Benelli has just launched the quarter-litre TNT 25 in the Indian market, priced at Rs 1.68 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). As the new entry-level motorcycle in Benelli’s Indian portfolio, the TNT 25 comes armed with all characteristic streetfighter styling cues influenced from its bigger siblings. Here are the biggest talking points about the motorcycle.
The engine:
At the heart of the TNT 25 is the same 249cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, which is offered in other global markets. However, Benelli has tuned the engine to bump up its horsepower figures, for the Indian market. While globally this engine is rated at 25bhp, its version sold in India produces 28bhp, which makes it more powerful than its rivals, the Mahindra Mojo and the KTM Duke 200. The engine is mated to a six-speed constant mesh transmission.
The cycle parts:
Like the rest of Benelli range, the TNT 25 is underpinned by a tubular steel trestle frame, a trademark for the Italian marque. The chassis incorporates the engine as a stressed member, which should improve the frame’s rigidity. The rear wheel is linked to the chassis through a box section swingarm, with a chain final drive. Suspension duties are performed by USD forks at the front and a monoshock in the rear. Benelli says that the suspension has been tuned to make it suitable for Indian roads. Braking power is provided by a 280mm petal disc with two-piston calliper at the front, and a 240mm disc with a single-piston calliper in the rear. While the TNT 25 does not get an ABS system for now, the company revealed that an ABS-equipped version of the bike will be launched in the next six to eight months.
The pricing:
Benelli is offering the TNT 25 in two versions - standard and premium. While the standard variant is priced at Rs 1.68 lakh, the more expensive premium avatar retails for Rs 1.75 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi). The only difference between the two is the rubber. While the standard version comes shod with MRF tyres, the premium variant gets stickier Metzeler radials. Frankly speaking, this should be a no brainer decision as for just Rs 7,000 extra, you get a bigger bang for your buck.
Optional accessories:
Benelli has also launched a range of customisable accessories for the TNT 25. This includes decals for the tank and body panels, frame mounted crash guards, front fork protectors, gold coated footpegs and bar ends, racy rearset footpegs as well as adjustable levers. The company has also introduced its line of full face and modular helmets, with prices ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000.
This competition:
As a quarter-litre streetfighter, the Benelli TNT 25 goes head-on against the KTM duke 200 and the Mahindra Mojo. Though the TNT 25 is marginally cheaper than the Mojo, the Duke 200 continues to be the most value-for-money motorcycle over here. However, this does not necessarily tilt the balance in favour of the lightweight Austrian. In India, Benelli has already established its name as a ‘superbike manufacturer’ and this will definitely help it market the TNT 25 as an exotic motorcycle. But will this be enough to justify such a price tag? Only time (and a proper comparison story) will tell…
