First ride: Benelli BN302

I have been testing LAMS-approved bikes for a long time now and actually quite enjoy riding them. There are a few reasons for that, primarily because the power limit means that I am able to use most of the performance offered by the machine rather than a smidgeon of it – a la hypersport tackle.

And it's hardware like the BN302 in which Benelli is staking a solid future on, rather than pure sportsbikes like the Tornado 900 Tre triple. It's the financial bleeding caused by the Tornado and other heavy-on-the-wallet models that almost sent the company bust before it received a life line from the Chinese Qianjiang Group.

The change in ownership has – as sure as night follows day -- created some manufacturing 'stigma', with the BN302 one of the models that comes out of the world's most populous nation. However, the BN302 beats to a slightly different tune: there's also an army of Italian quality control personnel constantly watching every step of the manufacturing and assembling process. This is a very smart way of making bikes in China cheaply but still very reliably.
At $5590 (plus on-road costs) the Benelli is extremely good value. It's also got beautiful Italian lines, LED blinkers, comes in a couple of different colours -- but how does it ride? When I thumbed the starter button I was extremely pleased with the satisfying noise emitted by the parallel twin 300cc donk, complete with underslung exhaust. It sounds a lot like the TNT 1130 R and very European. The bike has a very relaxed feel when it comes to sizing and its seat height, while not the lowest of the LAMS machines, is definitely acceptable for someone who is gaining confidence.

The controls smack of quality, while the engine has a lot of character without being silky smooth. Producing 37hp (27kW) at 11,500rpm and 27Nm at 9500rpm, it sits in common ground with most of those in its class, including the KTM 390 Duke, Honda CB300F and Kawasaki Z300.

The engine gels with the chassis and gives the BN a very user-friendly feel at any speed. The gearbox is easy to use and I found no false neutrals, which gives riders confidence in traffic. The tyres are Pirelli Angel, 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear. It’s good to see Benelli working with a company such as Pirelli, as we know how reputable it is. Sometimes choosing a cheaper option can cause a good bike to show up poorly.

Not the case in the BN, as the 196kg machine (kerb weight) handles rather nicely. I took the BN for a cruise in town and also out on some twisty roads and to be honest it’s very hard to say that there is an area that needs to be improved in the handling. I would have liked to have seen anti-lock braking fitted as standard, but that would probably add another $500 on to the price.

The machine hangs from a steel trellis frame, and other componentry includes a 41mm upside-down fork, side-mounted shock adjustable for rebound and preload, tubular swingarm, and twin 260mm discs gripped by four-piston calipers.

If I had to change one thing it would be to improve the ground clearance, particularly on the right side. Shooting our photos I had something touching down regularly, but let’s face it: that’s not what this bike is designed for.

I was pleasantly surprised with the BN302, and there's every confidence from the distributor, Urban Moto Imports, that it's going to be a winner.

“Benelli has to reach a larger network of consumers, and to do that we must have a competitive price,” said Joe Elasmar from Urban Moto Imports. “The BN302 gives us this possibility, alongside high-level production. We are confident he BN302 will be a successful model.”

And if sound and a little rumble are key ingredients of riding pleasure, the BN302 is going to make a lot of people very happy. The BN302 comes also comes with two-year premium roadside assist.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 37hp (27kW) at 11,500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 27Nm at 9000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel trestle
Front suspension: 41mm upside-down fork, non-adjustable, 115mm travel
Rear suspension: Horizontal monoshock, rebound and preload adjustable, 120mm travel
Front brakes: Dual 260mm discs with twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: 240mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres: 120/70-17 front, 160/60-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed weight with all fluids except fuel: 185kg
Seat height: 795mm
Wheelbase: 1405mm
Fuel capacity: 16 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $5590
Colours: Orange or white
Bike supplied by: Urban Moto Imports, www.benelli.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres
Roadside: Two-year premium assist