The range of Benelli bikes launched today, includes the TNT 300, the most entry level model featuring a 300cc two cylinder in-line engine to the monstrous three cylinder TNT R featuring a 1131cc in-line engine. The other three bikes are TNT 600i (in-line four cylinder 600cc), the TNT 600 GT (same engine specs but a tourer style bike), and last but not least, the TNT 899 (in-line three cylinder 898cc engine).
All bikes are going to be imported CKD and will be assembled at DSK plant situated 80 km from Pune. The bikes will be available through a distributor network of 9 dealers across the country and deliveries are to begin from today itself.
At the launch event Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Motowheels said, “The country’s superbike industry has has grown by leaps and bounds, giving us immense scope to tap this lucrative and increasing market. We have full confidence that our exciting range of DSK Benelli bikes will transform the biking scenario of the country tremendously.
Shishir Kulkarni and George Wang with the top of the line 1131cc TNT R
With the success of high displacement models such as the Harley Davidson Street 750, the performance bike segment is indeed picking up. In fact DSK’s own association with Hyosung has resulted in the launch of many other cruiser style bikes such as the Aquila Pro (click to check out our hands on with the bike) and naked street bikes like the GT650N. Commenting on whether this new association with Benelli will affect sales of Hyosung bikes, Mr. Kulkarni said, “Maybe about 10 per cent of those customers will come to Benelli. But Hyosung is happy about the partnership”.
The 3 cylinder TNT 899
Also present at the event, Mr George Wang, Board Director, Benelli said, “We see immense, hitherto untapped potential in the Indian superbiking sace and our focus will be to offer the Indian biking enthusiasts the experience of owning the Italian legacy. We do hope India becomes Benelli’s home away from home”.
The 38.2 Bhp TNT 300
The bikes aren’t outlandishly priced either, especially in the entry to mid level segment. For instance Mr. Shirish Kulkarni hailed the TNT 302 as the first 300cc bike under the 3 lac mark. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Model | Ex Showroom Price (Delhi) in INR |
| TNT 302 | 2,83,000 |
| TNT 600i | 5,15,000 |
| TNT 600 GT | 5,62,000 |
| TNT 899 | 9,48,000 |
| TNTR (1130) | 11,81,000 |
The 85.07 Bhp TNT 600i
When asked if there are any plans to bring in sub-300cc low displacement bikes into the country, DSK did confirm that the TNT250 is slated to arrive in the last quarter. Speaking of 250 cc bikes, be sure to check out our video review of the Aquila 250 here. For now enjoy the italian styling and flamboyance in our event photographs and stay tuned for our reviews of these Benelli bikes.
TNT 600 GT – the tourer