DSK Benelli TNT 25 (KTM Duke rival) to launch by Diwali 2015 - IAB Report

Will become the new entry-level offering for Benelli in India.

This week saw DSK Benelli launch its first five products in India, priced from INR 2.83 lakhs to INR 11.81 lakhs, ex-Showroom, New Delhi. Products such as the TNT 302, TNT 600i, TNT 600 GT, TNT 899 and TNT 1130 are available for sale at the moment.

Going forth, DSK Benelli officials announced at the launch that the company will bring 2 more products by Diwali this year (November 2015), provided homologation processes happen smoothly. One of these motorcycles is expected to be the TNT 25, which was showcased at the India Bike Week last month.

The TNT 25, when launched, will serve as the entry-level offering for the company, and will slot below the TNT 300 which is priced at INR 2.83 lakhs, ex-Showroom, New Delhi. Power for the TNT 25 comes from a liquid-cooled single-cylinder 249.2 cc engine which makes 24.1 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 2.1 kgm (20.59 Nm) of torque at 7,000 rpm.

To put this in perspective, the KTM Duke 200 makes 24.7 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 1.94 kgm (19.02 Nm) of torque at 8,000 rpm. There are further areas where the TNT 25 and Duke 200 come evenly matched. The brakes for example, on the TNT 25 are a 280 mm disc up front and a 240 mm at the rear. On the Duke 200, KTM provides a 280 mm at the front and a 230 mm at the back.

Both motorcycles get a USD front suspension, and while the Duke 200 gets an alloy swingarm for the rear, the Benelli TNT 25 manages with a box section unit. One department where the Duke upstages the competition is in weight. At 136.4 kg, the Duke is significantly lighter compared to the TNT 25's 150 kg.

Pricing will decide the final outcome, though the Benelli TNT 25 will surely attract new audience to the brand.

Rivals: KTM Duke 200, Honda CBR 250R
Expected Price Range: INR 1.5-2 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Tentative launch date: By November 2015