Benelli TNT 600i to be available in two design forms?
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.
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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.
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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.
[Source: Bennetts.co.uk]
