Benelli TNT R (Standard)

The Benelli TNT R is a streetfighter version of the Tornado TRE 1130 R sportsbike. The basic design of the motorcycle, hasn’t strayed very far from that of the original TNT 1130, which has been on sale since 2004. The TNT Rs chiselled body, aggressive styling and the capable chassis perfectly embodies the hooligan spirited naked motorcycles, with a touch of Italian flavour. It gets elegant yet indisputably sporty lines, which is accentuated by the exposed frame. While the TNT Rs styling might not suit everyone’s tastes, the motorcycle does stand out in the crowd. The exhaust system in itself is a work of art.

The exhaust manifolds wraps itself around the engine getting off at the bottom and then climbs back up again towards the tail, where it ends in a racing endpipe, perfectly integrated between the number license plate holder and the tail lamp.The TNT R is built around a tubular steel trellis bolstered with strong aluminium plates in the pivot of the swingarm. It is powered by an inline triple engine which delivers 155.5bhp and 120Nm of torque through a six-speed transmission with dry clutch. Suspension duties are taken care of by adjustable 50mm inverted Marzocchi forks at the front and a Sachs monoshock absorber in the rear.

The lightweight forged aluminium five-spoke alloy wheels are equipped with two 320mm discs at the front and a 240mm single disc in the rear.Unlike its competition, Benelli doesn’t have an ABS or other fancy electronic aids system in any of its motorcycles, and its the same story for this flagship model. It rivals other litre-class naked motorcycles like the Triumph Speed Triple, Kawasaki Z1000, Yamaha FZ1, Moto Guzzi Sports 8V BMW S1000R and the Aprilia Tuono V4.