Tweet
After the rather unfortunate chain of events that took place with Benelli’s previous partner, DSK Group in India, Benelli’s market presence has taken a hit. But Benelli had tied up with the Mahavir group some time back and they are planning a rather dramatic comeback in the Indian market. And what better way to do that by making changes to the portfolio. So, Benelli has discontinued some old models, plans to launch some new models. They are even looking to enter new segments.
Firstly, the Benelli Imperiale series might make it to India. The classic themed motorcycles are offered in two variants, 400 and 530. They are supposed to go against the likes of Royal Enfield’s Classic 350. The Indian market has recently seen the launch of a number of adventure-tourers and Benelli wants to capitalize on this growing segment as well. They are also looking to bring their Leoncino and TRK series of motorcycles here in India.
Both the Leoncino and TRK will probably be offered in 2 variants- one more focused towards touring i.e. road-focused and the second variant will be a more rugged model for off-roading fun. Leoncino 500 and Leoncino Trail were supposed to br launched in India in 2019 but we might seem them coming to our shores earlier. As early as the end of 2018.
The strategy implemented by Benelli is to bring in their 500cc twin-cylinder platform in two chassis options. The changes in the chassis and wheel sizes will be in accordance with the models e.g. 17” front wheel for the road-touring motorcycle and 19” wheels for the off-roader. Spoked wheels, increased suspension travel and probably knobby tyres might make their way to the off-road focused model.
The existing 499cc parallel-twin engine produces 46 bhp of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 45 Nm of peak torque at 4,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Hardware list includes USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Stopping power will be provided by disc brakes on both the ends, with ABS included as standard.
Dante Bustos, Chief Marketing Officer, Benelli, said, “Our first step is to bring in the twin-cylinder 500cc platform, which comes in two chassis, two models and four variants. The Leoncino will come with on-road and off-road options, as will the TRK. There will be some modifications in the suspension set up, muffler, tyres and wheels to make these bikes more flexible for both riding conditions.”
Apart from this he also said this: “We took a fast decision of not to be out of the market for a long time after the problem came up. The first thing to do was revise from among all the relationships we had built. Our focus in India in the next two years will be in the 300-600 cc segment. We will launch 12 models by the end of 2019. Also, now we are working on a single cylinder strategy, for motorcycles with displacements of 135-200 cc, which is also a new technology. We plan to come to India with these, we cannot exactly say when but it won’t be before 2019.”
The company is considering motorcycles with an engine displacement in the range of 135-200 cc, which will rival the Bajaj Pulsar and the TVS Apache range. The company already has the Benelli TNT 135, TNT 150 and the TNT 200 in the international markets. By 2019, Benelli plans to introduce as many as 10 to 12 bikes. The upcoming motorcycles will include upgrades and new models across three segments – city riding, cruising and adventure riding.
The Benelli TNT 200 can be a rival to the KTM Duke 200, Bajaj Pulsar 200 and the TVS Apache RTR 200. The bike is powered by a 199.4 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The fuel-injected motor is capable of producing 21.5 bhp of maximum power and 18 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, the Benelli TNT 150 can rival the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160, TVS Apache RTR 160, Honda X-Blade, Suzuki Gixxer and the Yamaha FZ-S. The motorcycle employs a 148 cc, single-cylinder motor that produces 11 bhp of power at 7500 rpm and 11.70 Nm at 6500 rpm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
Apart from this there is also a sad news for the fans of Benelli in India. The Benelli TNT 899 and TNT 1130 have been discontinued in India. Also, the company does not plan to bring back the TNT 600 GT and TNT 25.
Apart from capturing the market, Benelli is also looking to offer some benefits to their existing customers as well. The company has stated that it has revised the service intervals from every 4,000 kms or four months periodic service to 6,000 kms or six months periodic service. With the change in service schedule, the cost of servicing has dropped up to 34 per cent and this benefit is offered to all existing customers owning Benelli TNT25, TNT 300 TNT 302R TNT 600i TNT 600 GT and TNT 899 models
Firstly, the Benelli Imperiale series might make it to India. The classic themed motorcycles are offered in two variants, 400 and 530. They are supposed to go against the likes of Royal Enfield’s Classic 350. The Indian market has recently seen the launch of a number of adventure-tourers and Benelli wants to capitalize on this growing segment as well. They are also looking to bring their Leoncino and TRK series of motorcycles here in India.
Both the Leoncino and TRK will probably be offered in 2 variants- one more focused towards touring i.e. road-focused and the second variant will be a more rugged model for off-roading fun. Leoncino 500 and Leoncino Trail were supposed to br launched in India in 2019 but we might seem them coming to our shores earlier. As early as the end of 2018.
The strategy implemented by Benelli is to bring in their 500cc twin-cylinder platform in two chassis options. The changes in the chassis and wheel sizes will be in accordance with the models e.g. 17” front wheel for the road-touring motorcycle and 19” wheels for the off-roader. Spoked wheels, increased suspension travel and probably knobby tyres might make their way to the off-road focused model.
The existing 499cc parallel-twin engine produces 46 bhp of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 45 Nm of peak torque at 4,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Hardware list includes USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Stopping power will be provided by disc brakes on both the ends, with ABS included as standard.
Dante Bustos, Chief Marketing Officer, Benelli, said, “Our first step is to bring in the twin-cylinder 500cc platform, which comes in two chassis, two models and four variants. The Leoncino will come with on-road and off-road options, as will the TRK. There will be some modifications in the suspension set up, muffler, tyres and wheels to make these bikes more flexible for both riding conditions.”
Apart from this he also said this: “We took a fast decision of not to be out of the market for a long time after the problem came up. The first thing to do was revise from among all the relationships we had built. Our focus in India in the next two years will be in the 300-600 cc segment. We will launch 12 models by the end of 2019. Also, now we are working on a single cylinder strategy, for motorcycles with displacements of 135-200 cc, which is also a new technology. We plan to come to India with these, we cannot exactly say when but it won’t be before 2019.”
The company is considering motorcycles with an engine displacement in the range of 135-200 cc, which will rival the Bajaj Pulsar and the TVS Apache range. The company already has the Benelli TNT 135, TNT 150 and the TNT 200 in the international markets. By 2019, Benelli plans to introduce as many as 10 to 12 bikes. The upcoming motorcycles will include upgrades and new models across three segments – city riding, cruising and adventure riding.
The Benelli TNT 200 can be a rival to the KTM Duke 200, Bajaj Pulsar 200 and the TVS Apache RTR 200. The bike is powered by a 199.4 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The fuel-injected motor is capable of producing 21.5 bhp of maximum power and 18 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, the Benelli TNT 150 can rival the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160, TVS Apache RTR 160, Honda X-Blade, Suzuki Gixxer and the Yamaha FZ-S. The motorcycle employs a 148 cc, single-cylinder motor that produces 11 bhp of power at 7500 rpm and 11.70 Nm at 6500 rpm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
Apart from this there is also a sad news for the fans of Benelli in India. The Benelli TNT 899 and TNT 1130 have been discontinued in India. Also, the company does not plan to bring back the TNT 600 GT and TNT 25.
Apart from capturing the market, Benelli is also looking to offer some benefits to their existing customers as well. The company has stated that it has revised the service intervals from every 4,000 kms or four months periodic service to 6,000 kms or six months periodic service. With the change in service schedule, the cost of servicing has dropped up to 34 per cent and this benefit is offered to all existing customers owning Benelli TNT25, TNT 300 TNT 302R TNT 600i TNT 600 GT and TNT 899 models
Comment