Benelli Reveals Launch Plans For BS6 TNT 600i And Newer Models

The bikemaker’s plans of introducing 10 new models in 2020 have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic

• The brand will introduce its smaller bikes by early-2021 at the latest. 
• Its 500cc BS6 range is expected to launch by end-2020.
• Benelli has already launched the BS6 Imperiale 400 in India.
• Benelli’s bigger bikes may receive a major makeover for the upcoming year.

COVID-19 may have delayed Benelli’s plans of launching 10 new models in India this year, but it is determined to come back even stronger as the two-wheeler industry starts to gain momentum. It’s expected to launch its 500cc range by the end of this year, with the smaller sub-400cc motorcycles will be introduced into the market by early 2021. Higher up the pecking order lie larger motorcycles including the BS6 TNT 600 and 600RR, TRK 800, and the Leoncino 800. According to sources, the TNT 600 will hit the market by mid-2021. While there’s no official word from the brand, we believe the rest of the larger capacity motorcycles may follow suit soon after.

We already know quite a bit about these bikes. The Benelli TNT 600 or the SRK 600 has received a massive overhaul under Benelli’s sister brand QJ Motors. Apart from the sharp styling, the bike now features a full-colour TFT instrument console, keyless ignition, and all-LED lighting. Powering the streetfighter overseas is a 600cc inline-four liquid-cooled engine which puts out 81.5PS at 11,000rpm and 55Nm at 8000rpm, linked to a 6-speed transmission. Read all about it here. The same platform may spawn into 600RR, a fully faired sportbike. 

The TRK 800 or the SRB 750 is no different either. It’s been designed and developed under QJ Motors. It looks like it's inspired by the Triumph Tiger 900, but gets a unique set of design elements that set it apart. For example, the SRB 750 comes with LED turn indicators integrated into the fairing and a low-set subframe which should offer a low seat height for both rider and pillion. Benelli intends to use the same platform to develop its own TRK 800 which would be designed in Italy, thus giving it its own identity. More details here.

Last but not the least, is the Leoncino 800 which packs a 754cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine making 81.5PS and 67Nm. It’s been restyled for distinction from its younger sibling and even gets more premium hardware and features. Head here for more details.

The launch of bigger capacity motorcycles will help Benelli cement its position as a premium yet affordable motorcycle brand here in India.