Benelli working on a 150 cc step-through - Report

Benelli wants to increase its product portfolio in the smaller capacity market segment.

Benelli, the Italian motorcycle brand owned by the Chinese Qianjiang Group is set to make a 150 cc moped which will be a first for the brand, reports Paultan.org. The term 'moped' is a Malaysian slang for a step-through body type.

The manufacturer has also appointed the MForce Bike Holdings as the official distributor for Malaysia. This deal includes assembly, after sales, spare parts as well as distribution. Existing customers who bought their motorcycles from the previous distributors, Benelli Keeway, will also be getting support from the new distributor.

Benelli has three major launches for this year, the Benelli Leoncino, Benelli TRK502 and Benelli Tornado 302. These motorcycles are also set to be launched in India, along with the Benelli TNT 135 which will be a premium monkey bike in India.

The manufacturer this month released a teaser video of the Benelli TNT 15 which showcases a more upmarket version of the bike sold in Indonesia and Vietnam. It gains a sportier body, rear disc brake and upside down front forks.

No details have been released about the 150 cc moped yet, and the two-wheeler is unlikely to make its way to India, as step-throughs have been rejected by Indian two-wheeler buyers.

[Source: Paultan.org]