Expensive? Yes. But the KTM 125 Duke has set quite an example that there exists a market for such motorcycles here in India. Now, Benelli seems keen to bite into this market and are probably considering to introduce the BN 125 here in India. If launched, the motorcycle would most definitely be named as the TNT 125. This motorcycle will also find the Yamaha MT-15 as a potent rival in the segment.
The Benelli BN 125 has been spotted here in India, possibly for testing and validation. The bike is powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 4-stroke motor which produces 11 BHP of power and 10 Nm of torque. Now this is lesser than the KTM 125 Duke, and even further lower in specs compared to the Yamaha MT-15. If at all Benelli wants to launch this bike here, it would have to be BS6 compliant and also priced very aggressively.
The bike is built around a steel trellis chassis and has a telescopic front fork and rear monoshock. The Benelli BN 125 in India will also have to come with an ABS setup for safety. But technically, it can also be introduced with CBS. With an unladen weight of 142 kg, this bike will definitely not be the lightest in the category.
Benelli is going to reveal multiple products for the global markets this year. In India alone, we are not expecting anything less than 3-4 new or updated motorcycles to meet BS6 emissions and also in new segments. The recently launched Imperiale 400 has been well received and it remains as the most affordable Benelli to be on sale in India. More details about future products could leak by or after the BS6 emission norm implementation.