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Benelli

China-based motorcycle manufacturer, Benelli, has recently revealed its latest sportbike, the Tornado 402.

  • Following the success of the Benelli 302R sportbike launched last year, the company has increased the displacement and introduced the Tornado 402.
  • Powering the Tornado 402 is a 399cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine.

The Benelli Tornado 402 boasts a fully-faired body with an aggressive stance, featuring eye-catching elements such as a single-sided swingarm and full-LED lights. Its striking appearance is complemented by premium components, including an inverted Marzocchi front fork and a centrally mounted rear monoshock.

The bike is equipped with dual Nissin radial calipers for the front brakes and a single rear disc, ensuring reliable stopping power. Additionally, the Tornado 402 comes standard with dual-channel ABS and a full-color TFT display. Impressively, the motorcycle weighs a mere 172 kilograms, contributing to its agility and maneuverability.

Underneath its stylish exterior, the Benelli Tornado 402 is powered by a 399cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine. With an eight-valve cylinder head, the engine delivers an output of 47.5 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 26 pound-feet of torque at 8,000 rpm. These performance figures align closely with the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and the recently introduced CFMoto 450 SS, also known as the 450 SR in certain markets across Europe and Asia.

Meanwhile, Benelli plans to launch the Tornado 402 in the global market thus will go head-to-head with popular machines like the KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and Honda CBR500R. While pricing details have yet to be disclosed, the Tornado 402 is expected to offer a competitive price point.

Tidak dinafikan, permintaan terhadap motosikal segmen ‘adventure’ semakin meningkat dalam tempoh 10 tahun ini. 

Kesan daripada permintaan yang tinggi itu, pengeluar motosikal dunia berpusu-pusu memperkenalkan motosikal ‘adventure’ yang bukan sahaja moden malah mampu milik bagi menyasarkan kumpulan pembeli yang enggan membelanjakan lebih RM100 ribu bagi sebuah ADV. 

Sehubungan itu, kita dapat lihat jenama seperti Benelli menjadi popular menerusi TRK 502 X, Honda dengan CB500X dan terbaru CFMoto 800MT.

Terbaru, QJ Motor turut mengorak langkah sama menerusi SRT 700 X yang baru sahaja diperkenalkan di Eropah. 

Dikuasakan enjin parallel-twin 689cc dengan penyejukan cecair, SRT 700 X ini menawarkan 73.5hp pada 8,000rpm dan 63.7Nm pada 6,000rpm. Meskipun tidak sehebat kuasa ditawarkan Honda XL750 Transalp dan V-Strom 800 DE namun model dihasilkan di China ini pastinya menang dari segi harga ini keranna SRT 700 X ini dipasarkan di Eropah dengan harga hanya EUR6,999 (RM34k). 

Antara ciri lain ditawarkan termasuk ‘swingarm’ aluminium serba baharu, rim 19-inci depan dan 17-inci belakang pada varian X dan 17” depan serta 17” belakang pada varian standard. Di samping itu, model ADV ini juga dilengkapi lampu LED penuh, ABS dwi-saluran, brek kaliper radial 4-pot depan dan panel meter TFT. 

Menariknya, SRT 700 X ini juga dilengkapi dengan fungsi ‘heated grip’. 

Ketika ini, belum ada info bilakah SRT 700 X ini akan diperkenalkan di Malaysia namun pengedar rasmi, MForce Bike Holdings sudah pun menawarkan SRT 800 disini. 

Qianjiang, the parent company of Benelli, is reportedly developing a new V-4 engine that will power the company’s future motorcycle models.

  • QJ Motor plans to introduce it’s own V4 engine in the near future.
  • The V4 powertrain is said to be around the 1L mark and offers more than 200hp. 

The engine has been featured in several patent applications published in China recently, revealing that it is a 90-degree V-4 engine with double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, somewhere around the 1,000cc mark.

*the new patent showcased a 90-degree V4 engine.

Although the engine’s intended motorcycle model is unknown, some of the patent drawings feature the QJMotor logo, indicating that it will appear in at least one model in the company’s fast-growing QJMotor range. However, Qianjiang already shares its current engines across both the QJMotor and Benelli lineups, making it likely that the V-4 engine will eventually appear under the Benelli banner.

QJMotor range already includes more than 30 motorcycles, ranging from 50cc to 900cc. Therefore, the addition of a V-4 engine will help the company achieve its goal of having every type of combustion engine in its motorcycle lineup.

Qianjiang’s new V-4 engine project is a significant step towards establishing the company’s presence in the high-performance market.

Italy’s two-wheeled market has reported a significant upswing in Q1 2023, with March alone recording impressive sales figures for both scooters and motorcycles. 

  • Italian motorcycle market recorded a surge in sales for the month of March 2023. 
  • BMW R 1250 GS, Honda Africa Twin and Benelli TRK 502 continue to dominate the market. 

According to the National Association of Cycle Motorcycle Accessories (Confindustria ANCMA), the country’s two-wheeled market posted a 26.7-percent spike in March, translating to growth of 27.6 percent in Q1 2023.

In March, scooter sales amounted to 17,777 units sold, representing a 31.5-percent increase, while motorcycles recorded 18,221 new registrations, reflecting a 25.8-percent boost. The surge in sales has been welcomed by dealers, who are looking to build on the growth gained at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.

The Confindustria ANCMA has also broken down the top-selling motorbikes in Italy for March 2023. Moto Morini’s X-Cape 650 adventure bike made it into the top ten list with 283 units sold, followed by Honda’s NC750X with 303 units moved.

Meanwhile, Yamaha’s Tracer 7, Moto Guzzi’s V7, and Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 round out the top ten, with Honda’s new CB750 Hornet cracking the top five with 401 units sold.

The top three places go to the Honda Africa Twin, BMW R 1250 GS, and Benelli TRK 502, respectively, with Italian consumers registering 674 Africa Twins, 621 R 1250 GSs, and 600 TRK 502s throughout March 2023.

Harley-Davidson has made headlines once again with the launch of its new X 500 roadster, just weeks after unveiling the X 350 and “leaked” spy shots of the Hero MotoCorp-developed 4XX.

  • The X500 is the result of a partnership between Harley-Davidson and Chinese brand QJ Motor.
  • The motorcycle is based on the Benelli Leoncino 500.

Sharing many components with the Leoncino, the X500 boasts a 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, producing 47hp and 46Nm, as well as a steel tube frame, 50mm USD fork, offset monoshock, and 17-inch alloy wheels. However, the X500 sets itself apart visually with its neoteric styling, taking cues from the Harley-Davidson XR1200X.

The bike’s features are minimal, including a monopod semi-digital instrument console with a digital inset and dual-channel ABS as the only electronic aid.

The only notable departure from the classic Harley-Davidson aesthetic is the integration of rear indicators with the tail lights.

With a kerb weight of 208kg, the X500 is a heavy machine that promises to deliver the signature Harley-Davidson riding experience while appealing to a wider global audience.

Benelli Malaysia has unveiled its latest model, the TNT25N, aimed at motorcycle enthusiasts looking for a machine that is both easy to handle and powerful.

  • The TNT25N is available in Malaysia in three colours: Power Black, Strength Red, and Golden Yellow.
  • The TNT25N makes 25.5hp and 21.2Nm.

Equipped with a single-cylinder, DOHC, 249cc, liquid-cooled engine mated to a six-speed transmission, the TNT25N is capable of delivering a maximum power output of 25.5Hp at 9,250rpm and a torque of 21.2Nm at 8,000rpm. The bike features bright headlights, LED signal lamps, and a digital meter panel. The brake system uses a single 260 mm disc in the front and a single 240 mm disc on the rear.

The TNT25N also boasts an inverted fork on the front suspension and a single shock absorber on the rear suspension, ensuring a smooth ride throughout. The result is better handling and stability, making the TNT25N a great option for riders seeking a high-performance bike that is also easy to handle.

The new Benelli model is now available at any authorised Mforce dealer throughout Malaysia for an introductory price of RM12,998.00 (excluding insurance and road tax). Buyers of the TNT25N will enjoy a manufacturer’s warranty of two years or a mileage of 20,000 km (whichever comes first) and online spare parts purchase service by MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd.

The launch of the new TNT25N model underscores Benelli Malaysia’s commitment to providing its customers with the latest and most advanced motorcycles that meet the demands of motorcycle enthusiasts in Malaysia.

Benelli Malaysia dengan rasminya memperkenalkan Benelli TNT25N untuk pasaran tempatan dengan harga jualan rasmi RM12,998 (tidak termasuk cukai jalan dan insurans).

Berkonsepkan motosikal ‘naked’, TNT25N ini dikuasakan enjin satu silinder 249cc DOHC dengan penyejukan cecair yang berupaya menjana 25.5hp pada 9,250rpm dan 21.2Nm pada 8,000rpm. Kuasa pula disalurkan kepada tayar belakang menerusi transmisi 6-kelajuan.

Antara ciri lain ditawarkan termasuk lampu LED penuh, panel meter digital, cakera brek tunggal dengan 260mm depan dan 240mm belakang. 

Pakej suspensi pula terdiri daripada fork jenis ‘inverted’ di bahagian depan dan penyerap hentakan tunggal di belakang sekaligus menghadirkan tunggangan yang stabil dan tepat. 

Dengan berat (kering) 155kg dan ketinggian tempat duduk pada 780mm, Benelli TNT25Nm ini juga sesuai untuk penunggang baharu dan berpengalaman. Selain itu, model ini juga praktikal untuk kegunaan harian ekoran hadir dengan tangki 13.5L. 

Menurut Benelli Malaysia, TNT25N ini datang dengan tiga warna pilihan termasuk Power Black, Strength Red dan Golden Yellow.

Italian motorcycle brand Benelli has unveiled its latest offering, the Tornado 402, which is set to be manufactured in China by its parent company, Qianjiang. While some development and design work is still done in Italy, the majority of the bikes are now produced in China. 

  • The Tornado 402 features an all-new 400cc twin-cylinder engine. 
  • The sports bike is equipped with front camera and single-sided swingarm. 

The Tornado moniker has traditionally been linked with sporty models at Benelli, and the new Tornado 402 is no exception. This fully faired sportbike boasts a 400cc engine that is likely to appeal to riders in countries where 400cc motorbikes are considered premium options or where licensing restrictions limit larger engines.

Although it would have made sense for Benelli to adopt an existing 400cc twin engine from Qianjiang or QJ Motor, the Tornado 402 instead comes with a freshly built engine that produces 48 horsepower at 10,000 rpm, making it the most powerful 400 series QJ twin engine currently available. 

The bike’s chassis features an aluminum single-sided swingarm and a tubular steel frame with a non-adjustable upside-down telescopic fork at the front and an adjustable shock absorber at the back, both supplied by Marzocchi. Nissin provides the braking system, which includes two 300-millimeter discs at the front and a 250-millimeter disc at the rear, along with ABS as standard.

One notable technological feature of the Tornado 402 is a built-in dash cam, which records traffic conditions and is built into the windshield assembly. The footage can be recorded to a smartphone using an app and is saved automatically. This function is not only useful for documenting enjoyable rides but also for safety and security while riding on the road.

Last year proved to be a strong period for the global motorcycle industry. 

  • 6,543 units Benelli TRK 502 sold in Italy, outsell the BMW R 1250 GS (4,062). 
  • Tenere 700 is third best-selling bike in Italy with 2,762 units registered. 

In Malaysia, more than 700,000 units of motorcycles sales were recorded in 2022, which is the biggest number ever registered despite the country was still in the process of recovering from Covid. 

Italy also recorded significant sales throughout 2022, with 291,661 bikes sold. 

Meanwhile, the Benelli TRK 502 emerged as the most popular full-size motorcycle for 2022 in Italy, with 6,645 units sold. More importantly, the Chinese-made motorcycle also outsold BMW’s R 1250 GS.

As a result, the 500cc parallel-twin ADV bike becomes the most popular motorcycle in Italy for the third consecutive year. 

Interestingly, no motorcycles could exceed the 6,000 figure other than the TRK 502 in the last five years. 

Below is the number of units sold for the best-selling motorcycles in Italy in the last five years:

Benelli Panarea 125 officially lands in Malaysia as announced by authorized distributor, MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd.

  • The Panarea 125 is a neo-retro style scooter that takes design cues from the Vespa lineup. 
  • The scooter is equipped with a 124cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine. 

According to the official statement by Benelli, the Panarea 125 is a retro-style scooter that combines classic design by modern features.

As a result, the Panarea 125 is fitted with full LED lights and is fitted with an anti-theft magnetic lock system that significantly reduced the probability of theft. 

Mechanically, the Panarea 125 makes 8.44hp @ 7,500rpm and 9.2Nm @ 6,000rpm from its 124cc 4-stroke with electronic fuel injection engine. 

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via an automatic CVT transmission with belt final drive.

The bike is suspended via telescopic fork at the front with 90mm travel and a telescopic oil damped coil spring at the rear. and fitted with a 190mm front disc with dual-piston callipers. 

Despite its retro bodywork, the Panarea 125 is equipped with modern features including a semi-digital meter, full LED light, hazard lights and a kill switch. 

According to MForce, the Benelli Panarea 125 is available for a recommended price of RM6,888. 

Memahami permintaan terhadap skuter gaya retro klasik semakin meningkat, Benelli dengan rasminya melancarkan Benelli Panarea 125 untuk pasaran tempatan dengan harga jualan asas RM6,888. 

Meskipun rupa klasik, namun Panarea 125 ini tampil dengan ciri moden antaranya lampu LED penuh depan dan belakang serta panel meter analog dan digital.

Menariknya, Panarea 125 ini juga lengkap dengan sistem anti-kecurian yang boleh mengurangkan risiko dicuri. Bagaimanapun, kami tidak risau kerana Benelli bukanlah jenama yang sering terpalit dengan kes kecurian motosikal di Malaysia.

Untuk rekod, Benelli Panarea 125 dikuasakan enjin 124cc 4-stroke dengan suntikan bahan api yang berupaya menghasilkan 8.44hp pada 7,500rpm dan 9.2Nm pada 6,000rpm. 

Kuasa enjin pula disalurkan kepada tayar belakang dengan transmisi automatik CVT.

Tangki berkapasiti 4.6L pula memastikan skuter retro ini menawarkan penggunaan bahan api yang efisien untuk kegunaan harian. 

Antara ciri lain ditawarkan termasuk:

  • fork depan teleskopik
  • penyerap hentakan tunggal belakang
  • lampu LED
  • cakera brek 190mm depan
  • tayar 100/90-12 depan
  • tayar 110/90-12 belakang

Setiap pembelian Benelli Panarea 125 didatangkan dengan waranti pengeluar dua tahun atau 20,000km (mana yang sampai dahulu). 

GALERI: BENELLI PANAREA 125

QJMotor has been making headlines in the global motorcycle industry over the last few years, particularly via its subsidiary, Benelli and Keeway.

  • MBP’s is the latest premium brand under Keeway that is owned by QJMotor. 
  • Similar to the Benelli, MBP also has an Italian origin. 

Benelli is going strong after the acquisition by QJMotor, with the TRK502 emerging as the most popular ADV bike in its home country, Italy. 

Also, thanks to the wide range of models including the upcoming TRK800, TNT500, BKX250 and BKX250 S, the brand will continue to grow its influence with years to come.

That said, QJMotor now wants to carve similar success with Keeway after the brand recently gave birth to a premium subsidiary called the Moto Bologna Passione (MBP).

MBP recently showcased several models at EICMA, but the one that caught our attention is the T1002V adventure-tourer. 

Mechanically, the T1002V is fitted with an all-new 997cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 80-degree V-Twin engine that pumps out 95hp @ 7,600rpm and 96Nm @ 6,500rpm. Power-wise, it is on par with the KTM 890 Adventure R and BMW F 850 GS. 

Adding to its ADV aesthetic is a set of tubeless wire-spoke wheels and adjustable KYB long-travel suspension. Braking is done via dual front disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear paired with Brembo-owned J.Juan callipers.

Similar to QJMotor’s current ADV range, including the SRT800 and TRK800, the MBP T1002V also features a full-colour dash, adjustable windscreen and a center stand.

However, pricing is yet to be made available, as well as when the T1002V will hit the market. Nonetheless, we’ll keep you updated on this interesting development. 

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