Next-gen Benelli TNT 600i spotted ahead of its global unveil

Team OD Updated: July 05, 2019, 10:36 AM IST

The Benelli TNT 600i has been one of the most popular models for the manufacturer in India and an all-new version of the middleweight naked streetbike has been spotted, presumably ahead of its global unveil. No prizes for guessing the TNT 600i gets a full cosmetic makeover and sports a completely new design language now. Needless to say, changes visible also include a brand-new, fully-digital instrument cluster. Interestingly, the headlamp design resembles that of the last generation KTM Duke series, and is an all-LED unit.

Its large fuel tank has always been a distinct design highlight on the TNT 600i and Benelli continues with the trend on the new version, as the tank design is very appealing here. What's more, fat front forks have always dominated the front ends of Benelli's motorcycles and the 600i does not buck that trend - the images here also show the bike's beefy upside down front forks, which accentuate its aggressive stance. The brake set-up is the same twin disc unit with a radially-mounted calliper at the front. The tail section is shorter, while the seat is a single piece, stepped unit. Effectively, this means that Benelli has reworked the rear subframe, though the chassis appears to be the same tubular unit seen on the current 600i. In keeping with the redesign, the new 600i also sports a rear wheel hugger.

The fully-digital instrument cluster uses a multicolour display and offers a plethora of information, of course including vitals like speed, fuel level and temperature amongst others.

The engine powering the new TNT 600i is expected to be a heavily reworked version of the current bike's inline four cylinder engine and of course, we expect it to be BS VI compliant. The current 600i offers 86PS and 54.6Nm of torque and we expect its updated version to offer higher outputs, in the region of 95PS and 60Nm though it could be mated to the same six-speed gearbox at the current version. We expect Benelli India to bring the bike to India early next year, though prices could go up from the current version's price of Rs 6.20 lakh ex-showroom. When launched, Benelli will expect the new TNT 600i to launch a fresh assault on its current rivals like the the Suzuki GSX-S750 and Triumph Street Triple S.