The Benelli 600i and 600 GT share the same engines and mechanicals but are targeted at different audiences in the middleweight segment.
The middleweight performance motorcycle segment is the next big thing in the Indian two-wheeler space and certainly has some very interesting options available in the market at present. Joining the lineup, Italian manufacturer Benelli has officially launched two new motorcycles in this space called the TNT 600i (BN 600i) and the TNT 600 GT (BN 600 GT in other markets), priced at Rs. 5.15 lakhs and Rs. 5.62 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively. Brought in as CKDs, here is what the two new bikes have to offer to the performance lovers in this segment.
Design – Despite the same underpinnings, it is the styling where the middleweight TNT 600i and 600GT are poles apart. The Benelli TNT 600i is a muscular looking motorcycle with strong road presence and is visually heavy, courtesy of the sculpted fuel tank, small headlamp and meaty Pirelli tyres. Adding to the oomph factor are the minimal side fairing, split seats, slender LED turn indicators and twin-triangular under seat exhaust that makes the 600i a spectacle. The analog-digital instrument cluster, though effective is not exceptional.
The TNT 600 GT is taller by 100 mm but shorter by 10 mm being distinguishably different from the 600i. The bike gets a half-fairing partially covering the fuel tank and a comfortable step-up seat with an upright seating posture. Instead of the under-seat exhaust, the tourer gets an underbelly unit and a fuel tank capacity of 27-litres ensuring a long-range. The 600 GT is also the only bike in Benelli’s lineup to get a projector headlamp.
Engine – In terms of power, both middleweight bikes use the 600cc inline four-cylinder, 16-valve, liquid-cooled engine that produces 85.07 HP of power at 11,500 RPM and 54.6 Nm of torque at 10,500 RPM. Both the bikes get a 6-speed transmission. In terms of performance, the 0-100 km/hr run on the TNT 600i takes flat 4.0 seconds which increases to 4.2 seconds on the 600 GT.
Mechanicals – Based on the same Trestle frame, both the 600i and 600 GT share their underpinnings but have been designed differently to appeal to varied buyers. While the TNT 600i is the performance inclined street-fighter, the 600 GT tourer ensures longer riding hours and multiple mounting options for the luggage. In terms of mechanicals, both the bikes use 50 mm USD front forks and an adjustable monoshock set-up at the rear; while stopping power comes from 320 mm front floating discs with 4-piston calipers and a single 260 mm rear disc with dual piston calipers. ABS has been missed on both bikes and is not even offered as optional.
The TNT 600i is currently the most affordable inline 4-cylinder on offer today and also the first bike in its segment to get under-seat twin exhausts that add to the menacing looks of this Italian street fighter. The 600 GT, on the other hand, is more purpose built with an explorer friendly aura around itself. The bike is designed to absorb all terrains in absolute comfort and is more practical of the two. Both the TNT 600i and 600 GT are being brought into the country via the CKD route from China and will be sold through the nine dealerships that Benelli has established in the past months.
Make sure to read our review of the 2015 Benelli TNT 600i HERE and the TNT 600 GT review HERE.
