Benelli TNT 300 review, road test

We put Benelli’s quarter-litre TNT300 through our road test treatment to tell you how it performs in Indian conditions.

Published on Mar 24, 2015 08:30:00 AM

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The Benelli TNT 300 makes a thoroughly inviting motorcycle for both new and seasoned riders alike.

It sports neat muscular curves, which give it an unmistakable Italian look. On the black motorcycle provided to us, subtle red graphic lines ran neatly across the front body panels, making for a nice contrast. A neatly shaped headlight sits within a bikini front fairing, and provides good visibility at night, while behind it, the flattish alloy handlebar gets a pair of functional rear-view mirrors and plush-feeling rider grips. Both buffed alloy control levers feel good to touch, with the brake lever offering four-way reach adjustment. Switchgear is, likewise, of good quality; Benelli provides a hazard light switch and useful pass-light flasher. The digi-analogue instrument console could have been smarter, and houses an analogue tachometer, while the clock, speedometer, trip-meter and fuel gauge are all part of the comprehensive liquid crystal display.

The shapely 16-litre fuel tank has good knee recesses that provide welcome inner thigh grip. Benelli, unlike many other bike makers, provides a hinge for the fuel-filler cap for convenience at the pump. Underneath the tank, a bright red trellis frame connects to an offset, bright red monoshock. The smartly contoured, wide and stepped saddle looks neat with a large ‘Benelli’ logo printed on the lumbar support, stitched using high-quality fabric. The tank’s shoulders overlap the crimson frame to house the bike radiator. An underbelly sump guard is also provided with the TNT 300.

The tail fairing is elegantly styled and looks up to date, tapering into a comfortable grab handle and dual-tone, LED powered tail-light. Seen under all this is a rear tyre hugger.

Overall quality of material and finish on the TNT 300, including paint and plastics is good, keeping with the bike’s Italian lineage.