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Loud yet sweet twin cylinder engine borrowed from TNT 300 packed with new Lattice frame, aggressive riding aesthetics is what derives Benelli 302R a new contender in the entry level sports bike segment. Benelli is popular for its attractive looking naked bikes, however, the company made its comeback in the early 2000s by a fully faired sports motorcycle known as Tornado TRE. With less than 5 years into the Indian two-wheeler market, DSK Benelli slowly yet gradually has started making an impact in the country. The Italian brand owned by Chinese company with its strategy aims to herald a new era with its product offering. Foreseeing strong disruptions in the Indian mid-range biking segment in the near future, DSK Benelli is aiming to rule the entry level sports bike segment with its newest offering – 302R. Will the new entrant in the sub-500cc segment be a hefty challenger to its rivals? Lets find out. Also Read: Benelli 300cc Sport Tourer India Launch Likely in 2018; Is this the Benelli TRK 302?
As the Indian market is obsessed with faired motorcycles, the Italian brand too aims to tap the same segment with the new Benelli 302R. Benelli 302R, a fully faired motorcycle made the headlines when it was put on show at Delhi Auto Expo 2016 as Tornado 302, however, the arrival of the bike got delayed due to BS-IV norms.
Benelli 302R – Design & Styling
Let’s get it straight. The Benelli Tornado 302R showcases aerodynamic yet sensuous body lines with Benelli’s trademark fit-finish quality, making it undoubtedly an appealing motorcycle in the sub-500cc segment. The front profile is greeted by a split headlight design which looks oversized, yet adds the appeal to the motorcycle fulfilling the sporty quotient. Moving further, a nicely chiselled large 14-litre fuel tank looks initiating as it gets Benelli lion engraved on both the sides giving it a touch of leadership. The motorcycle gets split seats that are designed ergonomically to proffer comfort to the rider for longer period of time which gets Benelli engraving. Another highlight is the rear section which sports twin-pod exhausts accentuating the overall design and enhancing the sporty style quotient of the 302R. Proportionally, the bike looks quite big as the fact that it gets length, width and height of 2150mm, 745mm and 1115mm respectively.
Benelli 302R – Engine and Performance
We already know that 302R sports machine is fitted with the same 300cc inline, 2 cylinder, water cooled engine which is seen on the naked sibling – TNT 300. The motor on the 302R is capable of churning out max power of 38.26 bhp @ 11500 rpm with peak torque of 26.5Nm @ 10000 rpm, like-wise TNT 300, making ear throbbing exhaust note. The motor equipped on the motorcycle is no doubt peppier one however, the facts and figures on the paper somehow doesnt match up with the expectations on the road. The bike doesnt feel as fast as a sports bike should which could be because of its kerb weight (198 kgs) making it the heaviest bike in the segment. Rather than revving the bike to its limit, it is best enjoyed while touring at 100 – 140 kmph. The bike clocks at 60 kmph in less than 4.5 seconds (approximately) and managed to hit 100 kmph from standstill in 9.5 seconds (approximately). See More: Exclusive: DSK-Benelli to launch 300-400cc single-cylinder street bike in India at 2018 Delhi Auto Expo
The best part of the engine is its ability to produce speed at as low as 30 kmph even in the top gear witnessing no knocking sound which forces the rider to shift down the gears. The vibrations on the motorcycle were experienced on the foot pegs and handlebars around 6000 rpm. Coming to the gearbox, the gear shifts were smooth throughout as the gearbox performed its duties well with no problem of false neutral. The heat management on the bike is a bit concerning factor as it swiftly heats up which one can feel instantly while riding.
Benelli 302R – Ride and Handling
With a kerb weight of 198 kgs, the Benelli 302R is surely a heavy bike which is generally felt while performing manoeuvres on the bike. Once the bike is in the motion, handling such a heavy bike becomes an easy job all thanks to the new lightweight lattice frame. Also, the chassis on the motorcycle is the same which is seen on the naked sibling but has been tweaked slightly to make this sports touring contender in the sub-500cc space. The 302R rides on 41mm inverted forks at the front whereas the rear section sees a preload-adjustable hydraulic monoshock, both the suspensions ensures a plush ride by taking on all pavements. The motorcycle comes fitted with Metzeler 110/70-section rubber at the front and 150/60-section at the rear which did a fabulous job. The seat height is 780mm which give practical ground clearance of 150mm adding another bit to the handling quotient of the bike.
Benelli 302R – Features
Benelli 302R from the house of Italian bike maker is one of the feature loaded motorcycles that one can see in the market today. It comes with amber lit digital console that lends out vital information to the rider which includes speedometer, gear indicator, fuel gauge, trip meter, digital clock, and analogue rev meter. As far as the safety is concerned, the bike is equipped with dual disc brake setup at the front and single disc brake at the rear along with ABS which is standard. Also Read: DSK Benelli 302R vs Kawasaki Ninja 300 Comparison Report: Price, specifications, features, pictures & colours
Benelli 302R – Verdict
With many other options available in the same segment, the Benelli 302R doesnt emerge as outright performer as the fact it is heavier in weight which can be felt while riding. However, Benelli 302R is a perfect tool, if you are looking for a reasonably quick machine for daily riding with comfortable seats, smooth riding characteristics and that inductive heavy exhaust note. With a price tag of INR 3.48 lakh (ex-showroom India), the Benelli 302R also comes with 4years / unlimited warranty which could threaten its rivals.
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