IAB Report - DSK-Benelli tie-up announced; 5 bikes revealed for India

The DSK-Benelli tie-up was officially announced today, in an event held in Pune, Maharashtra. Initially, the brand will launch five products in the country by the end of this year. All products will be assembled from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits.

L-R: Stefano Mitchelloti Technical Director at Benelli, Mr. Stefano Lago Aftersales Benelli, Mr. DS Kulkarni Chairman DSK Group, Mr. Sirish Kulkarni Chairman DSK Motowheels and Mr. Frank Zhaung.

DSK and Benelli will setup exclusive dealerships in India, and not rely on DSK-Hyosung's outlets. Within the first year, dealerships are planned in nearly 20 cities. Major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad will get sales and service outlets over the next quarter.

Prices will be announced in two months.

Below are the products that will launch in India. The 302, 600i and 600GT are made in China, while the 899 and 1130R are made in Italy.

1. Benelli TNT 302

Benelli TNT302

TNT stands for 'Tornado Naked Tre', and the 302 will be the entry-level model for the company. Power comes from a twin-cylinder 300 cc engine producing 36.2 bhp and 2.75 kgm (26.9 Nm) of torque, matched to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike features an USD front suspension, a monoshock rear, double discs at the front and a single disc at the rear.

2. Benelli TNT 600i

Benelli TNT 600i

The 600i naked sportsbike is powered by an inline four-cylinder 600 cc engine that makes 80.5 bhp and 5.3 kgm (51.97 Nm) of torque. Its suspension and brake setup are identical to the TNT 302.

3. Benelli TNT 600GT

Benelli TNT 600GT

The 600GT gets a half-fairing and projector headlights in comparison to the 600i. It uses the same engine as the 600i, and even makes the same amount of power. However, it churns out a higher 5.6 kgm (54.91 Nm) of torque.

4. Benelli TNT 899

Benelli TNT 899

An 899 cc inline three-cylinder engine is at the heart of the TNT 899. This engine makes 123.4 bhp and 9 kgm (88.25 Nm) of torque.

5. Benelli TNT 1130R

Benelli TNT 1130R

The flagship of the range, the 1130R gets a 1,131 cc inline three-cylinder engine that packs in 155.6 bhp and 12.2 kgm (119.64 Nm) of torque.

DSK-Benelli India - Press Release

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