Benelli TNT600i Review

Benelli TNT 600i Review: The Italian Stallion with a Roar

About Benelli TNT 600i

Benelli, one of the oldest Italian motorcycle manufacturers, has always had a penchant for blending passion with performance. With the TNT 600i, Benelli brought their signature flair to the Indian middleweight segment, offering a unique four-cylinder experience in a market dominated by twins. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the Benelli TNT 600i stand out, where it excels, and where it leaves riders wanting more.

**Design and Styling: Bold Italian Statement**

The TNT 600i is a head-turner in every sense. With its aggressive naked styling, beefy stance, and signature underbelly exhausts, the bike exudes Italian charisma. The exposed trellis frame in red, muscular fuel tank, and sharp tank shrouds give it a purposeful look. The split seat and minimal tail section add sportiness, while the twin underseat exhausts are not just aesthetically pleasing but also deliver a visual and auditory punch.

Fit and finish are commendable, with quality paintwork and plastics. The switchgear feels premium, though a few elements—like the analog-digital instrument cluster—feel a touch dated compared to modern TFT displays. Nevertheless, the overall build quality inspires confidence.

**Engine and Performance: Four-Cylinder Symphony**

The heart of the TNT 600i is its 600cc, inline-four engine—an absolute rarity in its segment. Churning out around 85 PS at 11,500 rpm and 54.6 Nm at 10,500 rpm, this motor is all about smoothness and refinement. The power delivery is linear, making it approachable for new riders, yet rewarding for the experienced ones.

The real highlight, however, is the symphony from the underseat exhausts. The TNT 600i produces a distinct, throaty growl at idle that crescendos into a wailing scream as you climb the rev range. It’s an intoxicating experience, reminiscent of bigger, more expensive four-cylinder motorcycles.

Performance-wise, the bike accelerates briskly, especially after 6,000 rpm, where the engine truly comes alive. The 6-speed gearbox offers positive shifts, and the clutch action is light enough for city use. However, low-end torque isn’t its forte, making frequent downshifts necessary in heavy traffic.

**Ride and Handling: Stability Over Agility**

The TNT 600i is underpinned by a steel trellis frame, paired with chunky 50mm USD front forks and an adjustable monoshock at the rear. The setup provides a firm yet comfortable ride, with the suspension soaking up undulations and keeping the bike composed at speed.

At 231 kg (kerb), the TNT 600i isn’t light, and you feel the heft in tight corners or while maneuvering at low speeds. However, once on the move, the weight translates into impressive high-speed stability. The wide handlebars offer good leverage, making direction changes manageable, though it doesn’t feel as flickable as some of its twin-cylinder rivals.

Tyres—120/70 ZR17 up front and 180/55 ZR17 at the rear—offer decent grip, inspiring confidence in bends. The bike’s 1500 mm wheelbase contributes to its planted nature, especially on highways.

**Braking and Safety: Adequate but Could be Better**

The TNT 600i features twin 320mm petal discs with radial calipers at the front and a single 260mm disc at the rear. Braking performance is reassuring, with progressive bite and good feedback from the levers. However, the absence of switchable ABS (depending on model year and market) is a letdown, especially given the performance on tap.

**Comfort and Practicality: Urban Cruiser with a Wild Side**

Rider ergonomics on the TNT 600i strike a balance between sporty and comfortable. The slightly rear-set footpegs and upright handlebars make it suitable for daily commutes and long rides alike. The seat is well-padded, though the pillion seat is small and best suited for short hops.

Heat management is decent, but in heavy traffic, the four-cylinder engine does radiate noticeable warmth. The fuel tank, at 15 liters, offers a respectable range, though the bike’s thirst for high-octane fuel is something to keep in mind.

**Features and Instrumentation: Functional but Dated**

The TNT 600i keeps things simple, with an analog tachometer and a digital display for speed, fuel level, and trip information. While functional, it misses out on modern amenities like a full-color TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, or riding modes—features that are increasingly common in this segment.

**Ownership and After-sales: Growing Support**

Benelli has been steadily expanding its dealership and service network in India. Spare parts availability and service quality have improved, though it’s still not on par with more established Japanese brands. The TNT 600i’s robust build means it can handle Indian conditions, but owners should budget for slightly higher maintenance costs, especially for consumables and spares.

**Verdict: Old-school Charisma in a Modern Package**

The Benelli TNT 600i isn’t just another middleweight naked—it’s one of the few bikes in its class to offer a proper four-cylinder experience at a relatively accessible price point. Its intoxicating exhaust note, solid road presence, and stable ride make it a compelling proposition for enthusiasts seeking something different from the usual twin-cylinder fare.

However, it does carry some old-school quirks: weight, a dated instrument cluster, and slightly higher running costs. But for those who value character, sound, and the sheer joy of a high-revving inline-four, the TNT 600i delivers in spades.

In a world of increasingly homogenized motorcycles, the Benelli TNT 600i stands out as a bold, soulful Italian machine—one that appeals as much to the heart as it does to the head. If you crave an emotional riding experience and love the sound of a screaming four-pot engine, the TNT 600i is a bike that deserves a spot on your shortlist.

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