The Italian-Chinese bikemaker, Benelli, is bringing back the TNT 899. However, it will only be available for the Chinese market. The brand will revive the 15-year-old model with a host of features to make it up to date. The new 2022 version of the TNT 899 has appeared on the brand’s Chinese website, thus giving us a look at all the differences Benelli has made for what was one of its top-of-the-line models.
In silhouette, the 2022 TNT 899 looks identical to the first generation of the bike that was on sale from 2008 to 2016. However, there are a couple of changes. Let’s start with what’s new. At the front, the TNT 899 gets a new all-LED headlight with a new LED DRL signature. Meanwhile, the rear unit looks to be the same as before.
As for the bodywork, it remains the same. Thus, it also continues to use the right-side mounted radiator like the previous generation model. Benelli does mention it has upgraded the cooling system, but there are no details available. The instrument cluster also gets a much-needed update. Benelli has replaced the old analogue tachometer and digital speedometer combo with an all-new colour TFT display.
As for the mechanicals, even though the name still is 899, the engine has grown and now displaces 898cc. The 3-cylinder 12-valve engine makes 118 PS at 10,000 rpm and 88 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm.
The 2022 TNT 899 continues to use 50mm upside-down forks. At the rear, it uses a hydraulic monoshock with rebound and preload adjustability. The old TNT 899 used a Marzocchi/Sachs setup. However, there’s no mention of it for the 2022 model. From the pics, we do see a hint of golden colour for the rear monoshock. It could be Ohlins, but then again, even Sachs uses golden colour, so we are not sure.
The braking setup gets a big upgrade. From what we can see, the 2022 TNT 899 now gets Brembo Stylema callipers, which are of the highest specification for road bikes. Benelli has also switched the discs to normal ones from the petal disc setup from the previous generation model. The 2022 Benneli TNT 899 also comes with a Brembo RCS master cylinder and lever, similar to what we see on top-end Ducatis.
As for the dimensions, the 2022 TNT 899 measures 2,080mm in length, 815mm in width and 1,100mm in height. The width and height measurements exclude the mirrors. The bike has a usable tank capacity of 15.5 litres and a “road ready weight” of 210 kg.
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