Benelli Tre-K 1130K Amazonas 2012 — Specifications

One could almost have forgotten that Benelli knew how to do more than just scooters or low-cost roadsters. Yet, in 2012, the Tre-K 1130 Amazonas reminded us that the adventurous spirit had never truly left Pesaro. It’s a machine with a blurred identity, a hybrid that balances between a sporty roadster and a long-distance trail bike, without really choosing its camp. With its thunderous 123 horsepower from a three-cylinder engine with a unique sound, it promises strong emotions, far from the discretion of its Japanese competitors.

The heart of the beast is this 1130 cm3 engine, a triple that explodes at 9000 rpm and delivers a torque of 112 Nm from 5000 rpm. Figures that would almost suit a sporty naked, but which are found here in a steel trellis frame dressed for adventure. The result is a heavy motorcycle, 240 kg with full tanks, which requires commitment. The seat height of 84 cm doesn’t help, making the beast quite intimidating for those with shorter legs. We are far from the accessible ergonomics of a Tiger 800 or even a GS.

So, who is it for? Certainly not a novice, nor a traveler looking for ease. The Amazonas, with its 19-inch spoked rims at the front, its knobby tires and petal brake discs, clearly targets the demanding adventurer, the one who wants a distinctive motorcycle, an Italian and rugged alternative to overly polished trails. Its 22-liter tank and 48 mm inverted fork give it arguments for the road, but its weight and lively temperament make it a demanding companion on both asphalt and dirt.

At 13,500 euros new, it positioned itself as an outsider against established references. It lacked the network, nor the reputation for reliability of a BMW, nor the gentle versatility of a Multistrada. Its asset? A raw personality, a hoarse sound, and this marketing story linked to a 14,000 km journey in South America which gives it a veneer of authenticity. In short, the Tre-K 1130 Amazonas was a motorcycle for those who wanted to get off the beaten path, literally and figuratively, accepting its flaws as the price to pay for such a unique character.