2015 Benelli TNT 600 GT Review

Very few motorcycle companies have actually thought about touring enthusiasts in India.  While there are quite a few high-end sports bikes, nakeds and cruisers, the niche of tourer bikes largely remains untapped, especially when it comes to slightly affordable motorcycles. One company who seems to have taken cognizance of this segment is DSK-Benelli with its TNT 600 GT.  The Benelli TNT 600 GT is a sports tourer and we explore the 2015 edition of this motorcycle in detail, to tell you whether it is a worthy purchase.

Benelli TNT 600 GT Colours

The 2015 edition of the TNT 600 GT receives a couple of upgrades which include a new styling in terms of colour combinations, now having three colour options – Verde Army (green), Nero (black)and Bianco (white).  It also has a more refined engine and a much softer clutch as compared to the 2014 edition. The 600 GT shares the same engine which is found on the 600i, however the both these machines are quite different from each other.

Benelli TNT 600 GT Design

To start with, the GT isn’t as exquisite looking as the 600i,  however it stands out, given its massive stance due to the front fairing, the large fuel tank and the hard panniers (saddle bags) that scream out to say that it is a tourer and make this big bike a head turner too. The flared-up front fairing houses a large headlamp assembly with a projector lamp that looks unique.  The fairing has turn indicators embedded into it that look quite stylish and premium as well. A raised handlebar position offers an upright seating. The instrument cluster has an analogue tachometer while the speedometer is a digital one with other details like fuel gauge, trip meter, temperature gauge and a digital clock. The presence of a gear indicator would have been preferred.

The 600 GT impresses you the moment you sit on it. It has a tall stance and straddling the bike will require a little more effort, even for medium-heighted people. Once seated, the bike gives you a sense of comfort which is not found easily on most motorcycles. The handlebar has perfect height and width and the soft cushioned seat pampers you from the beginning.

  The seats are wide enough for both rider and pillion. The excellent riding position is specially designed for rides covering hundreds of miles at a stretch without making you feel tired.

Benelli TNT 600 GT Engine

The TNT 600GT is powered by an in-line four cylinder 600cc engine, same as the TNT 600i. It belts out 85 bhp of power @ 11,500rpm and a torque of 54.6Nm @ 10,500rpm, which seemingly sets in a little earlier that the 600i.

The kerb weight is 243kgs and this makes the bike 12kgs heavier than its naked street fighter sibling.

Like the 600i, it has the same tubular steel trellis frame. Suspension setup consists of 50mm upside down forks in front and a 123mm monoshock at the rear. Twin 320mm discs with radial mounted 4 piston calipers at the front and a single 260mm disc with double piston caliper at the rear, take care of the braking on the bike. The front tyre size is 120/70-Z R-17 and the rear is 180/55-Z R-17. A large 27-litre fuel tank adds to the road presence and also practicality for long distance touring.

The 2015 TNT 600 GT is a very refined bike (even more than the earlier version) and being a 4-cylinder motor, this fact is pretty much obvious. The gearshifts are slick and smooth and the exhaust note too is not loud but has a sophisticated touch to it and sounds sweet. This is a good thing as on long rides, a loud exhaust note can feel a bit intrusive.

Benelli TNT 600 GT Acceleration

The 600GT is not about 0-100km/h sprint and is much beyond that. In fact, I found it more fun to ride than even the 600i, in terms of power deliver, which is very linear. The bike can potter around at 40-50 km/h in the sixth gear, without feeling strained as easily as it would be at 140km/h. The spread of power is very well managed and it does not feel underpowered at any speed, however, where the bike comes into its element, is the midrange, beyond 6000 rpm. It is here that you will love to wring the throttle and the bike will catapult itself with considerable ease and go on that way till its redline at 11,500rpm.

Though the 600i and the GT share the same base, the GT is tuned for more comfort. On the ride, it offers unparalled comfort and as mentioned earlier, the ergonomics of this motorcycle are praiseworthy. The handling also is pretty good, though not as agile as the 600i. Having 243kgs of kerb weight, the bike does feel a bit heavy during cornering but the Pirelli Sport Demon tyres offer excellent grip.  It handles bad roads well without losing its composure, which makes it ideal for our road conditions and the 600 GT is very stable and composed at high speeds. Braking performance is adequate, though a little more bite would have been preferred. ABS is still not an option and Benelli officials say that a 2016 update will offer it as a standard feature. Well, a motorcycle costing upwards of 6 lakhs should have ABS, for sure.

Clearly, the Benelli 600 GT is not a bike you would want to buy for your daily commutes within the city. It distinguishes itself as a long distance tourer and lives up to its claim very well. The bike could be a bit cumbersome to manage on narrow streets and we wouldn’t recommend it if you are not a highway person. This motorcycle is meant for ones who love riding on long stretches and would often hit the highway. The car like comfort actually grows on you.

Benelli TNT 600 GT Price

The 2015 Benelli TNT 600 GT is priced at INR 6.78 lakhs (on-road, Pune). If you want it with Panniers, you will have to shell out another 41,000 bucks. The other option available in a similar price band is the Kawasaki Ninja 650 (around INR 60,000 less), until Kawasaki introduces the Versys 650. The Ninja 650 is a twin-cylinder motorcycle and though not a distinguished tourer, it manages quite capably and is a good performer too. However, in terms of sheer comfort, refinement and road presence, the Benelli TNT 600 GT is the one that comes out on top. As indicated earlier, we recommend the TNT 600 GT only if motorcycle touring is your passion.