EICMA 2014: Benelli BN251 unveiled
The India-bound Benelli BN251 was premiered at the EICMA 2014. This naked street bike is currently the smallest of Benellis and at first glance, the BN251 reminds one of the Duke siblings, 200 and 390. Similar to the Dukes, the Benelli BN251 has an exposed steel trellis frame with an inverted telescopic fork at the front and two-sided monoshock swingarm at the rear. The BN251 measures 2080mm in length, 805mm in width and 1090mm in height. The wheelbase is 1385mm while the ground clearance is 130mm. While the kerb weight hasn't been disclosed yet, the BN can hold 16.5 litres of fuel in its chunky tank.
Powering the BN251 is a 249cc liquid cooled single cylinder engine which makes 24.5PS of power and 21Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch wheels with chunky rubber. Unlike the Duke though, the Benelli has a side slung exhaust and an analogue tachometer.
Benelli entered the Indian market recently in a collaboration with DSK Motors. The announcement by both the companies says that the entire range of Benelli motorcycles will make its way to the Indian market and will be locally assembled. A 1600cc motorcycle is also expected to join the ranks thereafter. By the end of 2015, Benelli-DSK aim to have around 20 dealerships up and running in the country.