DSK-Benelli TNT 899 First Review

The mid-range performance naked motorcycle is a segment that has witnessed a lot of growth with respect to sales recently. Prime examples of this are the Kawasaki Z800 and Triumph Street Triple which despite their around Rs 8 lakh price tag have been successful in bringing in healthy sales. One of the main reasons for this is that the mid-range performance naked motorcycles have a relaxed and upright riding posture unlike its faired siblings which is a boon for day to day riding. The recently announced DSK-Benelli venture also wants to cash in on this segment and for this purpose it will launch the TNT 899 in our two-wheeler market soon.

The styling of the bike is almost DSK-Benelli TNT 899 and is similar to its flagship offering the TNT 1130R. With its beefy and chiselled fuel tank, stubby mudguard, aggressively styled headlamps, chunky tank shrouds and tubular frame, the Benelli TNT 899 is all muscle. The DSK-Benelli TNT 899 also features an under seat exhaust system like its larger sibling. The only visual difference between the two bikes is the lack of carbon fibre bits and in terms of proportions and dimension they are identical. 

The biggest difference between both the Benelli offerings is their heart. As the name suggests the DSK-Benelli TNT 899 is powered by an 899cc, in-line-three cylinder motor. The liquid-cooled motor churns out 122PS at 9,500rpm and 88Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm. The power output is significantly higher than its immediate rivals, the Kawasaki Z800’s powerplant generates 113PS and 83Nm of peak torque whereas the Triumph Street Triple’s mill pumps out 79PS and 57Nm. Power is transmitted to the rear-wheel via a 6-speed gear box whereas slipper clutch is standard.

The DSK-Benelli TNT 899 employs a tubular trestle front frame section and an aluminium rear section as seen on the DSK-Benelli TNT 1130R. Although the bike sports a beefy 50mm upside down forks sourced from Marzocchi and ZF Sachs monoshock setup at the rear, they aren’t adjustable as the flagship offering to keep costs low. 

Braking responsibilities are handled by twin 320mm dia floating wave discs with radial mounted Brembo monoblock 4 piston callipers at front and single 240mm dia wave disc with Brembo twin piston calliper at the back. The DSK-Benelli TNT 899 runs on 120mm section rubber at front and meaty 190mm section rubber at the rear and both the tyres are shod on 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels. The wheelbase and fuel tank capacity of the TNT 899 remain unchanged at 1,443mm and 16-litre respectively. The bike tips the scale at 202kg, which is significantly lighter than the Kawasaki Z800 at 231kg but it is heavier than the Triumph Street Triple that weighs in at 188kg.

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DSK-Benelli haven’t revealed pricing for the TNT 899 but we expect it to be priced around Rs 7.5 lakh while the Kawasaki Z800 retails for Rs 8.05 lakh and the Triumph Street Triple carries a price tag of Rs 7.65 lakh both prices are ex-showroom Delhi. If DSK-Benelli is able to price the TNT 899 aggressively then it makes a curious case for itself as the TNT 899 has the styling, higher power output and better cycle parts.