Benelli TNT 1130 Cafe Racer 2006 — Specifications

When Benelli decided to develop its TNT in a cafe racer version, the Pesaro manufacturer didn't do things by halves. Between the Sport and the Titanium, this third option exists for riders who want the cafe racer aesthetic without giving up the performance of a 1130cc triple cylinder built to bite.

The list of modifications compared to the base versions is long and coherent. Clip-on handlebars replace the standard bar, immediately shifting the riding position forward and transforming the riding intent. You shed 3 kg in the process, bringing the dry weight down to 196 kg — a respectable figure for an engine of this displacement. The eccentric-adjustable footpegs, carbon single-seat support, refined tail section, and redesigned front fender build a coherent silhouette, far from a mere cosmetic kit. The forged aluminium Marchesini wheels aren't there for show: they reduce unsprung mass and sharpen steering response. The 50 mm inverted fork tubes receive an anti-friction treatment, and both front and rear suspension are upgraded, with 120 mm of travel at each end.

The engine, for its part, is unchanged. It didn't need to be. This triple cylinder produces 137 hp at 9,500 rpm and 109.8 Nm at 7,750 rpm, pushing the bike to a top speed of around 240 km/h. The 11.2:1 compression ratio and 88 x 62 mm bore and stroke give it a lively, almost sharp character in the upper rev range. Benelli simply added a Termignoni exhaust to work on the soundtrack, because a triple that sings true deserves to be heard properly.

At €14,490 at launch, the Benelli TNT 1130 Cafe Racer positioned itself against the premium European roadsters of the era. That's a steep price for an Italian brand still in the process of reclaiming its legitimacy, but the equipment justifies part of the bill. The target audience is clearly experienced riders: the 820 mm seat height, the weight, and the 137 hp leave no room for beginners. This is not a bike to learn on — it's a bike for those who already know.

For those looking today for a used Benelli TNT 1130 Cafe Racer, it's worth keeping in mind that these machines were produced in limited numbers and that version-specific parts can be difficult to source. The Marchesini wheels and carbon components age well if the previous owner took care of them, but a thorough inspection of the steel tube trellis frame and fork condition is essential before any purchase. The Benelli of this era had a strong character, and this variant concentrates everything that was most assertive about it.