Details of Benelli Tornado 302, Arriving at Auto Expo

Italian motorcycle maker Benelli through its partnership with DSK is bringing its first fully-faired model to the country, at Auto Expo. Unveiled at 2015 EICMA, Benelli Tornado 302 happens to be the first fully-faired motorcycle in the company’s motorcycle fleet since the Tornado 1130, which came out in 2003. 

The Tornado 302 will land smack in the middle of the hot 300-odd cc sport bike segment, with competitors including the Yamaha YZF-R3, KTM RC390, and Ninja 300. DSK-Benelli has been performing well in the Indian market and the recent launch of TNT 25 - its smallest capacity bike here - has helped the company further strengthen its presence. Presently, the DSK-Benelli line-up includes the TNT range of naked motorcycles, from 250cc to 1130cc and the 600 GT sport tourer. 

 The Italian company promised to bring at least 4 products at the biggest motoring show in the country. All of them are low and mid-capacity motorcycles in the range of 300cc, 400cc, 500cc as well as a beautiful Scrambler. In addition, the company may try its hands at the popular 150cc segment with its TNT15. Internet reports suggest the India debut of Tornado 302 is not far away and the motorcycle could be launched at the Auto Expo.

Benelli Tornado 302 is powered by the same 300cc parallel twin engine with DOHC as its naked sibling, the TNT 300. This liquid-cooled powerplant is mated to a 6-speed transmission and produces around 34.9bhp of power at 12,000rpm and peak torque of 27Nm at 9,000rpm. The company claims the bike’s top speed to be 170kmph. Internationally, it has been tuned for reduced power and torque and a quieter exhaust note to meet the Euro4 emission norms. However, it will also be available with an upgrade kit for track racing purposes, offering a free-flow exhaust that raises the power output to 39.4bhp. 

 The faired version of TNT 300 is built around a reworked trellis frame with a plastic cover around the swingarm pivot. With this new setup, the engine becomes a member of the frame, which helped reducing weight from 196kg of the TNT 300 to 180kg for the Tornado 302 and also maintains a 50:50 weight distribution. 

The bike has been designed for both daily and sport use, meaning the suspension setup will be on the softer side, while the handlebar has been lowered. From the safety perspective, the company has fitted twin 260mm floating discs with a 4 piston calipers at the front, while a single 240mm disc with single piston caliper serves duty at the rear. ABS comes as an option. The 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels come shod with 110-section, and 150-section Metzelers tyre at the front and rear, respectively.

The final design of the motorcycle will be showcased the Auto Expo, along with its optional upgrades. We are expecting that the company might also launch it during the show. Along with Tornado 302, another important product that could change the scenario for Benelli in India is TNT15. Last month, Benelli launched the TNT25, which seems to have left biking enthusiasts impressed. We hope the company retains the trademark roaring exhaust note of its motorcycles.