Mechandmob

All New DSK Beneli 600 GT

The sport-tourer we are talking about is the Benelli TNT 600 GT, which shares its vital organs with the 600i. And, although they seem quite similar on paper, it’s a different story out in this crazy world. For starters, the GT isn’t as attractive as the 600i, but sports touring body panels that lend it a unique identity. The exclusive projector headlamp, the detachable saddle bags and a considerably larger 27 litre fuel tank bolster the GT’s touring credentials.

What’s also special on this Benelli are the spot-on ergonomics - the well-positioned handlebar and seat allow for a relaxed time in the saddle. And, the combination of a supple seat and a pliant suspension setup makes sure you can ride for hours without ending up with a numb backside. Now, all of this is fine. But what makes this GT an admirable touring machine is the mechanical package, which consists of a silky smooth six-speed gearbox, an in-line four, 600cc, liquid-cooled unit with 80.8 horses and 55 Newtons on tap. That’s 3Nm of torque more than the 600i, which weighs 15kg less, and lugs around 12 litres less fuel.

Design and Features

Touring bikes, by their very specific design requirements, aren’t the most sporty or fastest looking motorcycles on the planet. Eschewing fancy styling cues, they’re meant to protect the riders from windblasts at high speeds, hence a tall windscreen and at least a half fairing of some sort is de rigeur. They’re ridden for longer durations that any other category of motorcycles so they need to be more comfortable. Hence a tall and wide handlebar in place of clip-ons, well-padded seats in place of a sliver of foam beneath your bum, and a relaxed riding position that more resembles a commuter bike than a thoroughbred track monster. Also, since they are meant to be stable, with the ability to lug around luggage and tools and spares, they are big. Really, really, big.

The Benelli TNT 600 GT is a big motorcycle. It also has all of those attributes that would make it an excellent touring machine. And it looks pretty decent too as far as tourers go, although it is nowhere as sit-up-and-take-notice as the sibling it shares most of its mechanicals with Beneli TNT 600

Upfront, the large projector headlights with clearly demarcated high and low beam lamps dominate the look. The plexi windshield is adjustable for two positions, mounted on black plastic air scoops that channel air to the large radiator behind it. They meld nicely with the white half fairing, which also houses the long and uniquely shaped clear-lens indicators. Thick 50mm upside down forks painted golden, twin front discs, and 120mm dual purpose front tyres round up the front look.

Performance

Sharing the same liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, four-cylinder, with four valves per cylinder engineas the TNT 600 i streetfighter, the GT produces 81.5PS of peak power at 11,000 rpm and a max torque figure of 55Nm at 8000 rpm. Benelli has reworked the gearing to better suit the GT’s mile-munching aims, and it shows in the way the bike moves.

Slot the engine into the first of the six gears and the GT takes off with reassurance, albeit with less urgency than the TNT 600 i. There is ample power to trundle around town, but you can feel the bike still straining at the leash. This is a motor that plays its best at high revs, and rewards you for a liberal throttle hand. At around the 7500mark, there is a slight but perceptible surge in the power, and from thereon, the GT zooms off with a sense of urgency. 0-100 kmph is achieved in under 5 seconds, and given a long enough stretch of road, it will cross the 200kmph mark without breaking a sweat.

Specifications

ENGINE

• Type : 4-stroke, 16 valves, DOHC, liquid cooled
• No. of cylinder : In-line 4 cylinder
• DISPLACEMENT : 600cc
• Power : 62.57 KW @ 11500 rpm
• Torque : 54.6 NM @ 10500 rpm

TRANSMISSION

• Clutch Type : Wet multiplate type
• Transmission : 6 Speed Constant Mesh
• Gear Shift Pattern : 1 - Down, 5 - Up

CHASSIS

• FRONT SUSPENSION : Inverted front telescopic forks
• REAR SUSPENSION : Hydraulic Monoshock absorber
• FRONT BRAKE : Hydraulic dual disc brakes
• REAR BRAKE : Hydraulic Single disc brake
• FRONT WHEEL : Alloy wheels
• REAR WHEEL : Alloy wheels
• FRONT TIRE : 120/70-ZR17
• REAR TIRE : 180/55-ZR17

DIMENSIONS

• L x W x H (mm) : 2150 x 840 x 1280
• Wheelbase : 1470 mm
• Ground clearance : 150 mm
• Kerb weight : 243 kg
• Fuel tank capacity : 27 lt

Checkout on youtube :

Source : Power drift and motor beam