Benelli TnT 600i ABS
Honey, I woke up the neighbours
THE UNIVERSE ALWAYS balances life. When I was told that I would not be headed to the Kari Motor Speedway for the jury evaluation of our awards, I was a bit disappointed to be honest. But all of that went right out the window when I was also told that I had the Benelli TnT 600i, the newest member of the evo India fleet, for a full week.
In that week I have ridden the bike to Kamshet, Pavana, Malshej and Lavasa and every other place you can think of on the outskirts of Pune. First things first, like all other Benellis, the TnT is one of the best sounding machines in the business today. Even among the Benelli lot, the TnT 600i is the only 4-cylinder bike. Honestly, I have not yet heard of a motorcycle under `6 lakh that offers as much aural pleasure as this Benelli does. It gives you a sensation
Tof going faster than you are. Tipping the scales at 231kg without a single drop of fuel or fluids, this bike is a heavyweight. Although this means that commuting through peak traffic isn’t really easy, out on the highway it feels solid. It is extremely stable at speeds over three digits and a 600cc lump means overtaking is a boon. The engine, in the truest traditions of an in-line four, is peaky. But the gear ratios are well spaced and hence the power delivery is linear. But after 9000rpm you have to be easy on the throttle as it starts singing its tune in a full throated voice and completely goes bonkers.
This is a nose heavy bike so tipping it over in the fast sweeping corners of the Lap of Mutha takes some time getting used to. But once you have understood the
Date acquired Duration of test
Total mileage Mileage this month
Overall kmpl Costs this month March 2016 1 month 10,037km 1047km 17kmpl Nil nuances of handling the TnT, it can be a lot of fun. The riding position is aggressive, courtesy a raised seat, flat handlebars and rear set footpegs which makes it perfect for twisties. It has only been a couple of weeks though and I am still getting to know her but I must say that I am enjoying life with the Benelli TnT 600i. Come to think of it, which other bike in the country offers an exotic sounding in-line four for just under `6 lakh? Life is good then.
Stay tuned to this space to find out what it’s like to live with this naked Italian babe on a day to day basis. ⌧