Benelli TNT 135 takes power from a 12.6 bhp 135cc engine, and price for this bike could be between Rs. 1.3 lakh and Rs. 1.5 lakh
Since the brand’s official entry into the Indian market last March, DSK Benelli has been selling impressive numbers for a premium bike maker. Driven by the success of the TNT600i as it accounted for more than a third of the sales, Benelli is planning to launch the 302R and the TRK 502 pretty soon. Additionally, emphasis has been put on a product that will slot below the entry-level TNT 25 as Benelli targets more number of customers in the 1.5 lakh price range.
The perfect answer to justify that price bracket is a naked mini bike which was spied testing in India for the first time last month. Benelli had introduced the TNT 135 at the Auto Expo 2016 in earlier February following its global debut at the 2015 EICMA in Italy and it attracted show spectators in aplenty. Presently it has been going through testing and trials, as Mr. Shirish Kulkarni, chairman of DSK Motowheels revealed during the launch of a new DSK Benelli showroom in Vadodara.
Also read: Benelli Tornado 302 Spied in India for First Time
With a fuel efficient powertrain, modern city-running youthful looks and the premium-ness of Benelli badge, the TNT 135 will be vying for spotlight as it will trigger an all-new segment. Although following the likes of Honda Navi and Aprilia SR150 with a sporty scooter appearance, it will have no direct competitor and costs predictably twice as much as either of those models. Here’s everything you need to know about the DSK Benelli TNT 135:
Benelli TNT 135 India Launch
DSK Benelli will launch its 135cc mini-bike, TNT 135, by March 2017 in India according to internet rumours and it will open up a brand new premium class segment. We had seen the naked model at the Auto Expo 2016 in early February and were certainly impressed by its looks.
Benelli TNT 135 Expected Price
With no direct rivals, the TNT 135 from the Italian superbike manufacturer will be positioned lower in the order as its cheapest offering and therefore will be targeting sizeable number of sales as opposed to its high-end models. Expect this model to be priced between Rs. 1.3 lakh and Rs. 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
Benelli TNT 135 Engine, Performance and Mileage
Power source for the Benelli TNT 135 or Tornado Naked T is a 135cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve, dual spark, air-cooled engine, which is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. This engine is well capable of churning out 12.6 bhp of peak power at 9,000 rpm and 10.8 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. For the smaller capacity engine, the expected mileage figure should be around 50 kmpl to 55 kmpl.
Also read: DSK Benelli Sold 3,000 Bikes in India in First Year
Benelli TNT 135 Suspension and Brakes
The Benelli TNT 135 sits on a 12-inch 120/70 front and 130/70 rear tyres for ease of riding comfort and tackle irregular patches of roads. The braking duties are dealt by a 220 mm steel and 190 mm disc front and rear brakes respectively. The naked mini-bike comes adorned with an USD (upside-down) front fork 41 mm setup and a rear swingarm with lateral shock absorber and pre-loaded spring adjustment suspension.
Benelli TNT 135 Exterior and Features
The Benelli TNT 135 takes design inspiration from the Italian two-wheeler manufacturer’s larger products. The naked mini-bike comes with sharp and muscular styling. It sports an aggressive looking headlamp, fully digital instrument cluster sitting on headlamp cowl, bigger 7.2-litre capacity fuel tank with a sculpted appearance.
It also comes with dual tone split seats giving it a sporty look, and the seat height of the bike is 780 mm. The dual exhaust pipes of Benelli TNT 135 sit underneath the tail section, which gets narrower and sharper towards the end. With a quick glance at side profile of the bike from distance, it seems like the Benelli TNT 135 has been inspired by the popular Honda Navi a little bit – that is it features signature looks of the moto-scooter segment long been exploited in foreign markets over the years.
Benelli TNT 135 Key Rivals
The Benelli TNT 135cc mini bike will have no direct rival in the Indian market when it goes on sale but in comparison, the Honda Navi and Aprilia SR 150 scooters will get closer to the TNT 135 in terms of looks and performance combined.
Benelli TNT 135 India Images
Spy source: TeamBHP