The Benelli TNT 300 has got the looks of a performance naked street - muscular tank, front bikini fairing, sleek tank extensions, part-digital, part-analogue instrument panel, LED tail lamp and exposed trellis frame all point to the DNA of a performance streetfighter. The cycle parts are impressive too - fat inverted fork, twin petal discs up front, nice looking alloy wheels and a unique side-mounted rear monoshock.
The Benelli TNT 300's ergonomics are quite friendly too - it's not overly aggressive, and the flat wide handlebar and comfortable seat makes it a friendly bike to ride - whether in city traffic or on the highway. The rear set footpegs take a moment to get used to, but they are not placed awkwardly like the KTM Duke 390's. So overall, a friendly and comfortable riding position; not too aggressive like its competition and quite comfortable, even to take on touring duties.
Now coming to the key part, design and build quality to me are this bike’s strongest points. Also, I would warn you to not be fooled by these pictures like many others online as the bike is way more meatier in person than in pictures. Furthermore, few subtle design bits as seen in the following pictures show the attention to detail and the uniqueness of this beauty. The bike on a whole feels sturdy, premium and well built. Any doubts regarding the quality for being manufactured in China should be kept aside at least from the initial impression and the overall feel of the product. I hope people can avoid being a stereotype when they hear the phrase 'Manufactured in China'.Other bits such as the fairing covering the radiator is well designed. It looks quite minimalistic yet very functional and in line with the rest of the body. The trellis frame in black colour on the red bike is not easily noticeable like the red one on the black colour except for the Italian sign of red, white and green. This, just like the one on the tank, is a nice detail and stands out thus showing the Italian cues to the curios folks. Also, the Benelli Sign is very attractive and exudes its long tradition in the first glance. The instrument cluster is basic yet functional including details such as coolant temperature, clock, odometer, trip meters, speed indicator and other usual bits. One interesting addition to this bike is the hazard light switch, which I think is really necessary for our road conditions.
The TNT 300 is powered by a four-stroke, parallel twin, liquid-cooled, 300cc engine, which makes 38bhp power at 11,500rpm and 26.5Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. The power is transmitted to the rear wheel by a six-speed constant mesh transmission.With the 300, it isn’t about being the first one to reach the destination, but it’s more about the getting to the destination. Gladly, the Benelli makes sure the journey is stress-free and enjoyable. Quality, comfort, sound dynamics and aural pleasure – if these are parameters you consider when snapping up a sub-quarter-litre motorcycle, the Benelli TNT 300 is definitely worth your precious time and money. Talking of which, DSK-Benelli has priced it at ₹2.83 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), a price at which this Italian beauty is a worthy addition to any garage.
The Benelli manages to be a smoother proposition on longer drives and keeps you singing along to a soundtrack to put most superbikes to shame. Only adding to the experience is the refinement and exclusivity that this Italian has brought to the game.
The numbers
2cyl, 300cc, in-line, liquid-cooled, 36.2bhp, 27Nm, 6M, 185kg, fuel tank: 16 litres, ₹2.83 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
