Benelli Tre-K 1130K Amazonas 2010 — Specifications

Who would have bet on Benelli to release such a powerful three-cylinder trail bike? At a time when adventure was already being offered in two-cylinder or inline-four formats, the Pesaro factory pulled this Tre-K 1130 Amazonas out of a hat, a machine that stands out as much for its architecture as for its character. With 123 horsepower delivered by a 1130 cm3 triple, it’s far from a slow and predictable tractor. Here, the engine is lively, it revs freely and delivers 112 Nm of torque from 5000 rpm, enough to get you out of a tight corner or a rutted track without shifting through three gears. On paper, it has what it takes to make some competitors sweat, even if its 240 kg all fueled up announces a certain generosity on the scales.

Speaking of weight, on the pavement, the beast is surprisingly agile for its size, the trellis frame offering rigidity that inspires confidence in corners. But as soon as the terrain becomes soft or uneven, those 240 kg remind you they’re there. The 840 mm seat height helps a little, but it remains a machine that requires physical commitment, not really a bike for a trail beginner. The suspension, with a 48 mm inverted fork at the front and a single shock at the rear, is generously suspended and does its job correctly on stabilized trails, but it can feel a bit firm on urban speed bumps.

The “Amazonas” spirit is mainly in the equipment and finish. Benelli added spoked rims, essential for impacts on trails, and fitted them with reinforced sidewall tires, a judicious choice for those who really want to get away from the asphalt. Petal brake discs, handguards, and touches of yellow paint give it the adventurous look that makes you dream in front of a world map. But let's be honest, with its massive lines and 22-liter tank, this Tre-K is more of a tall road bike, capable of digesting dirt tracks, than a true exploration machine. It clearly targets the globetrotter who wants performance on the road and a touch of versatility, not the African piste adventurer.

At over €13,000 at the time, it positioned itself in the yard of the big trail bikes, facing a Triumph Tiger 1050 or a Ducati Multistrada 1200. It had a charismatic engine and a strong personality, but it suffered from its weight and a fragile image compared to the English and Italian aristocrats. Today, this Benelli Tre-K 1130 Amazonas has become a pleasant curiosity, a mechanical UFO that recalls that adventure can also be combined with three inline cylinders and a raw sound that shakes the windows. It is a motorcycle for the enlightened enthusiast, the one who seeks something other than consensus and is not afraid to assume a strong character.