Benelli TNT 25

The more affordable product you have, the more sales you get, at least in India. While some premium motorcycle manufacturers are still trying to figure this out, DSK Benelli has cracked the code with the launch of the TNT 25. This bike isn’t just the most affordable Benelli in India, but also the only single cylinder Benelli. The company thinks that this is the perfect bike for Indian enthusiasts to come on board when they’ve a budget constraint.

The Benelli TNT 25 prides itself in being a naked complete with a trellis frame, 41mm USD front forks and an engine that pumps out around 28bhp. It should make for an entertaining ride then, right? But it isn’t. Open the throttle and it doesn’t feel like a 28bhp machine, no matter what revs. While the power delivery is linear, it feels a little too relaxed for a bike that must compete against the likes of the KTM Duke 200. Having said that, the top-end performance is decent.

Then, there are the vibrations. It’s fine at lower revs, but give it the stick and vibrations can be felt on the handlebar, footpegs and even the seat. What makes it worse is the early onset of these vibrations. The TNT 25, as a result, feels best around 90kmph when in sixth gear, which you’d agree for a 250cc motorcycle, is slow. The six-speed gearbox isn’t great either; it is imprecise and notchy.  And, the first four gears are stacked a bit too close for our liking. Lest we forget, the clutch is heavy too and can tire one out in stop and go traffic.  

Well, at least, the TNT 25 doesn’t feel too heavy or cumbersome in the city. Barring the heavy clutch, it’s in fact, city friendly. The wide handlebar, the slightly aggressive seating ergonomics and the well-cushioned seat means that one can flit easily through traffic, and be at it for hours. And then when it’s time to take on the ghats, the TNT 25 feels planted, eager and well balanced.

Talking about brakes, the Benelli TNT 25 sports a 280mm single disc setup at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear. There’s no ABS and the brakes could do with more bite and feel.

The Benelli TNT 25 is available in two variants – standard and premium. The standard gets MRF tyres, whereas the premium version gets Metzelers. And interestingly, there is a price difference of only Rs 7,000 between the two. Plus, both versions can be had in red and white paint schemes; which we like.

The overall fit and finish of the bike is good too, probably among the best in class. The overall quality impresses too and though the switchgear looks extremely run of the mill, it works well. The instrument cluster looks good and displays speed, trip reading, time and the gear you are in. And what’s first in class, is that the Benelli TNT 25 also gets an adjustable front brake lever.

In terms of aesthetics, the TNT 25 scores high, thanks to the exposed red trellis frame and the bodywork. The decals too have been smartly designed to bring out the Italian feel. But things get little odd when you look at the exhaust and the ‘Exide’ word popping out from the right side of the bike.  The TNT 25 has a kerb weight of 159kg and fuel tank capacity of 17-litres which is good.

Buy it if you are style conscious. The TNT 25 does deliver on visual appeal in spades. It’s one of those bikes that will make you the talk of the town. But the TNT 25 won’t quench your thirst for performance. And it’s not the best in the braking department either.

The Benelli TNT 25 at Rs 1.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) is the most expensive offering in its class. A class that has the likes of the KTM Duke 200 and in fact, the larger engined Mahindra Mojo. These are priced at Rs 1.48 lakh and Rs 1.65 lakh, respectively, both ex-showroom in Delhi. Plus for a little more money, there’s also more performance to be had with the KTM Duke 390. And the 390 gets ABS.

Photography by Kapil Angane