Motorcycle specifications Benelli 302 R 2018 Light breeze

In the end, Benelli did not keep the Tornado name for its (only) sports bike. Which is a good thing, since such a name evokes many memories. Think back to the beginning of the century, when prestigious sports bikes were emerging in search of glory(MV-Agusta F4 750, Mondial Piega, Boxer VB1, Honda VTR SP-1, Bimota SB8K,...). The Tornado was part of this frenzy. First with the three-cylinder 900, then with the big 1130. Admittedly, it couldn't compete with the benchmarks of the time, but its engine, design and technical solutions left no one indifferent. After all, sport is called 302 R.

so it's with great enthusiasm that we welcome the return of a sports car from the Pesaro-based manufacturer. From afar, the novelty is undeniable. Up close too, and it's at this point that we realize that this Benelli no longer has much in the way of Italian flair. Or flamboyant! The rebirth of the sport is via a 300 cm3 twin-cylinder. With 38 horsepower, the memory falls from its pedestal.
This machine shouldn't be seen as a descendant of the 900 / 1130 Tornado, but rather as a strategic Chinese foray into the sporty medium-displacement sector. The clan of the YZF-R3, RC 390, Ninja 300 and GSX 250 R; little valued and active at home, but a mass market in emerging countries.

the 302 R isn't a bad bike, even with its upside-down forks, lanky silhouette, bright colors and petal discs. It's easy to forget that it shares the same powertrain as the BN 302 roadster. The sporty illusion may still appeal to a number of young licence holders, as the power of its twin falls well short of A2 requirements. Built around a steel trellis frame and swingarm different from the BN, the bike is equipped with 2 front brake discs clamped by by 4-piston axial calipers, 1 240 mm disc at the rear, slim 110 and 150 mm wheels, a 14-liter fuel tank, and ABS. With 180 kilos dry weight and a handful of horsepower less than its rivals, this 302 R will make you want to play, but will find it hard to be vindictive against them.
It's a concept worth discovering, bearing in mind that Benelli bikes are now Chinese motorcycles, with only the crest retaining the brand's colors.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos