DSK Benelli launches affordable TNT 25 in India

With an upsurge in demand for entry-level superbikes in the Indian market, numerous foreign motorcycle companies have gradually started focusing more on the 250CC sub-division.

While recognised players such as Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and KTM have dominated proceedings in the past few years, several other big brands from different corners of the world are constantly looking for opportunities to showcase their ‘mean machines’ in India.

That said, after launching five other models in the Indian market, DSK Benelli—a collaboration between DSK Motorwheels and Italian motorcycle brand Benelli—has launched the first affordable Italian entry-level superbike in India.

The DSK Benelli TNT 25 is an entry-level street fighter powered by a 249CC liquid cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke DOHC engine and offers 28.15Bhp of raw power. All this power is transmitted to the rear via a six-seed gear-box.

The DSK Benelli TNT 25 is the sixth Benelli bike that launched in India

This bike comes with a steel trellis frame design. The up-side down forks also seems to be an impressive addition considering the low price of the bike.

In terms of braking, the TNT 25 sports a 280mm front petal disc with a four piston calliper while the rear gets a 240mm single disc with a double piston calliper. The 17-inch alloy wheels also add to the appeal of the bike.

Other factors such as the 17-litre fuel tank and 159 kg curb weight give the bike considerable advantage when compared to other bikes in the 250CC segment.

The Italian TNT 25 can is designed aptly for both high-speed thrilling experiences along with great manoeuvrability capability for commuting on jam-packed city roads. However, one downside is the absence of an ABS braking system, which the company promised to resolve within the next six to eight months.

The company has launched a standard variant priced at Rs 1, 68,000 and a premium version at Rs 1,75,000. DSK Motorwheels chairman Shirish Kulkarni also pointed out that the standard version of the bike will come along with MRF tyres while the premium version will be accompanied by Metzelar ones, which offer superior control and stability.

Customers can also choose to customise thier bie with decals and other custom accessories 

In addition, a wide range of customisations for the bike, along with accessories were also announced at the launch event held in Pune.

A series of Benelli helmets were also launched during the event 

“The TNT 25 stands out through its Italian flair, ergonomic perfection, and ultimately the exceptional performance. After having received a phenomenal response in India, we are certain that this offering will also be appreciated by motor biking aficianados in the country,” Kulkarni said.

Strategic Outlook

There is one common factor amongst all 250CC bikes sold in India: they are a tad on the expensive side. However, the TNT 250 will be the first ever 250CC bike in India to be priced so nominally.

Although bikes like Harley and Ducati are increasingly making their way into the India markets, most of the sales is still occupied by the 150 to 300CC range. So the TNT 25 will surely lure in a lot of buyers, as this is the first ever 250CC Italian superbike entrant in the Indian market to be priced less than two lakhs.  

Kulkarni also pointed out that the company is stepping up its efforts and a total of 25 bikes are now manufactured daily in their facility. The brand is currently sold via 15 dealerships in India and Kulkarni plans to take that figure to 25 by next year.

DSK Motorwheel COO Shivapada Roy with CEO Shirish Kulkarni at the launch of DSK Benelli TNT 25

He also revealed that DSK Motorwheels has bought land 22 acres of land in Talegaon to increase their manufacturing operations in India.  

He also indicated that with the TNT 25, the company plans to target the younger audience in the country. According to feedback received Kulkarni expects around eight thousand units to be sold within a span of a year. According to Company COO Shivapada Ray, the company has supposedly received 250 ‘soft bookings’ already.

The TNT 250 is a very important release for the company, as it will help the Italian giants showcase their capable machines in India and also improve DSK’s market reach. The group manufactures two foreign brands in India—Hyosung and Benelli.