DSK Motowheels, the two-wheeler arm of DSK Group, announced its partnership with Italian motorcycle manufacturer Benelli at an event in Pune, Maharashtra. The company has showcased the largest range of Italian flavored bikes seen in India to date, including the in-line, two cylinder BN 302, the in-line, four-cylinder 600cc BN 600 i as well as BN 600 GT, the 898cc, in-line, three-cylinder TNT899 and 1131cc, also in-line, three-cylinder engine powered TNT1130R, a 155bhp plus superbike.
Speaking about the tie-up, Frank Zhuang, Board Director of Benelli QJ SRL said “After establishing our footprint in nearly 30 countries like Italy, Germany, France, China, UK, USA, Australia and Spain to name a few, we now wish to introduce some of the world’s best designed and performing superbikes to the second largest two wheeler market in the world. The Indian two wheeler market is growing at a volume of 10-12% and is set to achieve a size of 21-23 million units by 2015-16.”
“Indian market is the most important market for Benelli, and this will become one of the biggest markets for us in terms of sales. Our partner DSK has a profound knowledge and good experience in the Indian Superbike market. DSK Motowheels are today the fastest growing Superbike Company in India with strong financial power. We firmly believe Benelli will have great success in India with DSK as its partner, by launching right products at the right time with the right pricing,” he further added
Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman of DSK Motowheels added, “We are extremely proud to partner with the oldest Italian Motorcycle brand Benelli and excited to bring the largest range of Italian superbikes into India. We are confident we will revolutionize the Indian Superbike Industry with our understanding and experience in the Indian Superbike market, and the ability to put up a wide dealer network coupled with an impressive line-up of Benelli superbikes that offers something for every rider.”
This landmark Indo-Italian tie-up paves the way for a high-end biking experience through Benelli’s extensive bike range, giving Indian bikers their ticket into the club of thoroughbred motorcycling aristocracy. So let’s understand these motorcycles in details to get a better view of the upcoming products.
Benelli BN 302
The entry level motorcycle from Benelli’s stable for the Indian market will be the 300cc, two-cylinder BN 302. It’s would an ideal city motorcycle that would appeal to masses. The upside-down front fork and the single side monoshock at the rear adds to the premium look and feel of the motorcycle.
Displacement | 300cc |
Engine | Liquid cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC Inline 2 |
Power @ RPM | 37 hp @ 11,500 rpm |
Torque @ RPM | 27 Nm @ 9000 rpm |
Bore/Stroke | 65 x 45.2 mm |
Compression | 12:1 |
Fuel Injection | Electronic injection with twin ø 38 mm throttle bodies |
Transmission | 6 Speed |
Drive | Chain |
Frame | Steel trestle |
Front Suspension | Benelli ø 41 mm upside down forks with 115 mm stroke |
Rear Suspension | Benelli shock 120 mm stroke |
Front Brake | Twin ø 260 mm disc |
Rear Brake | Single ø 240 mm disc |
Front Tyre | 120/70R17/C |
Rear Tyre | 160/60R17/C |
Length | 2115mm |
Width | 800mm |
Height | 1130mm |
Wheelbase | 1405mm |
Seat Height | 795mm |
Weight | 185kg |
Fuel Capacity | 16 litre |
Available Colours | Orange or White |
Benelli BN 600 I
The Benelli BN 600 I will be the first inline four cylinder naked motorcycle to enter the Indian market. Powered by an inline four-cylinder 4 stroke engine, liquid cooled, double overhead camshaft and 4 valves for each cylinder, the 600 I puts out 82 hp of power and 52 Nm of torque. Once launched, this motorcycle will compete against the recently launched Kawasaki ER-6n. The 600 I will have an edge over the Kawasaki because of the inline four cylinder setup.
Displacement | 600cc |
Engine | Liquid cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC Inline 4 |
Power | 82 hp @ 11,500 RPM |
Torque | 52 Nm @ 10.500 RPM |
Bore/Stroke | 65 x 45.2 mm |
Compression | 11.5:1 |
Fuel Injection | Delphi electronic injection with four ø 38 mm throttle bodies |
Transmission | 6 Speed |
Drive | Chain |
Frame | Front steel trestle and rear aluminium alloy casting |
Front Suspension | Benelli ø 50 mm upside down forks with 120 mm stroke |
Rear Suspension | Benelli shock 123 mm stroke |
Front Brake | Twin ø 320 mm floating discs with radial mounted 4 piston calipers |
Rear Brake | Single ø 260 mm disc with double piston caliper |
Front Tyre | Metzeler Sportec 120/70 ZR17 58W |
Rear Tyre | Metzeler Sportec 180/55 ZR17 73W |
Length | 2160mm |
Width | 800mm |
Height | 1180mm |
Wheelbase | 1430mm |
Seat Height | 800mm |
Weight | 208kg |
Fuel Capacity | 15 litre |
Available Colours | Black, White or Red |
Benelli BN 600 GT
To add to the diversity to its product line up, DKS-Benelli India will also introduce a touring motorcycle to the list. The BN 600 Gran Turismo has an in-line four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine that delivers 82 hp of power and 55Nm of torque. The 600GT will compete against the Kawasaki Ninja 650. Premium looks and features along with an inline four cylinder setup would give the 600 GT an upper edge.
Displacement | 600cc |
Engine | Liquid cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC Inline 4 |
Power | 82 hp @ 11,500 RPM |
Torque | 55 Nm @ 10.500 RPM |
Bore/Stroke | 65 x 45.2 mm |
Compression | 11.5:1 |
Fuel Injection | Delphi electronic injection with four ø 38 mm throttle bodies |
Transmission | 6 Speed |
Drive | Chain |
Frame | Front Steel Tube Trellis Rear Aluminium Alloy Casting |
Front Suspension | Benelli ø 50 mm upside down forks with 120 mm stroke |
Rear Suspension | Benelli shock 123 mm stroke |
Front Brake | Twin ø 320 mm floating discs with radial mounted 4 piston calipers |
Rear Brake | Single ø 260 mm disc with double piston caliper |
Front Tyre | Metzeler Sportec 120/70 ZR17 58W |
Rear Tyre | Metzeler Sportec 180/55 ZR17 73W |
Length | 2150mm |
Width | 800mm |
Height | 1180mm |
Wheelbase | 1405mm |
Seat Height | 800mm |
Weight | 223kg |
Fuel Capacity | 27 litre |
Available Colours | White |
Benelli TNT 899
TNT 899 stands out for its sporty character. The engine three cylinders develop 120 hp of power and 88 nm of torque. The muscular design makes the TNT 899 an eye-candy. Once launched, the TNT 899 will compete against Kawasaki Z800 and Triumph Street Triple.
Displacement | 899cc |
Engine | Liquid cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC Inline 3 with balancer shaft |
Power | 121 hp @ 11,500 RPM |
Torque | 88 Nm @ 10.500 RPM |
Bore/Stroke | 88 x 49 mm |
Compression | 12.5:1 |
Fuel Injection | Electronic injection with three ø 53 mm throttle bodies |
Transmission | 6 Speed |
Drive | Chain |
Frame | Front steel trestle and rear aluminium alloy casting |
Front Suspension | Marzocchi ø 50 mm upside down forks |
Rear Suspension | Sachs shock 120 mm stroke |
Front Brake | Twin ø 320 mm floating discs with radial mounted Brembo 4 piston calipers |
Rear Brake | Single ø 240 mm wave disc with Brembo twin piston caliper |
Front Tyre | 120/70-17 120/65-17 |
Rear Tyre | 190/50-17 180/55-17 |
Length | 2100mm |
Width | 790mm |
Height | 1050mm |
Wheelbase | 1443mm |
Seat Height | 830mm |
Weight | 202kg |
Fuel Capacity | 16 litre |
Available Colours | White |
Benelli TNT 1130R
The TNT 1130R replaces the R160 as the performance king in the Benelli stable. The 1131cc triple cylinder engine produces 158hp of power and 120 Nm of torque. The TNT 1130R is said to have an enticing character of this raw edged motorcycle.
Displacement | 1131cc |
Engine | Liquid cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC inline 3 with balancer shaft |
Power | 158 hp @ 10,200 RPM |
Torque | 120 Nm @ 8,400 rpm |
Bore/Stroke | 88 x 62 mm |
Compression | 12.5:1 |
Fuel Injection | Electronic injection with three ø 53 mm throttle bodies |
Transmission | 6 Speed |
Drive | Chain |
Frame | Front steel trestle and rear aluminium alloy casting |
Front Suspension | Marzocchi ø 50 mm upside down forks |
Rear Suspension | ZF Sachs |
Front Brake | Twin ø 320 mm floating wave discs with radial mounted Brembo monoblock 4 piston calipers |
Rear Brake | Single ø 240 mm wave disc with Brembo twin piston caliper |
Front Tyre | 120/70-17 120/65-17 |
Rear Tyre | 190/50-17 180/55-17 |
Length | 2100mm |
Width | 790mm |
Height | 1050mm |
Wheelbase | 1443mm |
Seat Height | 830mm |
Weight | 202kg |
Fuel Capacity | 16 litre |
Available Colours | White |
These are the technical specifications of the upcoming Benelli motorcycles from their international website. Don’t forget to check out the picture gallery below. Share your thoughts and opinions with us through comments below. Do stay tuned to Motoroids for more updates from motoring industry.