Motorcycle specifications Benelli TnT 899 Tonado Naked Tre 2008 Gross de brute

the Benelli TnT, with its wicked looks, violent styling and muscular, spirited engine, has everything it takes to win over fans of roadster fighters. In fact, the 1130 cm3 engine has enough trunk space to calm the nerves and induce a few cold sweats. Fortunately, for those who want this beautiful machine but don't want to ride around with a stick of dynamite under their buttocks, the Italian manufacturer presents an 899 cm3 version. Less horsepower, less torque, but still 120bhp and nearly 8mkg - enough to have fun on the handlebars, especially if the electronics preserve the "lively" character of the Benelli cylinder.

the 899's watchwords: flatter the eye and the rider. The 899 may not be as violent as the 1130, but the attributes of the "little" TnT will allow you to enjoy the beast's dynamic performance without restraint. It's simple: like the plastic, the 899's components are the same as those of its big brother. A good-looking frame and tubular swingarm, a 50 mm-diameter inverted fork, 320 mm brake pads (but no radial calipers), an unchanged weight of 199 kilos, the same carnivorous insect face, and the Italian charm that's sure to come through.

a few details, however, will allow the most discerning to tell the difference. There's no need to open the engine to see the difference in piston stroke between the 2 models. Instead, take a look at the owner's tour. The dashboard has been replaced by a single meter pierced by a digital window. Simple, effective, but perhaps too "basic" for a machine of this calibre. The seat is one-piece, with the secondary aim of offering greater passenger comfort. An area in which the Italians have never been very good... As with any hot-blooded sports roadster, the choice of suspension is geared towards manliness and roadholding. As a result, the TnT effectively controls mass transfers, and is a pleasure to drive. The engine has a lot to do with it. Always a charmer, the cylinder may deliver fewer watts than the big 1130, but it's still an engine that grabs you by the scruff of the neck. It lives, it roars, it responds. Engine management could do with a little more work, but the Italian boiler does its utmost to give you plenty of power over a large part of the rev counter.

strong and beautiful in the mouth, the 899 is a true Italian; it's easy to get close to, not so easy to tame. Living with it is not as easy as with a Japanese bike. The controls are firm, the practicalities almost non-existent, the protection ridiculous, and in town, even if you make a real impression with its seductive looks and voluptuous sounds, you'll need to be prepared to turn around.

for a few euros more, you can opt for the Sport version (pictured above). In addition to its more acidic color scheme, the 899 S features a 2-piece seat (as on the 1130), a gold-anodized fork (bronze on the standard version), a few carbon parts and improved suspension.

with this 900 engine, Benelli returns to the displacement with which the first Tornado and the brand's revival were launched. Above all, it opens up a wider market for the small manufacturer. Until now, the TnT was reserved for a certain category of bank account; but just by lowering its displacement, this 899 strategically places itself below the 10,000 euro mark. Now that's something to think about.

M.B - manufacturer's photos