Benelli TNT 899 review, test ride

Most people wouldn’t guess that the Benelli TNT 899 is a decade old bike by looking at it. Unveiled in 2004, the TNT’s design looks futuristic and stylish even today. A carbon fibre mud guard and belly scoop and the abundance of Italian colours give the TNT 899 its exotic flavour. Build quality is reassuring and the fit and finish is good, but not as rich as most modern motorcycles. Also, the simple design and graphics on the part digital and part analogue instrument cluster look a bit dated. However, these shortcomings do little to dim the appeal of the TNT.

899cc. 123.4bhp. 9kgm. The Benelli TNT 899 falls in between the displacement bookends created by the popular nakeds in the market –Kawasaki’s Z800 and Z1000, and Triumph’s Street and Speed Triple. Like the Triumphs, the Benelli also uses a three-cylinder architecture. Packaging advantages aside, the three-cylinder engine’s repertoire is impressive and well suited for the versatility that a naked-bike suggests.

From the word go, it is clear that performance and finesse are available in plenty. A wide powerband and a slick six-speed gearbox will let you amble along in city traffic without a hiccup even when you are in higher gears at low rpms. Although when you are in the mood to have some fun, get the rev counter needle to swing past the 4000rpm mark. Keep the throttle pinned open and the TNT will head to its 11000rpm redline without making a fuss and feel fairly refined even as it knocks on the limiter. The pace from the engine also gets a bit more zing as you head past the 8000rpm mark. The exhaust adds to the entire experience, howling loudly as you wind on the gas and then burbling and popping unashamedly with every downshift. While the 899 is undoubtedly quick, it feels more level headed when compared to Kawasaki’s manic Z1000. That is a credit to the smooth power delivery and gearing that trades hyper responses for usability. As a result, TNT 899 can be enjoyed while cruising on the highway at triple digit speeds and it won't shy away from changing pace when asked either.