2022 Benelli TNT 600i Review

The 2022 Benelli TNT 600I is a LAMS-approved naked bike that bats well above its average. Released in late 2021, it packs four-cylinder punch into a learner-friendly package and gives Benelli another layer to its growing range.

For a company that has flown a little under the radar (in Australia, at least) in its Chinese-ownership years, the 2022 Benelli TNT 600I could be a sign of bigger and better things to come.

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While Benelli is a Chinese-owned company these days, its rich history stretches all the way back to 1911 in the Italian town of Pesaro. It was purchased by Chinese giant Qianjiang in 2005, with an eventual move from high-performance, high-capacity machines to smaller learner friendly models.

However, despite the change of ownership, Benelli has maintained both a spiritual and physical presence in Presaro, resulting in motorcycles that combine Italian style with Chinese affordability.

In 2020, Benelli introduced the 752s – the brand’s first non-LAMS model for quite some time and the start of a potential new era of larger-capacity bikes. And while the TNT 600i has seen Benelli revert back to LAMS, it could be a possible launching pad for a new range of bigger high-performance bikes.

The TNT name has been used before – it was first introduced in 2008 as an 898cc inline-triple and was also eventually produced as an 1130cc inline-triple.

Now Benelli has released the much smaller TNT 600I, but it differs from its TNT ancestors by way of the four-cylinder donk. Interestingly though, the 600cc four-cylinder platform has been used before in the form of the Benelli BN 600i which was produced from 2012 to 2016.

So does the reintroduction of a four-cylinder machine add substance to Benelli’s current triple-dominated range? Or is it just a space filler? Let’s dig in…

The TNT 600i’s inline four-cylinder 600cc engine puts out a claimed 51Nm at 10,500rpm and 54hp at 11500rpm. That power is driven by a six speed gearbox and a multidisc wet clutch.

Meanwhile, the steel tube trestle frame holds a 50mm USD fork with 123mm travel and a rear aluminium swing arm with a lateral shock absorber that offers spring preload and hydraulic rebound adjustment.

Braking is handled by twin semi-floating 320mm discs and four-piston mono block radial caliper up front, and a single 260mm disc with double piston at the rear. The bike also features 17-inch alloy wheels front and rear and a 14.5l fuel tank. Other key numbers include its 820mm seat height and 1480mm wheelbase.

The 2022 Benelli TNT 600i checks in with a ride away price tag of $11,790 which makes it the most expensive model in in the Benelli range below the full-power Benelli 752s ($12,990 ride away).

Of course, Benelli has three new full-power models on the way – the TRK 800, Leoncino 800, and Leoncino 800 Trail – all of which will likely check in at $13,000 plus.

But for the TNT 600i, its price tag positions it roughly $1000 behind the Yamaha MT-07LA ($12,749 ride away) and the Triumph Trident 660 ($12,840 ride away). Both of those have slightly better torque outputs with peak power coming earlier in the rev range too, while the Trident also adds traction control. Both the Yamaha and Triumph also save more than 30kg over the TNT.

Despite not quite matching its competitors on the spec sheet, the TNT 600i is still reasonably priced and should entice learner riders looking for something a little different. It also comes with 2 years warranty and roadside assist.

In short, not much. The TFT display is a nice touch but its only real function is to display important information. There is also no traction control or ride modes and the ABS is just a basic setup.

But the hugely-popular MT-07LA is pretty light on in the tech department too, so the TNT 600i isn’t really that far off the mark. And for a sub-$12,0000 bike, any tech goodies should be considered bonuses rather than expectations. Let’s move on.

Pretty good actually. While the claimed power output figures are nothing to get excited over, the Benelli TNT 600i actually throws a decent punch. The four-cylinder powerplant makes everything feel a little more exciting than the capacity suggests and the initial throttle response feels quite snappy and eagre.

But it’s not all perfect. In some ways, the TNT 600i feels like a small bike that wants to be big. When you grab a handful of throttle, it initially feels powerful, but it just doesn’t have the oomph to keep the thrills coming. The sound and feel of the inline-four doesn’t help, because it tricks you into thinking the bike has more to give than it actually does.

That said, the bike is still a little livelier than I was expecting and while its best application would be as a commuter or daily driver, a jaunt in the hills would still be fun.

As a side note, I went for a ride with a mate who is currently on learner restrictions and riding a 250cc machine. He had a quick spin on the TNT and was blown away by how big of a leap it was. My point is that I am reviewing this as a fully-licenced rider, but if I put my learner cap on for just a second, the TNT is actually a very decent motorcycle.

Fortunately the bike is comfy and handles fairly well too. The suspension is adequate and everything feels pretty well-balanced. Even despite the 222kg weight, the TNT feels agile enough and tips in and out comfortably.

I did feel as though the weight distribution and ergonomics weren't excellent, however. I found a similar sensation on Benelli's TRK502 adventure bike. It could be just a matter of personal preference, but I can't help but feel the bike would handle even better with a little tweaking.

Elsewhere, there isn’t too much to complain about. The TFT screen is easy to read, the brakes do a fine job, and the fuel economy wasn’t too bad (we didn’t get an official fuel figure though).

Overall, the 2022 Benelli TNT 600i is a capable machine with a price tag that matches its ability and functionality. It looks fantastic and offers an ease-of-use that makes inner-city commuting a breeze. And learner riders could do a lot worse for a first or second bike.

All of that said, I’m personally more interested in seeing Benelli push further towards its large capacity roots again. The new 800 range is a good step in the right direction and is proof that the Chinese-owned company is looking to the future.

But the TNT 600i still has a place in the Benelli range, offering punters a learner-friendly mid-capacity machine with the sound, feeling and thrill of a four-cylinder engine.

Specs: 2022 Benelli TNT 600i

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, inline four-cylinder
Capacity: 600cc
Bore and stroke: 65mm x 45.2mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Maximum power: 54hp (44kW) at 11500rpm
Maximum torque: 51Nm at 10500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Tubular-steel trellis
Front suspension: 50mm USD fork, 123mm travel
Rear suspension: Rear swingarm with lateral shock, adjustable for spring preload and hydraulic rebound brake, 50mm travel
Front brakes: Double semi-floating 320mm disc, 4-piston caliper, ABS
Rear brake: Single 260mm disc with double-piston caliper, ABS

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 222kg
Seat height: 820mm
Wheelbase: 1480mm
Fuel capacity: 14.5 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $11,790 rideaway
Test bike supplied by: Urban Moto Imports
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres, with two years of roadside assistance