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Benelli TNT 600 GT Review: GranTurismo

Verdict

By the time we handed back the Benelli TNT 600 GT to the DSK MotoWheels showroom, we had covered almost 400 kilometres in the course of a day. Most of the riding was done on the smooth stretch of NH4 that connects Pune to Bengaluru, but we also threw in a sizeable stretch of good old B-roads and twisty ghats in the interests of science. And yet, my colleague and I were in almost the same state of err… perkiness as the moment we set out.

Yes, we both have covered longer distances at a stretch before, but the overarching urge, at least for me, at the end of the day in those occasions was to hit the sack and rest my weary bones.

Benelli 600 GT (60)

This is a testament to the Benelli’s mile munching capabilities. Sure, you can make the same trip on a hardcore streetbike, and maybe you’d even be faster too, but that would tire you out long before the fuel has even hit reserve on the GT. Not to mention the luggage you can haul with a tourer like this.

And the Benelli is pretty reliable too, putting our fears about Italian machines at rest. The only downside we could find on the package was the slightly glitchy fueling at low speeds, and the lack of low and mid-end grunt, which could have made for a more delectable touring package. But, other than that, the GT is a surprisingly stellar machine that can do battle with the best of the competition.

Benelli 600 GT rear (1)

Speaking of the competition, there are a couple of very worthy ones from Kawasaki, the Ninja 650 and the recently-launched ER-6N. Despite the slightly larger engine capacity, the Kawasaki duo produce 10PS less than the Benelli, but has a higher torque figure, something that touring at high speeds will bring to the fore. The Benelli is still more comfortable, and is a specialized machine that can lug more. Then there is the legendary BMW Motorrad range of touring and adventure bikes, although their pricing keeps them out the hands of many who might want one.

In terms of just cubic capacity, there’s the triumph Street Triple, the most powerful bike in this range, and also the Hyosung GT650R, another offering from DSK in India.

Benelli 600 GT (9)

DSK Benelli hasn’t disclosed the pricing of the TNT 600 GT yet. The machine will be available in two colours, black, and the white one you see here, to be sold at newly set up showrooms across the metros.

You really have to have a touring mindset to choose the Benelli TNT 600 GT over its peers. If you do possess that, this is a machine that can go to the ends of the earth with you, and leave you with looking forward to the next day of riding at the end of it all. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the bike for the modern-day Alexander Supertramp.

TECH SPECS

  • ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
  • Engine type Liquid cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC Inline 4
  • Capacity 600 cc
  • Bore x Stroke 65 mm x 45.2 mm
  • Power 82.5 PS @ 11,000 rpm
  • Torque 55 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
  • Compression ratio 5:1
  • Clutch wet
  • Gear Box 6 Speed
  • Fuel Injection electronic-injection-with-four-o-38-mm-throttle-bodies
  • CHASSIS
  • Frame front-steel-tube-trellis-rear-aluminium-alloy-casting
  • Front Suspension Benelli ø 50 mm upside down forks with 120 mm stroke
  • Front Suspension adj. no
  • Rear Suspension Benelli shock 123 mm stroke
  • Rear Suspension adj. adjustable-preload-rebound
  • Front Brake Twin ø 320 mm floating discs with radial mounted 4 piston calipers
  • Rear Brake Single 260 mm diameter disc with double piston caliper
  • Front Tyre Pirelli Angel GT 120/70 ZR17 58W
  • Rear Tyre Pirelli Angel GT 180/55 ZR17 73W
  • Front Rim aluminium-alloy
  • Rear Rim aluminium-alloy
  • Overall Dimensions 2150-mm-x-800-mm-excl-mirrors-x-1180-mm
  • Seat Height 800 mm
  • Wheelbase 1405-mm
  • Wet Weight (all fluids except fuel) 223-kg
  • Fuel Tank 27-litres

8 thoughts on “Benelli TNT 600 GT Review: GranTurismo”

  1. Do you think this bike will go to Khardung La ? I am thinking to buy this bike to exploring rough terrains like Leh.

  2. How would the Benneli-650GT compare with the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Suzuki Vstrom 650 which may be available in this year?

  3. Do the panniers come with the bike or sold separately and what is the capacity. Any idea about an ABS version.

  4. The bike will appeal not only to the ones with touring mindset, but also couples who ride together. There is a dearth of machines that have good pillion comfort, maybe Bonneville , but many of us who can afford the bike are pushing 40 years of age.

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