The very stylish, funky Benelli TNT 1130
The first thing about the TNT 1130 is its styling, which is about as subtle as a bright yellow Lamborghini Countach. Everything about the Benelli – the chassis, with its mix of circular-section aluminium tubing and alloy bits, underseat exhaust, funky front fairing, minimalist bodywork with its organic shapes and curves and huge headlamps – shouts ‘look at me!!’ Lots of bits and pieces thrown together randomly, or a beautifully styled streetfighter? You decide. But one thing’s for sure - it’s a bike that’ll get you second (and third, and fourth…) looks, everywhere you go. Definitely not for the shy then.
The TNT’s talents aren’t, however, only skin deep. There’s that 1130cc, 141 horsepower engine for starters. Benelli have always chosen to go against established norms (the 1970s/1980s Benelli Sei, available with 750cc and 900cc six-cylinder engines saw to that…), the TNT continues the tradition. The bike’s 1130cc engine is a triple, based on the Benelli Tornado’s 900cc unit, but extensively modified and reworked for more power and torque.
Suspension and chassis parts are top-spec, with an inverted Marzocchi fork up front, and multi-adjustable monoshock at the back. Massive Brembos handle stopping duties, which is just as well because the TNT is capable of speeds of up to 250km/h. Italian motorcycles rule!
Engine: 1130cc, inline-three
Power: 141bhp@11500rpm
Top speed: 250km/h
In a line: Care to see my motor…?
2 comments:
I have a 2007 Benelli TNT 1130. Within the first hour I brought it home it broke down and the dealer had to pick it up. It also shut off on me once while I was riding it. Now it's been at the dealer since the last riding season.
The problem apparently was a heat shielding issue for the wire going to the turn signals and brake light (the wires inside the heat shielded main coil were not shielded and melted together thus shorting out the bike). The dealer received new parts from Benelli and put in extra heat shielding and assures me that the problem is fixed. We'll see.
Still, I love the bike. When it runs, it is incredible. Very flickable and the torque is strong from standstill. The gearbox is a pain and you can forget about finding NEUTRAL (catching it while rolling to a stop is the only way).
I have two 2008 Benellis, and they both perform flawlessly. As stated, they are amazing to ride, and just as fun to look at. I have never had a problem finding neutral from a dead stop, and I find the shifting to be vastly smoother and quieter than any other bike I have owned. With the new parts warehouse in Texas, parts are readily available, and service time quite quick. I love finding exclusive stuff that works great that nobody else has. Eventually, the secret will get out, and there will be more on the road, but for now, it is a great feeling to blow people's minds when they see something totally fresh and unexpected. The beauty and performance speak for themselves if you have the balls to buy one.
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