Benelli's new Chinese ownership group QianJiang knows a thing or two about manufacturing. It makes more than 1.5 million bikes a year and
this ШУУД ҮЗЭХ production
muscle has enabled Benelli to put together an entry-level machine that delivers impressive specs and great looks at a price that undercuts even the Japanese competition. A 300cc parallel twin with twin disc brakes and adjustable suspension, the Benelli BN302 should make a nice "exotic" alternative for new riders.
The BN302 represents new territory for Benelli. It's the company's first
"learner" class bike – at least, the first under its new Chinese
ownership. Built in China under an Italian quality assurance team, the
BN302 is designed to bring new riders into the Benelli fold early, with
an impressively low price, exotic good looks and a spec sheet that even
its higher-priced competition can't match.
At AU$6,290 (US$5,015), it's considerably less expensive than the wildly
popular Kawasaki Ninja EX300 and KTM's Duke 390, but it certainly
doesn't come across as cheap. Fit and finish is beautiful, with the bike
boasting a lovely feel to it and quite a few details that make it seem a
lot more expensive and European than it is. One of the first you'll
notice is the seat detail, which is a very classy touch, but you'll have
to look a little closer to find the real surprises.
The BN302 has twin disc brakes and preload/rebound adjustable suspension
at both ends. None of the more expensive bikes in the 300cc class offer
either of those touches. The Pirelli Angel tires are another surprise.
Tires, brakes and suspension are generally the first places money is
saved on a cheaper bike, but here the Benelli outdoes the competition.
It's a fairly physically large bike for a small capacity learner
machine. At 185 kg (408 lb) wet, it's got some bulk to it, which will
discourage some smaller riders. Others will appreciate the extra size,
although at 5 ft 11 in (180 cm), I found my legs getting a bit cramped
due to the high footpegs.
The engine is a nice compromise. At lower revs it's calm and accessible
and torquey enough to deliver confidence to new riders. Rev it higher
and you'll get yourself access to the full 37 hp (27.5 kW) and 27 Nm (20
ft lb) of torque, which is enough to deliver some decent laughs on a
twisty road. Power and torque are both up on the Ninja 300's numbers,
but any performance gains will likely be swallowed up by the Benelli's
extra 10 kg (22 lb) of weight.
The brakes and suspension show their pedigree when you get out and start
riding hard. Power and feel on the brakes is impressive and the
suspension responds well to adjustments in rebound damping. Most small
bikes come underdamped for larger riders out of the box, and the BN302
is no exception. But a few turns of rebound on the fork, a couple of
clicks on the hand-adjustable shock, and it immediately felt much more
under control for me.
As a more experienced rider, I appreciated the braking power on tap.
It's not overpowering or touchy, but with a bit of pressure you can stop
very hard. For that reason I think Benelli ought to think about adding
an ABS option as panic braking can easily catch learners out.
At the end of the day, the BN302 will probably take its place in the
market as an attractive option for new riders that want something
different to the crowd. It'll set itself apart with its smooth, European
looks (even if it's clearly reminiscent of Kawasaki's ER-6N) and its
impressive specifications. The price tag will come as a nice surprise.
And if this bike is an indication of the quality we can expect from
QianJiang's Chinese manufacturing plant, things are looking bright for
Benelli.
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