New Benelli TNT 600i (QJ SRK 600) revealed!

- New Benelli TNT 600i unveiled in China

- Branded as the QJ SRK 600 there

- Likely to be launched in India by early 2021

Benelli’s Chinese owner-company Zhejiang Qianjiang has unveiled the new TNT 600i in China branded as the QJ SRK 600.

The motorcycle has undergone cosmetic changes that are a stark contrast to the TNT 600i which is sold in India. To begin with, it gets an aggressive headlamp with full LED lighting. The fuel tank is now more muscular and the tank extensions have been made edgier. Moreover, Benelli has also redesigned the rear section and replaced the twin under-seat exhausts with a single, underbelly unit.

While the frame and wheels appear to be the same as the outgoing model, the new TNT 600i or SRK 600 gets a new swingarm. Furthermore, Benelli is offering the motorcycle in three variants- Standard, Medium, and High which get different suspension and braking hardware. The standard variant sports Benelli suspension and brakes whereas the Medium variant gets KYB suspension and Xihu brakes. On the other hand, the top-spec variant comes with Marzocchi forks up front, a KYB monoshock at the rear, and braking hardware sourced from Brembo.

As for the engine, the motorcycle comes powered by a 600cc, inline-four-cylinder motor similar to the outgoing model. However, the power figures have been revised and the engine churns out 80.4bhp at 11,000 rpm, which is 1.4bhp more at 500rpm lower than the current TNT 600i. Furthermore, the torque has increased marginally by 0.4Nm (55Nm) and comes in 2000rpm earlier.

Notably, the new TNT 600i (SRK 600) has more compact dimensions and a shorter wheelbase as compared to the outgoing model. Most importantly, the motorcycle weighs 198kg; 33kg lighter than the model sold in India. Benelli has also equipped the new TNT 600i with a colour TFT instrument cluster, keyless-ignition, and backlit switchgear.

It is offered in a choice of four colour options- white, black, red, and blue. We can expect Benelli to launch the new TNT 600i in India sometime this year or by early 2021. With the new features, revised engine, and updated bodywork, it would demand a considerable premium over the model which is available here at Rs 6.20 lakh.