Although it is now under the leadership of the Chinese, Benelli seems to have re-traced some its true Roman warrior spirit and will fire an eight bike salvo in India by the end of 2016. Adding to their potent line-up of five models which are sold currently, one of the eight new bikes will be the 1130 Trek Amazonas adventure tourer. Wearing a Galea, the semi-faired motorcycle will borrow the TNT 1130’s mad three-cylinder motor, although it will be tuned for better response in the low and mid-range to suit the adventure tourer’s character. Equipped with selectable riding modes, the Trek Amazonas comes with a taller sixth gear, with peak torque of 11.4 kgm developed at a rather low 5000 clicks to aid relaxed riding. A 21.5-liter fuel tank ensures a strong range, while the three cylinder’s 123.3 bhp output will ensure you escape the city and head to the hills at express speeds.
At the entry-level scheme of things, Benelli will bring in the TNT 25, which will be powered by a 249cc, single cylinder engine that pumps out 24.5 bhp while being nestled inside a trellis frame. Weighing 25 kilos lesser than the TNT 300, this entry-level ticket to the Benelli club will come equipped with a monoshock, an engine cowl and disc brakes at both ends. Positioned against the Duke 200, Benelli will need to get the pricing right for this bike in order to unsettle the orange camp.
The Blackster cruiser, which is manufactured by the bike maker’s Chinese sibling Keeway is also on the cards, however, there is some reluctance from the Italian company to brand it as a Benelli in India. The fat cruiser is powered by a 249cc, fuel injected V-twin that develops 17.3 bhp of power and 1.8kgm of torque, transferred to the rear wheel via a 5-speed gearbox.
While the above three motorcycles are planned for launch this year, the other five slated for an introduction in 2016 include a full-faired variant of the TNT 300. Mechanically similar to the naked twin, the faired TNT 300 will be what the RC is to the Duke. What will also spawn out of the TNT 300 is a semi-faired, touring oriented motorcycle that will look to appease those who ride for longer distances.
A 500cc twin-cylinder adventure bike with a brand new engine and platform is currently in the works and could be introduced at a tantalizing price point. Also under development is a 750cc twin cylinder platform which will be offered in both naked and fully faired formats. These new products could be unveiled at EICMA this December, Europe’s biggest motorcycle show.
Source: Autocar