This video from the guys at Motorcycle.com pits the Benelli TNT 1130 against the Ducati Streetfighter in a road test. After dyno testing, the bikes are said to be quite similar, though you may think it’s a bit unfair to go comparing the 2008 Benelli with the more modern, and technologically blessed, Streetfighter. The Benelli still holds its own though, and certainly seems to come off better if you want a daily ride (it’s said to be more agile), and won’t be taking advantage of the ultimate in sports performance. Check out the chatty video test for all the details.

Continue reading: Ducati Streetfighter vs Benelli TNT 1130

This gallery goes out to our reader Tonup who was lamenting the lack of aesthetic changes to the new Benelli TNT 1130 version. Here, we get a closer look with live pics from EICMA, of the new Benelli cafe racer R160, and we can decide what changes have been made.

The R160 is probably the most exclusive that a TNT can offer. There are many carbon fibre features, some coloured, including the rear Cafe Racer style tail, and other elements we can see include the fantastic carter on the right, with new dry clutch system.

The side fairing has lost its horrible plastic look, merging into the radiator air intakes and the central exhaust part. The Benelli R160 doesn’t just stand out for these modifications to its look, though. The engine and chassis also get some significant updates, that we hope will continue in the future.

Benelli Eicma 2009

Continue reading: Benelli TnT R160 live at EICMA

While we don’t have a full gallery of the Benelli TnT 899 Cafe Racer, unless it’s presented at the EICMA show, this one pic shows the sports bike testing around the alpine passes of Italy and France. It’s a smaller and sportier version of the Benelli 1130cc model, and the tests prove that Benelli is still going ahead with the project despite financial difficulties.

The 899 project is considered a more economical and intelligent choice than the larger 1130 model. While an exciting bike, its high power and torque means it’s not necessarily accessible to all riders. The only problem will be releasing another Benelli model to dealerships still holding leftover TnT 1130 bikes at discounted prices.

The Benelli TnT 899 model could prove to be even cheaper than the 1130 as dealers try to sell off the last models of the latter. The new Benelli should keep the same design as the previous model, with the main focus being the change in engine.

Continue reading: Benelli TnT 899 Cafe Racer spy shot

Benelli has found itself caught up in new troubles after the crisis a few years ago, when Chinese company Qiang Jiang invested to keep the company afloat. This time around Benelli is facing serious production cuts with only 1,000 of the 5,000 models planned for 2009 actually being built. Many workers are also on part-time contracts at this stage.

In March Qiang Jian invested another 26 million dollars in the Benelli brand but it appears that sales results have not been as positive as expected. The Chinese owners are now considering closing the factory or moving production to China in what would be a heartbreaking historic move for the company and motorcycle production in Italy.

Source | Hellforleather

Continue reading: Benelli in crisis: production cut as possible move to China considered

Here we give you a few shots of the Benelli Tre-K 899 and the Benelli BX 505, which look like old-school enduros but with some nasty modern touches, too.

The Benelli BX 505 has been built to participate in the next European Class E3 Championship, and has a 505cc twin cam engine, titanium valves and power at 44.5kw. That should be enough for some mountain track fun. The key to this bike is the chassis which is of alluminium with reinforced carbon structures.

The front fork measures 50mm and has an extension of 310mm. The rear features a Sachs mono also with a 310mm range. The brake system includes wave discs measuring 310mm at the front and 260mm at the rear, with Brembo calipers. The weight is 110kg. The photo gallery includes the Benelli BX 505, the Tre-K 899 and a few shots from the Eicma show in Milan.

Continue reading: Benelli BX 505 and Tre-K 899