Benelli
Under the wing of the rapidly growing Qianjiang empire, the last couple of years have seen plenty of leaks about Benelli's ambitious plans for the future, and the firm's launches for 2023 show some of those schemes are starting to be realised.
The headline new models for the European market include the TRK702 and TRK702X, a duo of Adventure bikes that appear to make Benelli's recently launched TRK800 somewhat redundant by offering the same level of power in a cheaper, lighter package. It is based around the new 698 cc twin that is also appearing in some QJMotor models, and appears to be a close relation to CFMoto's similarly-sized two-cylinder (itself a distant descendant of a Kawasaki design).
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| Tornado Naked Twin (TNT) 500 |
The TRK702 models each make 56 kW (75 hp) at 8,750 rpm, exactly matching the output of the Benelli-designed 754 cc twin used in the TRK800. The 702 chassis is similar to that of the 502 that's been topping Italian sales charts for the last couple of years, but the new bikes' styling and performance is on a far higher level.
Both TRK702 models are fitted with non-adjustable 50 mm USD forks and a monoshock that's adjustable for preload only. The 'X' version uses wire wheels, 19 inches at the front, 17 at the rear, and axial-mount brakes; while the road-oriented TRK702 has 17-inch cast alloys front and rear at each end and radial-mount calipers, but both bikes weigh 235 kg including a full 20-litre tank of fuel. The styling mirrors the accomplished design of the TRK800, with far better proportions and shapes than the unbalanced looking 502. Deliveries are due to start in early 2023.
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| TRK702 |
Riders in the A2 class will be tempted by Benelli's second new offering, the Tornado Naked Twin (TNT) 500. Based around the firm's existing 500 cc parallel twin engine, the TNT500 roadster makes 35 kW (47 hp) to slot into the A2 licence category and debuts a new 'family' face for Benelli. Unusually, it has two rectangular headlights, stacked one above the other, but with the upper lamp set ahead of the lower one, both flanked by three-dimensional DRLs made of frosted white plastic to give a consistent glow across their surface.
Upside-down forks and radial brakes continue the high-spec, low-cost theme of recent Benellis, and there's a colour TFT dashboard complete with USB socket. Key figures are a kerb weight of 199 kg, a 14-litre tank and a low, 784 mm seat height. A full-faired 'Tornado Twin' version is also expected in the future, but the TNT500 comes first, reaching dealers in the second half of 2023.
Benelli's new model blitz is completed by the BKX250 and BKX250S, a duo based on a 19 kW (25 hp) DOHC single that also feature the same family look as the TNT500, with stacked lights and glowing DRLs. The BKX250 has an Adventure bike look, with wire wheels and a small front fairing, while the 250S uses the same main mechanical components but loses the front bodywork and gains 17-inch alloy wheels to get a street-scrambler style. Both are due in mid-2023.
