Benelli Tornado Naked Tre 899 2014 — Specifications

In 2012, the 899 benefited from a few improvements aimed at increasing qualitative effect. With better engine casing finish, a red-painted frame and swingarm, a carbon fiber front fender, a saddle with quilted stitching, and a new radial brake master cylinder, the 'small' TnT evolves in the right direction. These small additions enhance a characterful beast. With its aggressive look, its assertive design, and its muscular and spirited engine, the Benelli TnT lacks no arguments to seduce lovers of roadster fighters. The 1130 cm³ has, in fact, enough power to calm the daredevils, and provoke some cold sweats. Fortunately, for those who desire this beautiful machine without wanting to ride around with a stick of dynamite under their buttocks, the Italian manufacturer presents an 899 cm³ version. Less horsepower, less torque, but still 120 bhp and nearly 8 kg·m – enough to enjoy yourself on the handlebars, especially if the electronics preserve the "lively" character of the Benelli cylinder.

Keywords of the 899: flatter the eye and the rider. Because the 899 will not make gunpowder explode with as much violence as the 1130, the attributes of the 'small' TnT will allow you to enjoy the dynamic performance of the beast without restraint. It's simple: like the plastics, the elements that make up the 899 are the same as on the big brother. A beautiful, solid frame, as well as a tubular swingarm, an inverted fork with a 50 mm diameter, beautiful brake discs of 320 mm (but no radially mounted calipers), an unchanged weight of 199 kilos, the same carnivorous insect face, and the Italian charm that will not fail to manifest.

A few details, however, will allow the most discerning to make the difference. There's no need to open the engine to note the difference in piston stroke between the 2 models. Instead, take a walk around the machine. The dashboard has changed, in favor of a single speedometer pierced by a digital window. Simple, effective, but perhaps too "basic" for a machine of this caliber. The saddle is one-piece, with a secondary objective of offering more comfort to the passenger. A domain in which Italians have never been very skilled... Like any sporty roadster with a hot blood, the choice of suspensions prioritizes virile character and handling. The TnT thus effectively controls mass transfers, and its riding is very enjoyable. Its engine is largely responsible. Always charming, the cylinder may deliver less watts than the big 1130, but it remains an engine that grabs you by the gut. It lives, it growls, it has a lot of response. Engine management could be a little better worked, but the Italian boiler strives to offer you power over a large portion of the rev range.

Strong and beautiful in appearance, the 899 is a true Italian; it lets itself be approached, less easily tamed. Living with it is not as supple as with a Japanese machine. The controls are firm, the practical aspects are quasi nonexistent, the protection is ridiculous, and in town, even if you are strikingly noticed with its alluring physique and its voluptuous sounds, allow plenty of room to turn around.

With this 900 engine, Benelli returns to the displacement with which the first Tornado was launched and the renewal of the brand. It mainly allows the small manufacturer to open up a wider market. The TnT in 1130 version is reserved for a certain category of bank accounts; but simply by reducing its displacement, this 899 opens up to a wider public.

M.B - photos manufacturer