When it comes to street fighter look-like bikes in India, there are many options available in the market like YAMAHA FZS, HONDA HORNET, PULSAR NS 200, YAMAHA FZ250, Suzuki Gixxer 250, Kawasaki Z250 and more. But if one asks for a Dual Cylinder streetfighter version of a sports bike then Benelli Tornado TNT 300 comes in action. Let us take a closer look at how does this sports bike serves in day-to-day life.
Design and Appearance-
The design language used in this bike is that of an aggressive streetfighter. While taking a glance at the side profile of the bike, the steel tube, lattice frame is visible which is holding a massive twin-cylinder 300cc engine. The open chain adds to the needed masculine look. The footpegs are set on the rear side, giving a racing bike stance, but on the other hand not so tourer friendly. The tank cowl adds to the appearance with a Tornado TNT badging. The red colour body paint makes this Benelli bike quite eye-catching.
Coming to the front view of the bike, the 120/70-17, Tubeless tyre gives a fierce look which is supported by the twin disc on both sides.
The rear side has a subtle yet captivating look with a wider rear 150/60-17 tubeless tyre, an LED tail lamp and LED turn indicators. The rear mudguard is set quite high which exposes the tyre very much giving a head-turning look for youths. But this setup leads to splashing a lot of dirt on a wet road.
The instrument cluster comprises of Analog tachometer and a Digital Console. The best thing is that this has the feature of showing the odometer and speedometer in both the units i.e. KMPH & MPH with the toggle of a switch. The Instrument Cluster of Benelli TNT 300 also has the engine temperature display which shows the heating level of the engine.
Seating and Ergonomics-
The Benelli Tornado TNT 300 seating and ergonomics are designed keeping in mind a tourer-friendly design, giving the rider an upright seating position. The single-seat configuration offers much-needed comfort although the cushioning could have been better in order to support long rides. The only dismay to your long journey can be the rear set footpegs which is an indication of a sports tourer bike i.e. you can take the bike on a long ride as well as on the race track occasionally. To add to this feature, Benelli Tornado TNT 300 comes with a preload and rebound adjuster mono-suspension so that you can set up according to the riding condition. The rear grab rails are neatly designed to assist the pillion rider on the bike.
Technical Specification-
The Benelli TNT 300 engine specs start with a Liquid Cooled, Inline Twin Cylinder, 4 stroke DOHC 8 valves and 300 cc powerhouse. The engine generates maximum power of 38.26 PS @11500rpm and maximum torque of 26.5Nm@10000rpm. The engine is mated to a 6 Speed transmission.
Benelli TNT 300 front fork is USD type with 150mm travel and the rear suspension duties are carried out by Adjustable mono-shock. The Benelli TNT 300 tyres size in the front is 120/70-17 and 160/60-17 at the rear with tubeless setup.
The braking duties are carried off by Dual Petal Disc 260mm 2 Piston calliper each in the front and 240mm single disc at the rear with a Dual-Channel ABS setup to enhance the rider’s safety. This attractive red beast has a ground clearance of 160mm and a fuel tank capacity of 16 litres.
Please note that this model of the bike is not having Dual Channel ABS. This feature is offered in the newer version of it.
Performance of Benelli Tornado TNT 300-
This is the part most of you might be waiting for and believe me the wait is worth it as this Twin Cylinder has some serious power on offer. In the 1st gear, you can drive up to 15kmph, 2nd gear up to 30kmph, 3rd gear up to 45kmph and so on. But the best thing about the bike is that you can drive on 6th gear at a speed as low as 30kmph because an ample amount of torque is generated at lower rpms. The real power comes after 6000rpm where you can feel the Twin-Cylinder coming into action. The Benelli TNT 300 can easily cruise at a speed of 120kmph without letting you feel the speed. Although the company claimed top speed is 154kmph but Benelli Tornado TNT 300 can go even more. The heavyweight of Benelli TNT 300 makes you feel implanted on the road even at higher speeds which enhances your confidence.
The suspension setup is the best thing you can get on Benelli Tornado TNT 300. You can adjust the suspension rebound manually with your hand to make your bike ready for the track or touring based upon your need. The preload can be adjusted with a proper tool. You can cross a pothole easily which makes you feel like you have encountered a minor bump. Last but not least the sound of Benelli TNT 300 is the best thing you can cheer for. Benelli is known for sound engineering that is rightly depicted by this motorbike.
Rev the bike above 6000rpm , then the real twin cylinder bonker comes alive.
Above 6000rpm the bike sound is enough for people to clear the way for you. The engine sounds like an inline 4 cylinder one. The twin-cylinder roars loudly and the same is reflected in the speedometer. The bike is meant for cruising on empty roads at higher rpms to get the real thrill from the motorbike’s performance.
Ownership Experience-
The owner of the bike has driven it 43000kms up till now. The service cost is on the higher side which includes around Rs 4000/- for an Engine Oil change (3L fully synthetic 15W50 grade). Oil Filter cost is Rs 750/-, chain cleaning and lube is Rs 550/- and labour charge costs around Rs 2200/- + GST. So the total cost will land you anywhere around Rs 7500/- provided there is no breakage or change in spare parts. The chain sprocket is the only spare part that is changed up till now.
Cons of Benelli TNT 300-
- Poor Headlamps reflectors
- High maintenance cost and lack of easy availability of spare parts
- Rear sets footpegs
- High Turning radius
- Dry weight of 196kgs which reduces the manoeuvrability in high traffic
- The fuel efficiency of 27-28kmpl on highways and 25-26kmpl in the city
- The rear splash guard is missing
- Very hard clutch travel which makes it quite tedious to operate in heavy traffic
- Dated instrument cluster which needs an upgrade from the company
- Low ground clearance due to underbelly exhaust
Aftermarket Customizations-
The owner has done some aftermarket customizations which includes a long visor, MADDOG LED lamps in the front. Handlebars raiser to make Benelli more tourer friendly. Frame Slider is company fitted but on a chargeable basis. Mobile holder and charger.
Verdict-
Well Benelli TNT 300 has both own Pros and Cons, but in order to summarize in short this bike is better suited for above-average to tall riders, definitely not meant to ride in the city. The inline twin-cylinder engine, wonderful suspension, Italian paint and design makes the ex-showroom price of Benelli TNT 300 ( 3.0 Lacs approx) worth it. This bike is a maniac above 6000 rpm, the real sound of a twin-cylinder will definitely bring a smile to your face.
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