The new Benelli 302R is an impressive motorcycle. And at Rs 3.48 lakhs ex-showroom, for a parallel twin with ABS, we won’t call it expensive either. And we have ridden it. You can read the detailed review HERE. But, if it’s a snapshot you want, read on…
It’s not pretty, but it has presence 
This is a fully faired motorcycle. So, in a way, it’s already more attractive to the general Indian populace than say the TNT 300 it shares its heart with. And that fairing is a big, showy stickered piece.
Add to it the long and tapering tail and a twin torpedo for an exhaust, and it is no surprise the world does a double take every time you ride past. But, from a completely aesthetic viewpoint, it isn’t pretty; at least not in the conventional sense.
It’s not fast, but it does grow on you
The specs on paper tell a very different story to how the 302R performs in the real world. A fully faired motorcycle with a liquid cooled, fuel injected, 300cc parallel twin engine and nearly 40bhp ought to go like stink. But, the Benelli doesn’t. It isn’t slow, of course, but it also isn’t as quick or exciting as the other 300s in the market.
However, get over the relaxed power delivery and remaining winless at traffic light GPs, and the 302R begins to grow on you. Not only is it easy to ride and live with for a ‘sporty’ motorcycle, it’s also roomy and comfortable and quite manageable in the city.
It’s not a knee-scraper, but it does handle
The other preconception that comes with a fully faired motorcycle is that it will be a brilliant companion on your knee scraping endeavours. The Benelli doesn’t fit that stereotype either. It has relatively low and forward set footpegs for a supersports bike – one of the reasons why it is comfortable. And, it has a relatively high set handlebar.
So, getting your knee down on this one requires a little more hanging off than usual. It doesn’t feel natural doing it, but sure, it can be done. The fact that the 302R has seriously grippy tyres just makes it worth the attempt. And no, it is no slouch around bends either; it isn’t rich in terms of feedback, but it sure can corner.
It’s not all-new, but is markedly different from the TNT 300
What’s clear is that the 302R borrows from its naked sibling the TNT 300. These do share the same engine and gearbox. But the chassis is quite different. As is the seating ergonomics. And there have been some revisions made to the powertrain as well. As a result, on the road, the two bikes feel quite different.
The TNT 300 feels heavier, slower to respond and not as easy to ride around, even at slower pace. The 302R on the other hand, feels more flickable, sure-footed and alert. And even in the city, it feels lighter on its feet.
…and it sounds great
Yes, it does. Be it the intake note at full throttle opening or the exhaust note post 6,500rpm, the 302R does sound like a much bigger bike. It’s not loud enough to draw a policeman’s ire, but it will get you noticed. It also makes you believe that you are going a lot faster than you really are.
