Benelli 302S India launch confirmed soon; to take on BMW G 310 R, KTM 390 Duke

After severing ties with beleaguered DSK Group in India, Italian motorcycle manufacturer Benelli announced a new alliance with Hyderabad-based Mahavir Group recently. The new entity plans to ramp up business and the first model due to enter Indian market is the 302S.

Benelli India has confirmed the arrival of 302S before the year end and it will be the direct replacement for the entry-level model TNT 300 in India. Benelli 302S made global debut at the EICMA show in November 2017 and features far more modern and contemporary styling over the model it replaces.

The inspiration for the design comes from the 402S and 752S, both that Benelli unveiled in the same EICMA show. Benelli 302S also flaunts modern-looking headlamp with LED DRLs along the side. The tank extensions and body panels are sharper and that gives the bike a distinctive look.

The trellis frame in red colour adds sportiness with its contrasting finish. It gets minimal fairing at the rear and split grab rail. Overall, the design is simple yet modern and sporty. Another notable addition in the 302S is the fully digital instrument cluster.

Built around a steel trestle frame, Benelli 302S will draw power from a 300cc parallel-twin engine that develops 37.5bhp at 11,000rpm and 25.6Nm of torque at 9,750rpm. The mill will come mated to a six-speed gearbox and final chain drive.

Benelli is expected to add 41mm inverted forks for the front and a preload adjustable monoshock at the rear in the 302S. It will also have twin 260mm petal discs up front and a single 240mm petal disc at the rear along with ABS provide braking power.

As the company plans to ramp up localisation for its products in India, Benelli 302S is expected to be priced around Rs 3 lakh. At that price point, it will go up against newly launched BMW G 310 R (Rs 2.98 lakh) and hugely popular KTM 390 Duke (Rs 2.50 lakh), all prices ex-showroom Delhi.