Benelli TNT 899 review, test ride

123.4bhp 899ccc naked-bike TNT 899 expected to be locally assembled, priced competitively.

Published on Nov 27, 2014 04:05:00 PM

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The TNT is equipped with a hybrid steel tube and cast alloy chassis. It also comes equipped with Marzocchi front forks and monoshock rear. The suspension setup offers ride quality that seems perfectly tuned for Indian road conditions. The wide, single-piece handlebar offers a practical yet sporty seating position. Although the rider’s seat is a bit firm.

Tip the TNT into a corner and the Benelli wows you with its fluid dexterity. The smooth steering has you pointing into corners with nonchalance. Unsurprisingly, the composure as you speed round corners is impressive too. The grip from the Michelin Pilot Power tyres is plenty enough too. To slow things down, the TNT boasts radially mounted, four-piston Brembo callipers that bite down on twin-floating petal discs. Retardation is ferocious, but the feel at the levers is reassuring.

The Benelli won't appeal to everyone though. At 820mm, the seat isn’t unreasonably high but the sense of being perched on top is exaggerated as the Benelli feels a bit top-heavy; a factor that may be disconcerting for shorter riders. Also, owing to the wide-turning radius, the TNT is quite tricky to manoeuvre at lower speeds. However, the biggest shortcoming of the Benelli TNT 899 is that it lacks ABS even as an option.

DSK Motowheels has kicked up a storm in our market with plans to bring in Benelli motorcycles and the TNT 899 is sure to be at the head of the pack. First impressions show that the TNT is a fast and friendly naked that is packed with excitement and appeal. The only serious chink in the motorcycle’s armour is the lack of ABS equipped brakes. However, DSK Motowheels plans to assemble the TNT 899 in India, likely implying a competitive price tag and should surely add to the Benelli TNT 899’s storm raising abilities.