2018 Benelli TNT 135 Preview | Benelli Returns To The United States
After a years-long absence from the United States, Benelli has a new importer—Benelli USA, which is part of SSR Motorsports in Norwalk, California.
Now, if you’re expecting to get the big fire-breathing Benellis, you are going to have to wait. The first Benelli we will be seeing from Benelli USA is the Benelli TNT 135.
To enhance torque, the TNT 135 has a longer stroke than either Japanese 125. Benelli claims a class-leading 13 horsepower at 9000 rpm and 8 ft/lbs of torque at 7000 rpm—considerably higher rev numbers than the 125s.
The engine is air-cooled, with a four-valve twin-spark head and SOHC arrangement. It also gets an oil cooler and oil filter. Like the Grom and Z125, the TNT 135 is fuel-injected, though it gets a 28mm throttle body, compared to 24mm on the 125s. Additionally, where the Japanese 125s have four-speed transmissions, the TNT 135 is a five-speed.
Styling is certainly Italian. The twin organ-pipe muffler tips look like they could have been lifted from an MV Agusta. The steel trellis frame stands out, and the tail is clean due to use of a wheel-hugging rear fender. LED lighting is used extensively.
Most shocking is the price of the 2018 Benelli TNT 135, which is just $2499. The 2018 Honda Grom’s MSRP is $3349, and the Kawasaki Z125 Pro has a $3199 sticker.
It looks like a battle is brewing in the 125 class, and Benelli brought a cheater bike.