Hitcher
24th November 2004, 20:45
Powered by a new 1131cc three-cylinder engine the TNT should grunt hard. The Italian manufacturer claims their new long-stroke engine produces 118 N-m of torque at 6750rpm and over 101kw (135hp) at 9250rpm. A sophisticated electronic fuel injection system with 53mm throttle bodies delivers the unleaded to the Nikasil coated sleeveless cylinders via four-valve combustion chambers. The 2005 model of the TNT also offers a dash mounted button that restricts the power a little to suit slippery conditions or where fuel economy is important.
While the radiator of the Tornado machine occupies a space under the seat, Benelli have chosen the side-mount radiator option for the TNT. Similar to that seen in some of Honda’s V engined sportsbikes.
The three-into-one exhaust system is made of stainless steel and comes together into a 60mm pipe before it snakes its way up under the seat and terminates in an oval shaped muffler. Electronically controlled flap valves are found in both the exhaust and the airbox to boost mid-range torque. Brembo provide the brakes while Marzocchi supplies the beefy 50mm inverted forks.
The first shipment of the TNT landed a few weeks ago and they were all snapped up by eastern states buyers. The second shipment is expected shortly and some machines are expected to make it to WA. The price of admission for this muscular exotic is $24500.
SPECS - Benelli TNT
Engine: 1131cc, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled four-stroke 12-valve DOHC
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 62mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Induction: Electronic fuel injection
Starter: Electric
Transmission: Six speed
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 1,419mm
Seat Height: 780mm
Dry Weight: 199kg
Fuel Capacity: 17 litres
Tyres: Front _ 120/70ZR17; Rear _ 190/50ZR17
Suspension: Front _ 50mm inverted forks, preload adjustable; Rear _ Single shock with an Ergal body
Brakes: Front _ 320mm discs with four-piston calipers; Rear _ 240mm single disc, twin-piston caliper
Price: A$24500
Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres
While the radiator of the Tornado machine occupies a space under the seat, Benelli have chosen the side-mount radiator option for the TNT. Similar to that seen in some of Honda’s V engined sportsbikes.
The three-into-one exhaust system is made of stainless steel and comes together into a 60mm pipe before it snakes its way up under the seat and terminates in an oval shaped muffler. Electronically controlled flap valves are found in both the exhaust and the airbox to boost mid-range torque. Brembo provide the brakes while Marzocchi supplies the beefy 50mm inverted forks.
The first shipment of the TNT landed a few weeks ago and they were all snapped up by eastern states buyers. The second shipment is expected shortly and some machines are expected to make it to WA. The price of admission for this muscular exotic is $24500.
SPECS - Benelli TNT
Engine: 1131cc, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled four-stroke 12-valve DOHC
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 62mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Induction: Electronic fuel injection
Starter: Electric
Transmission: Six speed
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 1,419mm
Seat Height: 780mm
Dry Weight: 199kg
Fuel Capacity: 17 litres
Tyres: Front _ 120/70ZR17; Rear _ 190/50ZR17
Suspension: Front _ 50mm inverted forks, preload adjustable; Rear _ Single shock with an Ergal body
Brakes: Front _ 320mm discs with four-piston calipers; Rear _ 240mm single disc, twin-piston caliper
Price: A$24500
Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres