Keeway has introduced the TnT135, an obvious rival to the Kawasaki Z125 Pro and the Honda MSX125SF, known as Grom in some markets. Designed for urban use, especially for the younger rider, the TnT135 uses a single-cylinder, air-cooled 134.7 cc engine.
Power output for the TnT135 is claimed to be 12.6 hp at 9,000 rpm, while the torque figure is 10.8 Nm at 7,000 rpm. Fuelling is by EFI and power is delivered to the rear wheel through the five-speed gearbox.
The TnT135 rolls on 12-inch wheels, with single hydraulic calipers providing stopping power front and back, on 220 mm and 190 mm discs, respectively. Upside-down forks prop up the front, while a monoshock suspends the rear-end.
Styling on the TnT135 is very reminiscent of the MV Agusta Brutale and Stradale 800, with the twin slash-cut pipes looking very much the same as the Italian bikes. Fuel is carried in a 7.2-litre tank, and dry weight is claimed to be 116 kg.
No word on pricing as yet, pending the official release of the 2017 Benelli 302R and TnT135 in November, but we were informed that pricing for both bikes will be below the competition. The 2016 Benelli TnT25 retails for RM12,990, while the 2016 Kawasaki Z125 Pro goes for RM10,435. The current model Benelli TnT300 naked sports is priced at RM19,990.
GALLERY: 2017 Benelli 302R
GALLERY: 2017 Benelli TnT135
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this is same company that makes shotguns?
only in name, different ownership
wow. I was waiting for Honda Grom to join the ring with its recent facelift, is a pleasant surprise to see Benelli giving us another option in the “monkey bike” segment. The tail section is very nicely done indeed with a equally interesting dash. And a 5 speed gearbox better the rival offerings. Thumbs up!
Anyone can share how’s the ownership of Benelli in general? service… reliability… etc.
Bro Mohan, IMO, the article is well written except that I think the bike carries a 298.8 cc is not a quarter-litre sports bike.
Benelli have got to price lower the japs & gives 3 years warranty. With good after sales, benelli can capture substantial market share, esp <250cc.