Motorcycle specifications BenelliTnT 899 Cafe Racer 2011 A young fawn

the Benelli 900 range is gradually expanding. Each model from the Italian factory is thus split into two, with two personalities for two power levels... and two riding styles: sporty and very sporty. Like the TnT and Tre-K, the Cafe Racer is equipped with a 3-cylinder in a reduced format. 899 cm3 displacement, a few less horsepower, less torque and quite a few euros deducted from the bill. But make no mistake, the 899 Cafe racer is nothing like a sweet little pussycat.

the CR's lines have not aged at all, even though they date back many years. Its bends and praying mantis face are as aggressive as ever. The removal of the high handlebars makes it even more menacing. Benelli has taken everything from the plastic and attributes of the 1130 to perfect the mimicry and charm of this machine - from the pot under the saddle, to the side-mounted radiators, to the carbon parts all the way up to the rear.from the pot under the saddle, the side radiators and the carbon parts to the open-work fork crown - a little wink always surprises the incredulous with the handlebar-mounted mirrors. Only the unoriginal tachometer almost disappoints on this mechanical insect. On a café terrace, it's impossible to be discreet. The machine is superb and gives off a sporty impression throughout.

on the road, the magic continues. With your chest resting (without exaggeration) on the handlebars, and a big purr between your legs, you quickly know what you're dealing with. The Café Racer lives up to its name, with its origins as a roadster with big sporty ambitions. As soon as you're on the road with it, everything is a pretext to engage the adventure mode. Just like with the big 1130, with enough power to slap you in the face when you get excited. The little brother doesn't have as wide a palate, but he's kept the same family temperament. Its 120 hp are neither lacking in expression nor gniak. Fortunately, power is more controllable, with just enough to keep you from getting bored on the handlebars. The chassis and swingarm are not only superb. They provide the rigidity and precision worthy of any good Italian sports bike. It just requires a little more involvement on the part of the rider; you're not sitting on a nice little Japanese roadster.

not necessarily comfortable, but terribly endearing, with a face and engine that give you your money's worth, the 899 Cafe Racer is a machine that knows how to appreciate. Sportier than the 899 TnT S, less violent and more accessible than the big 1130, this CR is for connoisseurs. It drinks, it doesn't necessarily have a good temperament, the finish and reliability don't match its price tag, but you've got to know what you want: a McDonald's hamburger steak or a buffalo shoulder...

M.B - Manufacturer's photos