Here to kick-start the excitement that brews each year at EICMA in Milan, is Benelli, with three all-new and India-relevant motorcycles on display.
Benelli TRK 502
The TRK 502 is an adventure motorcycle. For those wondering, this bike has a completely new design, not derived from the larger TreK bike that Benelli revealed earlier this year at the India Bike Week (IBW) in Goa. It looks more like the larger Bavarian adventure motorcycles – a tad smaller in size, which is a good thing. As officials mentioned, the TRK 502 when in final production form, will make its way to India, an important market for Benelli.
The TRK 502 is powered by a 499.6cc, in-line two cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. Four valves per cylinder are in place too. It makes 46.9bhp of power at 8,500rpm and 4.6kgm of torque at 4,500rpm. The gearbox is a six-speed unit, while the chassis is tubular steel fabricated.
For suspension, the TRK 502 uses USD forks in the front and a pre-load adjustable rear monoshock. Braking is carried out by Brembo made twin petal type discs in the front, 320mm each and at rear a single disc that measures 260mm. The TRK 502 gets the safety feature of ABS brakes. The new Benelli gets knobby type, 19-inch tyres up front and a 17-inch rear tyre, from Metzeler. Ground clearance is a tall 230mm, good for an adventure motorcycle. The fuel-tank capacity is a tourer-friendly 20 litres.
Benelli Leoncino
The scrambler category is about to get a brand new addition as Benelli unveiled the Leoncino at EICMA. In the flesh, the Leoncino looks modern and like one that has been finished with high- quality materials.
The matte-finished single headlight gets an LED insert. The tank design flows over to meet its side and rear panels elegantly, the opposite of what scramblers stand for, yet done in tasteful fashion. The single seat is part finished in Alcantara leather, while the tail panel ends with an LED taillight. The exhaust has dual outlets. Tyres are by Continental on the prototype, shod on 19-inch rims in the front, and a 17-inch unit at the rear.
The Leoncino is powered by a 499.6cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that has a four-valve per cylinder layout, and dual overhead camshafts. It makes 46.9bhp of power at 8,500rpm and 4.6kgm of torque at 4,500rpm. A six-speed gearbox is used.
Suspension is via USD forks in the front, and a preload adjustable rear monoshock. Braking is done by dual 320mm petal discs front, and a single 260mm disc at rear, with the support of ABS. The Leoncino has a 15-litre fuel-tank capacity.
Benelli Tornado 302
Sportsbike enthusiasts have reason to cheer too with the third Benelli prototype here, the Tornado 302, being wrapped in a full-fairing, with a clear visor for tuck and twist situations. The Tornado 302 comes with an angular fuel tank, with protruding knee recesses and a split-seat that tapers off into a sporty tail end.
The Tornado 302 is powered by a 300cc, in-line two cylinder, and liquid-cooled engine that makes 34.8bhp at a high 12,000rpm, and a healthy 2.7kgm of torque at 9,000rpm. The Tornado 302 has a six-speed gearbox, and uses a steel tube frame. It uses an USD fork set-up in the front and monoshock at the rear.
Braking is via dual, 260mm petal discs in front, with a single 240mm rear disc brake, with an ABS system. Tyres are by Metzeler, on 17 inch wheels. None of the above motorcycles get an alloy swingarm, instead all are equipped with box section units.
Rayomand Buhariwalla