Italian motorcycle manufacturer Benelli entered India in a joint venture with Pune based DSK group in March 2015. The DSK Benelli launched five motorcycles priced between Rs 2.83 lakh and Rs 11.81 lakh. The brand expressed its desire to launch lower capacity motorcycles that include 250 and 150cc motorcycles to drive volumes.
A report in MotorOctane claims that DSK Benelli is gearing up to launch the TNT15 motorcycle to tap the burgeoning 150cc segment, in early 2016. The motorcycle was displayed at a trade fair in Jakarta, Indonesia in June 2015. The India-spec TNT15 will be identical to the one showcased in Indonesia.
The 150cc naked bike will be powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder 148cc engine, mated to a five-speed gearbox. Benelli hasn't revealed power and torque figures while the estimated power figure is around 16bhp.
The motorcycle will feature a muscular look, sculpted fuel tank with styling in line with the bigger Benelli models. The headlamps will be identical to the TNT 300, which is currently the most affordable motorcycle in DSK Benelli product range. The TNT 15 will also feature split seats and conventional side mounted exhaust.
The TNT 15 will feature telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear while braking duties will be taken care of by a single disc at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The 150cc motorcycle of Benelli is expected to be launched along with the TNT 25, which is the upcoming 250cc motorcycle.
When launched, the TNT 15 will be pitted against the Suzuki Gixxer and the Yamaha FZ range.
