2011 Benelli TNT R160

After a slight delay, Benelli has released its 2011 TNT R160 streetfighter.

First unveiled at the 2010 EICMA Show, the 2011 Benelli TNT R160 is powered by an 1131cc three-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed transmission with a dry slipper clutch. Benelli claims 155.6 hp at 10,200 rpm and 88.5 ft-lb. at 8400rpm.

The chassis consists of a steel trestle and an aluminum cast structure at the swingarm pivot. The suspension system is comprised of a 50mm upside-down Marzocchi fork and a ZF Sachs rear shock. With a full 4.2 gallon tank (1 gallon reserve), the Benelli TNT R160 claims a weight of 474 pounds.

The five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels are equipped with twin 320mm discs and four-piston Brembo calipers up front and a 240mm dual-piston Brembo caliper at the rear.

Benelli will offer two color versions: white with a red frame or red with a matte grey titanium frame. The Benelli TNT R160 is now available in Italian dealerships. U.S. pricing and availability was not announced however.

For more pictures, visit our extensive gallery.

Press release after the jump.

TNT R160: available at Benelli dealers

With slightly delay of expected delivery, are now available at dealerships Benelli’s new TNT version R160 2011.

Overall performance: it is the slogan that summarizes the essence of the more sporty Benelli model, a model without compromising on power and efficiency of driving, on public road and on track freedom. Born on the Roadster Cup Race, the R160 is a hymn to the performance, thanks to a three-cylinder engine in its most refined, and chassis that is enriched with adjustable suspensions: giving you a pleasure to get best lap time or enjoy the most beautiful mountain roads.

The engine is the generous heart of R160: this is, of course, the legendary three-cylinder that equips other models in the TNT series, but here it finds its most sublime interpretation: far-square, with a bore of 88 mm and stroke of 62, just over 1130 cm3 and in this configuration has a compression ratio of 12.5:1, equipped with an electronic fuel injection throttle bodies through three large circular 53 mm in diameter, uses a modern and efficient distribution system with two overhead camshafts, which actuate four valves per cylinder. A balancer is equipped for damping vibrations, not to sacrifice comfort for performance.

The 6-speed transmission with final chain, the clutch is dry, with anti-hopping and hydraulic control to capture the scene, largely thanks to the lighter clutch housing, almost entirely, you can admire the structure, image of racing and lightness. The anti-hopping lets loose delayed and more decisive, without the risk that the rear of the bike being broken down or lose the ideal line.

The exhaust pipes follow precisely the forms of the engine before merging at the bottom and climb back towards the tail, which are going into the terminal racing, compact, lightweight and perfectly located between the rear fender and the thin taillight unit. The catalyst and exhaust valve respectively held responsible for breaking down harmful emissions and to optimize the delivery at all engine speeds, without affecting the notes exciting and full of thunder that the three cylinders can give.

R160 performance means: 157.8 HP (116 kW) of maximum power at 10,200 rpm, and 120 Nm (12.2 kgm) of torque at 8400.

Data that tell a lot about the Benelli three-cylinder, capable of extension as the best effectiveness and response to mid-range that only few engines on the market can achieve.

R160 has also a unique chassis: the chassis consists of a main section of a steel trestle completed by aluminium cast structure in the area of the swing arm pivot, which in turn incorporates the essential and effective lattice structure.

The suspensions are the best that is available on the market for racing applications: the upside-down Marzocchi fork with 50 mm diameter is fully adjustable in all aspects, elastic and hydraulic; the same features (preload, compression and hydraulic extension) are equipped on the ZF Sachs shock absorber, connected to progressive leverage which increases the efficiency of the rear suspension, allowing to download all the power of the R160 the ground.

Aluminum-alloy wheels offer a five-spoke design, which combines lightness and grit, are in the front, with 3.50 ” size, a tire in the usual measure 120/70, while at the rear, with 6.00″ size, who guide the choice between the 190/50 and allowed the use of two additional measures, 180/55 and 200/50, the latter particularly suitable for use on the track. The braking system is equal to the performance of the R160, the two front discs 320 mm in diameter with the “wave” profile Brembo calipers, a symbol of absolute efficiency, lightness and power, driven by a Brembo radial master cylinder also. Behind the disc is 240 mm in diameter, but always with a “wave” profile with dual-piston calliper.

The R160 is available in two colours, which enhance the style and grit: white with red frame and red with frame mat gray titanium, you do not accept compromises.

The bike is available now at Benelli’s shop.

By Dennis Chung