● The SRK 600 has been spotted for the first time
● Appears to use the same powertrain as the TNT 600
● Gets premium features like a TFT display
The upgrade to the Benelli TNT 600i is proving to be quite an enigma. First, we got our hands on some spy pictures of a bike in early July 2019 that appeared to be a more stylish and modern version. Soon after, towards the end of July 2019, new studio images appeared of an even more aggressively styled naked bike, also based on the same four-cylinder 600cc platform. Then, in November 2019 Benelli revealed the updated 2020 TNT 600i at EICMA. This bike looked much similar to the old one that was on sale in India but had features like a new LED headlamp and a TFT display. The specifications of the 2020 TNT 600i revealed a slight increase in weight and reduction in power, indicating that the engine may have been upgraded to the latest emissions norms, although this was never confirmed. Now, after six more months of silence, new images have emerged of another 600cc Benelli naked, and this time it has a name.
From the images, the name is not exactly clear considering the way the decals are designed, and the bike could either be called the SRK 600 or the SR 600K. For now, we'll go with SRK. What's clear, however, is that while there are many similarities in the bodywork to the earlier spied motorcycles, the SRK does have some features that are unique to it.
This new design is quite contemporary, especially with the floating rear fender and aggressive headlight styling. However, it has lost the under-seat exhaust system and now runs a conventionally routed one. While this will certainly be more practical, the TNT was famed for its under-seat pipes.
Speaking of the exhaust, it’s now expected to use a comprehensive catalytic converter that will help it meet the more stringent Euro 5 (BS6) emission norms. As for the engine, it looks identical on the outside, aside from the new bronze finish. This finish also continues over to the upside-down fork that appears to be the same unit as before. In its old form, the TNT 600i made 86.2hp and 54.6Nm of torque, while the specifications for the 2020 TNT 600i claim 81.6hp and 51Nm. For now, the specifications of the SRK 600 are unknown. What can be seen is that the bike gets a full-colour TFT display and illuminated switchgear.
Back in November 2019, Benelli told us it was on track to update its popular TNT 600i to meet the upcoming BS6 emission norms before the April 1, 2020, deadline. However, that hasn’t gone as per plan, quite probably because of the situation caused by the pandemic.
It seems Benelli might be making multiple versions of the same bike to be sold in different parts of the world. While it is certain that the bike maker will bring a BS6 version of its naked four-cylinder middleweight to India, the exact model isn't known yet.
Would you prefer the existing TNT 600i updated to BS6, with a new headlamp and TFT display, or would an all-new looking machine like this SRK 600 catch your fancy? Let us know below.
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