Benelli has registered two patents for its upcoming
TNT 600i naked roadster, reports Bennetts. Both variants were spotted in the
past, although the first motorcycle (codename BJ600GS), which comes with a KTM
Duke-style front fascia, was only seen in low-resolution images while the
second bike (codename BJ600GS-3A) was revealed via clearer (leaked)
photographs.
Both bikes feature full-LED lighting (headlight,
blinkers and taillight), a muscular fuel tank with a dual-tone finish,
underbelly exhaust and a rear-tyre hugger mounted number plate. The tank
shrouds on the BJ600GS-3A are slightly narrower than on the BJ600GS. Moreover,
the logo position on the fuel tank is different on both bikes. The saddle on
the first bike BJ600GS is a single-piece unit, while the other uses a split
style setup. The taillight appears to be noticeably different too. There are
some differences in the cockpit, and the BJ600GS uses a bigger instrument
console.
Both models are built around a tubular trellis frame
that looks identical to the current TNT 600i. The swingarm and the shock
absorption hardware also look unchanged. The suspension department comprises an
asymmetrically mounted monoshock at the back and inverted telescopic forks at
the front. Anchoring power comes from twin discs at the front and a single
rotor at the back, while the safety net will most likely include just the ABS
tech.
The engine layout is identical to the current model.
Thus, the BS-VI/Euro-V compliant TNT 600i will use an inline four-cylinder
engine, but maybe in a slightly different displacement. For reference, the
existing model's BS-IV/Euro-IV compliant 600 cc inline four-cylinder,
liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve engine with fuel injection tech makes 85 PS of
peak power at 11,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 54.6 Nm at 10,500 rpm. The
exhaust setup has also witnessed changes, as the new models drop the under-seat
unit for a more compact unit. A similar exhaust canister was also seen on the
TNT 600GT.
The new motorcycle should debut at the 2019 EICMA
motor show in Milan, Italy that is scheduled between 5-10 November. It will
compete against the likes of the Kawasaki Z650, Suzuki GSX-S750 and the CFMoto
650NK in the Indian market. Vikas Jhabakh, Benelli India’s Managing Director,
confirmed in an interview that the TNT 600i, which has been a crown jewel of
the company’s portfolio, will be retained post the BS-VI upgrade.