Benelli first launched into business in 1911 when Mrs Teresa Benelli started the company in Pesaro, Italy. After being widowed she launched the business as a medium for her six sons to build a strong family business repairing motorcycles and cars. Less than a decade later the brothers built their first engine from scratch and slotted that 75cc two-stroke into a bicycle frame. The following year, 1921, they produced a 98cc motorcycle which heralded a new direction for the brothers to explore. Later in the 1920s one of the Benelli boys, Antonio, went racing on their creations and took a Benelli 175cc to four Italian Championships.

The family then suffered a big setback when Antonio was killed in a road accident in 1937. The next big hit came with the destruction of the factory during World War II. Only a few years later however the Benelli boys were back in business.

They went on to experience a number of successes including two road race world championships. Italy’s Dario Ambrosini took second place in the 1949 250CC World Championship before claiming the #1 plate in 1950. It was another 19 years before Benelli again claimed the 250cc World Championship when in 1969 Australia’s Kel Carruthers lifted the silverware for the Italian factory.

In the early sixties Benelli was a strong company with a 550 strong workforce producing 300 motorcycles per day. The influx of cheap and reliable Japanese motorcycles later in the sixties caused all European manufacturers dramas and Benelli was one of those to suffer most. Production stopped for some time after this huge change in the motorcycling landscape and many thought Benelli was dead and buried.

However the company started stirring from the ashes in 1995 when Andrea Merloni took the bull by the horns. 2002 saw the launch of the promising Tornado 900 Tre sportsbike and more recently the launch of the new TNT roadster.

Powered by a new 1131cc three-cylinder engine the TNT should grunt hard. The Italian manufacturer claims their new long-stroke engine produces 118 N-m of torque at 6750rpm and over 101kw (135hp) at 9250rpm. A sophisticated electronic fuel injection system with 53mm throttle bodies delivers the unleaded to the Nikasil coated sleeveless cylinders via four-valve combustion chambers. The 2005 model of the TNT also offers a dash mounted button that restricts the power a little to suit slippery conditions or where fuel economy is important.

While the radiator of the Tornado machine occupies a space under the seat, Benelli have chosen the side-mount radiator option for the TNT. Similar to that seen in some of Honda’s V engined sportsbikes.

The three-into-one exhaust system is made of stainless steel and comes together into a 60mm pipe before it snakes its way up under the seat and terminates in an oval shaped muffler. Electronically controlled flap valves are found in both the exhaust and the airbox to boost mid-range torque. Brembo provide the brakes while Marzocchi supplies the beefy 50mm inverted forks.

The first shipment of the TNT landed a few weeks ago and they were all snapped up by eastern states buyers. The second shipment is expected shortly and some machines are expected to make it to WA. The price of admission for this muscular exotic is $24500.

SPECS - Benelli TNT

• Engine: 1131cc, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled four-stroke 12-valve DOHC

• Bore x Stroke: 88 x 62mm

• Compression: 11.5:1

• Induction: Electronic fuel injection

• Starter: Electric

• Transmission: Six speed

• Final Drive: Chain

• Wheelbase: 1,419mm

• Seat Height: 780mm

• Dry Weight: 199kg

• Fuel Capacity: 17 litres

• Tyres: Front _ 120/70ZR17; Rear _ 190/50ZR17

• Suspension: Front _ 50mm inverted forks, preload adjustable; Rear _ Single shock with an Ergal body

• Brakes: Front _ 320mm discs with four-piston calipers; Rear _ 240mm single disc, twin-piston caliper

• Price: $24500

• Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres