Benelli Tre-K 1130K Amazonas 2007 — Specifications

A rider decided to cross Brazil on a large trail bike. Benelli, which was then launching the Tre-K 1130, a machine already quite substantial, was inspired by this epic journey to create a special version. This is the origin of the Amazonas, a variant that smells of adventure without truly being a jungle machine. It is primarily a nod, a tribute to a human journey of 14,000 kilometers, but it does not fundamentally transform the motorcycle.

Technically, it is still the same three-cylinder engine of 1130 cm³ that delivers 123 horsepower and 111.8 Nm of torque. The engine is lively, with a characteristic sound, and pulls well from the middle of the rev range. On the road, it offers generous sensations, even if the weight of 240 kg fully fueled remains a factor to consider, especially when considering off-road routes. The steel trellis frame is solid, the 48 mm inverted fork is worthy, and the braking with its petal discs does its job correctly. But it is not an agile motorcycle; it is robust, a little heavy, and its seat height of 840 mm can be intimidating.

The modifications to the Amazonas version are essentially cosmetic and practical. We find spoked rims, tires more suited to varied terrains, handguards, and that famous color scheme with touches of yellow. The spirit is there, the aesthetics are successful and make you want to leave, but the mechanical base has not been redesigned for true expedition riding. Compared to a BMW R 1200 GS of the time or even a KTM 990 Adventure, this Benelli remains more road-oriented, less specialized in off-road. Its 22-liter tank is correct, but not exceptional for very long stages.

The target audience for this machine? Globetrotters looking for a distinctive motorcycle, capable of long roads and occasional trails, without being off-road experts. It is appealing because of its history and character, but it requires a confident riding style to manage its weight. Its price, around 13,360 euros at the time, placed it in a niche where the competition was already very strong with more refined models.

In summary, the Tre-K 1130 Amazonas is a motorcycle with a beautiful history and a certain charm. It offers a mental escape more than a radical transformation. For those who wanted a large trail bike with Italian personality and a story of adventure, it had its place. For those seeking an ultra-efficient all-terrain travel tool, it was probably necessary to look elsewhere. It remains a fascinating object, a testament to an era when Benelli was trying to reposition itself with ambitious machines.