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re: Benelli TNT 300 | Ownership Experience | The "ITALIAN STALLION" arrives
Congrats
Congrats
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Benelli TnT 600i -
Re: Benelli TNT 300 || The "ITALIAN STALLION" arrives
Thanks Buddy. It sure is. They have plans to penetrate into many more cities is what I hear with more bikes to roll out from their stable.Originally posted by max007 View Post
Thanks. Keep rollingOriginally posted by Rolling View PostCongrats
Last edited by experimentalhead; 05-23-2015, 08:27 PM.Comment
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re: Benelli TNT 300 | Ownership Experience | The "ITALIAN STALLION" arrives
Congrats bud. Did you purchase the frame slider with it. When I checked the price quoted to me was 16k. Was wondering if this is a good price or should else where
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Re: Benelli TNT 300 || The "ITALIAN STALLION" arrives
Thanks mate. Still waiting for frame sliders. Today I was told that they are in transit for both 300 and 600. No idea about price yet.Originally posted by ironmarine View PostComment
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Re: Benelli TNT 300 || The "ITALIAN STALLION" arrives
Thank you for replying. Hopefully it comes in Kerala.Originally posted by experimentalhead View PostComment
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Re: Benelli TNT 300 || The "ITALIAN STALLION" arrives
I am sure they will enter KeralaOriginally posted by Pulsar220F View Post
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DSK Benelli TNT 300 - My Red Italian Beauty
My first memory of a bike is a ride with my late father, beloved sister and myself on the tank of a green Suzuki and this image is something that I will cherish for long not just to remember my father and the ride I had with him everyday when I was young but also to recollect the joy of riding.
Once my family upgraded to a nice little Maruti Omni during my high school days, my motorcycle riding experiences shortened considerably and working in the insurance sector, my father never let me risk my life with a motorcycle till I reached 25 years. It was hard for me growing up with other kids who had fancy TVS Victors, Pulsars, or Karizmas (yes TVS Victor was fancy at that time).
Nonetheless, the desire for motorcycling brewed quite high to an extent where I explored every opportunity to sneak a ride here and there. Finally, when my age outgrew my desire and when I was self sufficient and more matured, I decided to take the plunge and surprisingly convincing the family was not as hard as I thought. So, then came a classic, Royal Enfield Classic 500, my first ever bike and one that I will cherish till the end. I sold it within an year as I had to go abroad for higher studies and none in my family were either interested or free to keep maintaining the bull on a weekly basis. It was sad to let it go but it was the most practical thing I could do.
Selection and Buying Experience
After assessing the payment options, I finished the entire process within a day and the manger told I could pick up the bike in two days. On the day of delivery, I had to unfortunately wait for almost 2 hours as I was told that the RTA server was down for issuing a temporary registration (TR) and this got to my nerves as they could have sorted all this out before agreeing for a delivery or waited for all this to be in order before opening a showroom. Anyways, after two hours, the manager came up to me and suggested to take the delivery without a TR by taking a written acknowledgment of the delivery and suggested to avoid bumping into the traffic police and to drive safe.
Design, Build Quality and Operation
Other bits such as the fairing covering the radiator is well designed. It looks quite minimalistic yet very functional and in line with the rest of the body. The trellis frame in black colour on the red bike is not easily noticeable like the red one on the black colour except for the Italian sign of red, white and green. This, just like the one on the tank, is a nice detail and stands out thus showing the Italian cues to the curios folks. Also, the Benelli Sign is very attractive and exudes its long tradition in the first glance. The instrument cluster is basic yet functional including details such as coolant temperature, clock, odometer, trip meters, speed indicator and other usual bits. One interesting addition to this bike is the hazard light switch, which I think is really necessary for our road conditions.
Ride and Handling
Now coming to the brakes, I initially felt they were on the smoother side but when I tested it on a sharp deceleration, I realised that this feeling could be because of the play in the brake lever and that they (both front and rear brakes) are quite sharp and confident. For someone coming from a Classic 500, I was hesitant initially but the brakes were very assuring and inspired confidence across various instances (slow and hard braking).
Performance and Efficiency
Now coming to efficiency, the bike is averaging somewhere between 25-30 kmpl and thanks to the 16 litre fuel tank, long distance rides should be quite good in comparison to Duke 390. This I believe is another strong point for the Benelli TNT 300 especially considering the slightly touring heavy nature of this bike. Also, considering the fact that the bike was running perfectly smooth on highways using regular fuel even though the manual suggests minimum 93 octane petrol, the touring nature is more predominant and seems more optimum overall.
Accessories and Storage
With respect to accessories, the only one I have seen so far is the IXIL exhaust and it seems to be a worthy addition for folks who want to spice up their city rides. However, as indicated earlier, the exhaust note, which I believe is a key signature feature that is attracting lot of attention to this bike and potential upgrades from Classic 500, past 7000 rpm on IXIL needs to be tested. Also, at approximately Rs. 17000-18000, it seems expensive.
Under seat storage is barely there except for the toolkit and first aid kit. Hence, I have to probably explore other storage options like a saddle bag or the ones akin to 600 GT.
Service and Maintenance
In Hyderabad, the showroom is managed by Mahavir group and they have a terrible reputation with respect to their service for Skoda cars. That was the only hesitation I had while taking this bike but I somehow felt the bike is a quality product thus demanding less visits to the service centre (touch wood!). Maintenance seems to be quite normal except for the fact that this is the 1st bike I owned with a radiator and I have no clue how to clean it. Any suggestions would be gladly welcomed as I consider myself a newbie to sports bikes or even biking for that matter.
Conclusion
Few more pics for the curious folks.
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Ownership experience
First of all, I am sorry for delay in penning down my ownership experience. I thought I would ride the bike for a good amount of kilo meters before giving my opinion, as it gives me enough time to provide accurate information. I would not dig into technical specifications as they are available online already. This would be purely my experience.
Basis of experience:
The bike has run 1665 Kilo meters in one month.
Run-in done (First 1000 Kilometers should not exceed 5000 RPM; Should not cross 8000 RPM till 1600 Kilometers. Throttle can be opened post run-in)
Age of the bike: one month
Long rides done so far: three (Minimum 300 Kilo meters ride)
First service done at 1098 Kilometers after one month
Bike has been ridden in bumper to bumper traffic, National highways, State highways, country roads, bit of off road, on gravel roads due to road repair and in rain.
So, let me start:
Does it grab attention?
You have to see these Benelli bikes in flesh to realize how big and robust they are. Same applies to TNT 300 too. For some strange reason, these bikes do not look the actual size in pictures. Honestly, the bike may not look extra ordinary. But, it is quite a looker and grabs lot of attention. Thanks to big tyres, transformer like head lamps, well chiseled and proportionately big fuel tank and of course the offset rear shock on the right side. I felt Black body with red trellis frame contrast well and make the bike look different. Hence, chose the color. And, trust me this is a looker and grabs lot of attention, and I had to answer a volley of questions about the bike.
Instrument panel is a digital-analog combination which Works effectively and easy to read in day light conditions. Stickering is minimal which is a very good thing. However, stickers could be of better quality. Fit and finish is fine, except the welds on trellis frame which could have been better done.
Horn is Ok. Not very loud. But not bad either. Bike's exhaust compensates
Performance:
To begin with the bike is quite heavy which makes it lose out on power to weight battle. But, as I have mentioned in couple of my earlier posts, I would like to call this a ‘Hulk-natured’ machine. Weighs big, but can fly. Once you are on the bike, you do not feel the weight at all and very easy to handle. I would like to say that comparisons are always unfair. This is not as nimble as some of the other light weight machines. Nonetheless, machine is very easy to handle on the road. Word of caution is turning radius is long.
While riding the bike in bumper to bumper traffic, it does heat up and the moment temperature touches 92 degrees, fan kicks in and starts dissipating the heat. You will feel the hot air on your thighs, more on the right thigh. I did not feel much heat or no heat at all on my left thigh. The moment you start riding, temperature comes down and heating reduces to zero. During highway hauls, did not find any heating at all even after long continuous rides during which speed was varied constantly as bike was running-in.
I have got this machine more for touring purposes than for daily commuting. Now, with amount of heat experienced, I doubt whether this could be used for daily use. It does its naked-street tag justice when it comes to taking off and quickly making way through the traffic due to its bottom end torque.
Now, coming to touring on the bike. I took it out on three long one day rides and covered distances on 350, 450 and 524 kilometers on three rides respectively. Now, as mentioned earlier this bike does not heat up and does not show any sign of being sluggish or tired. It can go on and on. However, due to run-in constraints I was resting the bike for some time after riding for about an hour or two. It is an apt tourer. However, due to being a naked machine, cross winds and wind blasts are challenges at high speeds. Only after I completed 1000 Kilometers, I crossed 5000 RPM and boy, does it take off or what. After 1600 Kilometers I opened the throttle and this thing flies and since I had completed run in just then, I did not put too much load on engine. But I took it past 8000 RPM, and it brought a huge smile on my face. At 8000 RPM, I touched a speed of around 120 Kilometers after giving gradual bursts.
The bike is matured in twisties as it stays quite composed during changing directions. Yelagiri 14 hair pin bends were fun.
After run in, I could touch up to 60 kph in second gear, third can take this into 90’s and fourth up to 120 kph and 5th past that speed. I have not yet checked the top speed though. May be sometime very soon. Gear shifting, I found, was little hard initially. But gradually has become smooth. Post first service, it has become smoother.
Ergonomics and suspension:
Seating on this bike is quite comfortable for both rider and pillion. However, I personally found it little challenging in the beginning due to change in stance as I shifted from Avenger. Even my wife found it little difficult as pillion tends to lean forward on this machine, like any other sportier machine. While bursting out, I could lean little forward into a more aggressive stance. I can sit in proper upright position while cruising along without any pain anywhere. Perfect for long hauls.
Suspension is what has surprised me. At the time of delivery I was told by sales manager to not to modify suspension setting as it has been set right for Indian conditions. And, this is absolutely true. The way it soaks in bumps and pot holes and I also took it bit off road and had no issues at all. During my third ride, I rode on Gundlupet to Mysore road. Entire stretch is undergoing repair, and at one place entire stretch was of bigger size gravel, and bike too it happily. Only thing I missed on this machine while riding on that stretch was traction control system, which takes me to next thing, braking.
Braking:
Steel braided twin petal discs in the front and single disc in the rear do their job efficiently. They drop anchor at your call and provide a strong bite and progressive feedback. Also, the Pirellis do the job for what they are famous for. Tyres are sticky even in wet conditions. Absolutely brilliant combo. Had they given ABS, it would have been a killer. All in all, braking is very good and confidence inspiring. Have not gotten into any panic braking situation yet.
Mileage:
Since I did not rip the bike due to run-in constraints, I do not know what fuel efficiency it returns. But during run-in, I have got the mileage of 30 kph on highways when ridden sanely. In bumper to bumper traffic, I have not checked mileage as I hardly took it in such conditions. But, my estimate would be around 25 or 26 kph. And, for a tank capacity of 16 litres, this is really good for touring. With one full tank I covered 440 Kms on good roads, with at least two liters left and by maintaining a speed of around 80 kph.
Night riding. Lamps:
Both high beam and low beam lamps are very effective. The illumination and penetration are very good for night riding. The indicators are cool. Hazard lamp is a good addition for travelers.
Rear view mirrors:
Serve the purpose well. I found them good during my rides.
In a nut shell:
The bike is a fantastic product. At least, it definitely suits my needs. Couple of things I feel could have been better are, bike could have been smoother. It is smooth but could be smoother. And, ABS.
Finally, if you are someone who yearns for a beautiful exhaust note, then you do not have to search for exhausts. The stock one produces enchanting note which makes you forget everything and just engross in riding. Everyone else on the road will definitely turn and give that look “What was that! From where is it coming?!” You just acknowledge their appreciative looks and ride on.
PS: My beast is done with first service. Will post about service and post-service experience soon.Last edited by experimentalhead; 05-25-2015, 07:08 PM.Comment
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Re: Ownership experience
Good one bro! Nice to see another 300. Also glad to see the feedback post run-in. Congrats and let's hope we put many more miles on this amazing machine.Originally posted by experimentalhead View PostLast edited by classic_86; 05-25-2015, 07:21 PM.Comment
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re: Benelli TNT 300 | Ownership Experience | The "ITALIAN STALLION" arrives
Nice write up [MENTION=49942]experimentalhead[/MENTION] and @ classic_86
Have been glued to this thread and would want to tell that I too am expecting my 300 which is promised to be delivered during this week. Everyday now seems longer. Have booked black color.
Like everyone says here you have to see and feel the bike in flesh and you are sure to fall in love with this beauty.
So far the pre-purchase has been incredibly smooth and waiting for the day to take this beauty home. Another love affair yet to start.
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Re: Ownership experience
classic_86 Thanks buddy. Congratulations on your new beast. I just finished reading your review. Good one buddy. We have two things in common. Italian Stallion and MT helmet.
Ride safe and ride long. Enjoy.Comment
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Re: Ownership experience
Thank you to both of you for providing such detailed feedback for the bike. Goes a long way in helping others looking to buy it. The fit and finish is great and people really should not shy away from this just because it is made in China. Also [MENTION=49942]experimentalhead[/MENTION] the trellis frame welds are similar even on Ducati monsters so it's fine
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Thank you to both of you for providing such detailed feedback for the bike. Goes a long way in helping others looking to buy it. The fit and finish is great and people really should not shy away from this just because it is made in China. Also [MENTION=49942]experimentalhead[/MENTION] the trellis frame welds are similar even on Ducati monsters so it's fine
The way you ride is the way you are..
My Harley baraat!! | Ooty through a bike's perspective | KTM Duke 200 : A 20000 km experienceComment
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First Service
Thanks buddy. I noticed the same just now that even Ducati has similar weld finishing.Originally posted by Deathmate.Zed View PostThank you to both of you for providing such detailed feedback for the bike. Goes a long way in helping others looking to buy it. The fit and finish is great and people really should not shy away from this just because it is made in China. Also @experimentalhead the trellis frame welds are similar even on Ducati monsters so it's fine
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Thank you to both of you for providing such detailed feedback for the bike. Goes a long way in helping others looking to buy it. The fit and finish is great and people really should not shy away from this just because it is made in China. Also @experimentalhead the trellis frame welds are similar even on Ducati monsters so it's fine
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Thanks and welcome to the club. I am sure you will enjoy the company of this beast. Every monday I start dreaming and waiting for sunday when I get to ride my beast.Originally posted by ironmarine View PostNice write up @experimentalhead and @ classic_86
Have been glued to this thread and would want to tell that I too am expecting my 300 which is promised to be delivered during this week. Everyday now seems longer. Have booked black color.
Like everyone says here you have to see and feel the bike in flesh and you are sure to fall in love with this beauty.
So far the pre-purchase has been incredibly smooth and waiting for the day to take this beauty home. Another love affair yet to start.
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1st Service:
As my bike completed 1000 kms, I too started waiting for the day of first service. I was curious and little apprehensive as I had read lot of negative remarks about after-sales service from DSK with Hyosung. I got an SMS reminder about service with contact numbers of service managers. I called and booked appointment on 23rd
I hereby conclude my ownership experience. Please do let me know if any discrepancies. Please feel free to ask any questions. I would be more than happy to answer and get answers to the best of my ability and knowledge. Thanks for your patience.
Attached FilesLast edited by experimentalhead; 05-25-2015, 09:31 PM.Comment
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re: Benelli TNT 300 | Ownership Experience | The "ITALIAN STALLION" arrives
Originally posted by experimentalhead View Post
The Italian Stallion arrives and how! In style, indeed.
A detailed review coming soon
Many Congratulations Bro !!
Was waiting for this thread
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re: Benelli TNT 300 | Ownership Experience | The "ITALIAN STALLION" arrives
VIJAY BHUYAN88 Thanks buddy I have given as much information as I could muster out of me. If I have left out anything, please do let me know. I would try and provide the required information.
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