Benelli will be launching the TNT 15 150cc motorcycle alongside the TNT 25 later this year in Indonesia and the automaker could consider bringing the model to India.
Benelli made its foray into the Indian market earlier this year with a host of performance products ranging from 300-1130cc. However, the automaker has bigger plans and intends to bring motorcycles in the mass market 150cc category in the future. Now, the Chinese owned Italian automaker has showcased the TNT 15 150cc motorcycle in Indonesia and will be launching the same in the South East Asian country in the following months. The TNT 15 though makes a good case for the Indian market as well and we reckon Benelli will bring the model to the country in the future.
Measuring 2040 mm in length, 780 mm in width and 1070 mm in height, the TNT 15 has its styling inspired from bigger Benelli’s and gets TNT 300-like headlamp, engine cowl and faux air shrouds flanked on either side of the fuel tank. There is a three-piece analog-digital instrument console and it also gets split seats for that sporty look. The bike rides on 5-spoke alloy wheels and also uses a matte black finished exhaust muffler, which compliments the all-black engine.
In terms of power, the 2015 Benelli TNT 15 uses a 148cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, 2-valve, single-cylinder engine with a 9.2:1 compression ratio and comes paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The bike also sports telescopic front forks and a monoshock setup at the rear while braking power comes from a front disc and rear drum brake setup. The TNT 15 uses 90/90/17 front and 110/90/17 rear tyres. Benelli will be launching the TNT 15 along with the TNT 25 single-cylinder offering later this year in Indonesia and will mainly compete against the best selling Honda Verza in the segment.
While the official prices are yet to be announced, Benelli did convey that the TNT 15 will be priced around 18 million Indonesian Rupiah (around Rs. 86,000/-). In terms of the Indian context, Benelli will first look at building the brand, followed by expanding its base across the country before bringing a mass market product. That said, the TNT 15 when launched in India will compete in the highly populated 150cc segment against the Bajaj Pulsar, Yamaha FZ, Suzuki Gixxer and a plethora of other options.
Source – Tmcblog.com
