2016 Auto Expo: DSK-Benelli Tornado 300 makes Indian debut

DSK-Benelli has been on an offensive in the Indian market and has a varied product portfolio. Yet it lacked a full faired motorcycle in its stable but all that has changed with the unveiling of the new Benelli Tornado 300 at the 2016 Auto Expo. Our readers would have first seen the motorcycle in November, 2015 when the bike was unveiled at the 2015 EICMA motorcycle show from where we were reporting live. The sharp lines with the twin headlamps and the large windscreen at the front do give the Tornado 300 an intimidating face. The chiselled fuel tank, contrast red frame, beefy exhaust muffler and petite tail section complete the overall look of the bike. The edgy and sporty styling should work in favour of the Tornado 300 with respect to Indian bike consumers who have a soft spot for full faired motorcycles. 

Underneath the fairing lies a 300cc, liquid-cooked, parallel-twin motor producing 36PS at 12,000rpm and 27Nm of peak torque at 9,000rpm. The twin-cylinder motor is the same as seen on the Benelli TNT 300 and power is transmitted to the rear-wheel via a 6-speed transmission.  Benelli claims that the Tornado 300 has a top speed of 170kmph which seems to be an overzealous figure. The frame on the new supersports motorcycle is different from its naked sibling. The new Benelli motorcycle employs a completely new trellis frame which is significantly lighter than the older frame and also improves the handling dynamics of the bike. Suspension duties are handled by USD front forks and a monoshock setup at the back while disc brakes provide anchorage. ABS will be standard on the new motorcycle which is a welcome move. The Benelli Tornado will carry an expected price tag of under Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete against the Kawasaki Ninja 300, Yamaha R3 and the KTM RC 390 in the Indian market.