2017 Benelli TnT135
Benelli Keeway has
shown its intention to grab some of the local mini-moto market. Retailing at a
price of RM 8,469.40, including GST, the 2017 Benelli TnT135 is aiming for the newbie, fun
bike market currently dominated by the Kawasaki Z125 Pro.
Carrying an oil-cooled, 135 cc, twin-spark, SOHC
single-cylinder engine, the TNT135 produces a claimed 13 hp that Benelli says
is spread across the engine’s entire rev-range, making the bike flexible and
easy to ride. The engine is coupled to a five-speed gearbox, that allows the
rider to best match engine power to road speed.
Electric start is standard, and the slanted, sporty
exhaust is a nice design touch, very much resembling the exhausts on the MV
Agusta Brutale 800. The frame is a steel tube trellis-frame design, carrying
over in styling from the Benelli TnT25.
Suspension is with a 41 mm upside-down fork in
front, and a single shock absorber at the back that is adjustable for pre-load.
The TnT135 rolls on 12-inch alloy wheels with high-profile tyres, and LED
lighting features throughout. A digital instrument cluster displays all the
rider needs to know, with the overall styling having much in common with
Benelli’s bigger bikes.
The 2017
Benelli TnT135 compares favourably with the 125 cc, four-speed, 2016 Kawasaki
Z125 Pro, which retails at RM10,435, inclusive of GST. Rumour has it that the
Honda MSX125SF – aka the Grom – will also be released in Malaysia soon.
