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Benelli TnT125 Owner's Review
Review Date - September 2018
By N.W.Shuttleworth
'Just like a motorbike only smaller'
Founded in 1911 in Pesaro just down the road from Misano Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Benelli can be said to be the oldest surviving Italian motorcycle name. The company has certainly had its ups and downs over the last 100 years; the highlights being winning the 1939 Lightweight TT in the hands of Ted Mellors, the 250cc World Championship and Lightweight TT in 1950 with Dario Ambrosini on board and the same again in 1969 with the fabulous 4-cylinder 250 ridden by Australian Kel Carruthers. Benelli has also had its lows along the way, stepping off the bottom rung of the ladder in the ownership of Argentinian Industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso when all production ceased in 1988 and the factory was sold off. After a failed attempt to restart in 1989, six years later the Benelli name was purchased by Andrea Merloni (Indesit washing machines) and the Tornado Tre900 was launched in 2002 remaining in production in its final incarnation as the 1131cc R160 until 2014. It was said to have a fabulous engine and great handling but unfortunately gained a reputation for poor reliability. So perhaps the purchase of Benelli in 2005 by giant Qjian Jiang Group of Wenling, China will finally put the once-famous marque back on the map. QJ itself has recently received a huge boost in capital following acquisition of a 29.8% share by the third largest car maker in China, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co (owners of Volvo, Lotus Cars, London Taxi Co).
We know QJ in the UK for the Keeway RKS125, a reasonably-priced commuter/learner bike and its various derivatives. Up to 2014 the Benelli logo has been put on several Keeway models which has done little to rebuild an identity as a separate brand. All that is set to change; interviewed for MCN in 2016, General Manager Ms Yan Haimei (known as Klara in the trade for some reason!) said “Benelli’s heritage is very important to us and it is still an Italian brand. We do all the research, design and development in Italy and the Chinese manufacture the product. All the new motorcycle technology is coming from Europe, especially Italy, and they have more creativity than the Chinese, but the Chinese are very good at manufacturing. That’s why Benelli works so well. We also believe that we can match the Japanese when it comes to quality.” In 2014 the first stand-alone Benelli designed models began to appear, the BN302 and two years later the TRK502 twin cylinder 500 Adv bike and in 2017 the subject of this review, the diminutive TnT125 Tornado. These models were followed earlier this year with the Leoncino featuring a liquid cooled 500 twin with six speed 'box and to come in 2019 will be further new models. According to Marketing Director for the Americas, Asia and Africa regions Dante Bustos “In terms of engine platforms, we are seeking to expand very rapidly in these two segments, the 400 and 750, and we will have different type of frames in different types of bikes. We cannot release too many models in a year, but we plan to release a 250, a 400 and 750 between 2018 and 2019”. So it does look as though Benelli QJ are indeed setting out to re-establish the once-famous name and carve out a share of the world motorcycle market. For the European market Benelli branded machines are designed in Italy, made in China and shipped to Pesaro for final QC.
Time to take a look at the product. The TnT125 Tornado Naked T to give it its full name, is very small but perfectly formed. The look is pure streetfighter - trellis frame, steep fork angle, short wheelbase, slash-cut twin exhausts a la MV, futuristic headlight cowl with two twin LED running lights, monoshock at the back, hard-edged tank all add up to one cool package. Cockpit is nice, ally bars set in a cast aluminium clamp at a good reach and height, switchgear is standard modern except for an additional red button on the right for hazard warning lights which you've always wanted on a bike . . . oh yes you have, you know you have! In the instrument pod are analogue rev counter, digi speedo which is switchable between km and miles (and over-reads by 12%) plus a fuel gauge, clock, and mileage-recorder/trip combined; all easy to read day or night and look stylish. The indicators are LED front and back, ultra cool and at the front the little itty-bitty sort you'd put on as after-markets, only Benelli have done it for you. They are very bright and even the most texting-preoccupied yummy mummy 4x4 driver will see them . . . hopefully! The running lights/headlight under the front cowl look the d's b's but unfortunately although they're bright enough the spread on main beam is way too narrow. The way to get round it is to hot-wire the LED dipped beam lights to remain on with the main beam - not a difficult mod and there's plenty of 'how to' advice on the internet. The front footrests are very neat rubber-faced cast aluminium which fold, but bizarrely there are no return springs so if you catch one at the lights when you set off the next 200 yards are spent trying to hook it out with your boot. A pillion seat and rests are provided if you need to take a small child anywhere (adults needn't apply, they just wouldn't fit). The mirrors are very la mode but not a lot of use unless you have a particularly nice jacket and like looking at the cut of the Goretex around the elbows - you're far safer using the 'life-saver' anyway so don't moan. The whole package weighs in at 121kg wet and the 780mm seat height is low enough for someone of 5' or so to get their feet on the floor. At 5'9” the footrest/seat/handlebar triangle aided by cutouts in the side of the tank for the knees is about right for me although the position is more supermotard than tourer. In fact this is one of my main gripes, some people report the seat as being quite comfortable but I find it as hard as a Chapel pew and slopes forward. That aside, the TnT certainly looks the biz. Three colour schemes are available, black with red frame, white with red frame and red with black frame. Oh, and the brake calipers are red on all models.
The air/oil cooled 4T 124.8cc (bore 54mm stroke 54.5mm) twin-spark engine produces 11bhp at 9,000 rpm with max torque of 7 lbs ft at 7,000. The rev limiter activates a tad under 10,000 rpm but in practice there's not much point in holding on above 9,500 as the power drops off and a change up on the close-ratio 5 speed box will take you nicely back onto the curve in the next gear. Should mention the light action clutch and smooth gearchange here, not once have I found a false neutral in all the time I've had the TnT. The short-throw pedal has a very precise action and its easy to find neutral at the lights with a glance at the green N on the dash just to confirm. Providing one remembers to fold the side stand and pull the clutch a single press of the starter and it fires up, soon settling to an idle of 1,500 rpm. First gear engages very smoothly but its a low ratio so 2nd comes up as soon as Benny sets off (well, he had to have a nickname didn't he?). As a Fat Man on a Very Small Motorcycle acceleration is steady rather than brisk but the little engine is very willing. Throttle response is instantaneous, probably the result of a light flywheel and a well sorted EFI system. During the running-in period (important on an air-cooled engine to follow manufacturer's instructions) I achieved 124.8 mpg, although having completed the first 1,000 miles I'm now opening it up and the economy has dropped to about 105mpg, giving the 7 litre tank a range of 180 miles. The design of the filler is very good, the level is easy to see in the tank avoiding spillage. For a single the engine is remarkably vibration free, just a bit buzzy through the bars at higher revs, nothing too much and the mirrors show no signs of vibes at any time. The only other characteristic of note is the slight clatter from the SOHC four-valve head at partial throttle openings, its not serious and you soon get used to it. The engine castings and shiny grey finish are first class and the 10W-40 semi-synthetic oil stays on the inside. Level checking is by sight glass on the right side of the sump.
At the back the offset monoshock is pre-load adjustable but even with my weight I have it just a few turns up from the softest setting - so for someone lighter it might be quite a firm ride at the back. The 41mm upside-down forks are simply massive for a little motorcycle (the 6 cylinder Honda CBX1000 only had 35mm front forks!). Travel at both ends is just under 5” but bearing in mind the 12” wheels, the suspension does a reasonable job of soaking up most of the potholes on 'impoverished' Britain's neglected roads system. To meet Euro IV, bikes sold in the UK either have to have ABS or Combined Braking System - Benny has the latter. The brake pedal operates on the rear disc together with the centre pot of the 3-pot caliper on the single front disc, the handlebar lever operates the other two pots at the front. Some users have criticised the set up for a soft brake pedal and lack of feel but having grown up with the system on other bikes such as Guzzis, I like it. I have never been too keen on a rear brake that bites hard since one bright and sunny afternoon I locked the back wheel on a Honda CB650 and threw it up the road . . . but thats another story of broken bike, torn jeans, and tears before bed! The front brake on the TnT125 is progressive and again not too sharp - both brakes used together (as you should) work well and give a feeling of safety.
You're getting impatient now, aren't you? “When will he get to the point? He's got this far and hasn't mentioned the 'Made in China' label and 'Quality' ?” Well I haven't because its not an issue. The Benelli TnT125 is very well made: the frame welding is neat, the paint is good, the alloy castings are superb, the plastic bodyparts such as the tank cover, headlight/instrument pod and seat/tail unit are quality mouldings and the wiring loom and connectors are neat and fit-for-purpose. A lot of the fasteners are Allen head bolts which are practical in use and look good and generally the fit and finish is well up to modern quality standards. One TnT125 internet group has 1,000 members and so far there've been very few reports of quality/reliability issues, some owners having covered in excess of 10,000 miles in all types of weather with no problems. One owner has posted of trouble engine starting but did not say whether this was due to the starter motor, relay, battery or some other fault. Another reported a cracked frame at the bottom rear engine mounting but it later transpired he was using his bike for public display stunts - that isn't in the TnT's job description! There has also been a Dealer recall for the swing arm bolt to be checked as this can come loose, as can the 6mm shouldered bolt which holds the gear change shaft to the footrest hangar. Its not easy to get to but owners can check the tightness and paint mark it. On close inspection of my Benny I noticed that in fact most of the major fasteners are paint marked at the factory which makes a visual check very easy every time one washes the bike. The chain is an O ring type and if its properly maintained and adjusted it will give good service. The other major gripe on internet groups is the Chinese 'Cordial' tyres. However in my experience in the dry they give as good a level of grip as anything (my chicken strips are long gone) but I do tend to be a bit cautious in the wet anyway and apart from one lurid slide on a river of mud and cow slurry running across a main road (my thanks to the local NFU member for that one!) I haven't had a problem.
The TnT125 isn't a big bike and it doesn't have a lot of cc's but it does have a big heart. On country lanes and B roads as long as the revs are kept in the 6,500 to 9,500 rpm power band it nips along pretty smartly. On A roads Benny keeps up well with the traffic cruising happily at an indicated 55-60mph. The CBS brakes work very nicely in practice, the pedal is a little soft but the lever is progressive with plenty of feel and won't lock up the front unless you really, really want to! The TnT is safe for less experienced riders and older ones can show off and look good without throwing it away. I've added a couple of extras to Benny to make life a bit easier, an Airhawk comfort seat, a plastic 'cruise control' which fits on the twist grip (arthritis in the thumb joint) and I've modified a fire-extinguisher bracket to take a bottle of Halfords Tyreweld under the tail unit. At £2099 OTR the only other ways you can spend your money and get half as much fun is on a 3 year old Honda Grom which looks like a monkey bike, has a slipping clutch and fuel pump problems, or perhaps a week's all-inclusive for two in Marbella. If you're short and don't weigh much, seventeen years old and live in a city you'd be mad not to buy one . . . or if you're big and fat, seventy and live in the country you'd also be mad not to buy one. Which is why I bought one. It makes me grin just to look at it, it makes me grin every moment I'm riding it and it makes me grin afterwards when I'm sat in front of the telly remembering what FUN its been today . . . . and every time I ride it.
PS Small is beautiful (E.F.Schumacher – not related to any racing drivers)
© N.W.Shuttleworth
If you'd like to send your review of your bike to be published the contact ren@bikesandtravels.com. Don't worry if it's not as professional or well crafted as Nigel's - it's your opinions and experience that matter.
Reader's Comments
Ren - The Ed said :-
Thank you very much for this Nigel. By the way...twin spark...you did say twin spark right?
20/09/2018 07:41:54 UTC
David Barwick said :-
Thanks Nigel,
Really good to here from another mature (I am 56) TNT125 owner, and the "small is beautiful" philosophy by E. F Schumacher, which I have previously quoted on this site.
My spin on the obvious comparison with the Honda MSX125 (Grom in USA)
is to spend the (new price-differential, I paid £1995.for mine) money on customising the Benelli to have something more personal, as opposed to standard/mass produced.
The TNT135 version has recently been introduced to the USA, so its likely there will soon be more after market parts available to play with (e.g Yoshimura already have a full system exhaust out) as opposed to the expensive "bling" anodised this and that, the importer offers.
Here is a photo of my little bike:
The rear-sets are hand-made. In addition to the mods. you can see, I have also changed the front sprocket from std.15t to 14t, for improved pick-up, pulling in 5th gear.
David Barwick, Norfolk, September, 2018.
20/09/2018 08:29:13 UTC
Pocketpete said :-
Great comprehensive review. I just wish bike manufacturers would just spend £ 500 quid more. When building a new bike.
Just put on those things bikers need. Such as peg springs. Longer front mudguard. Stainless bolts etc.
Maybe even offer a cheap version and a Ford ghia version.
21/09/2018 06:42:02 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
That's an interesting thought Pocketpete.
I'm glad to hear people are linking their 125s. It's the future doncha know.
21/09/2018 08:02:56 UTC
Tom McQ said :-
Wow! That was a very well written and interesting review (but shorter paragraphs please). Despite your self-confessed proportions and age, the bike looks like a good fit and the most important thing of all - you really seem to love the bike. Result!
27/09/2018 07:56:01 UTC
NigelS said :-
Thank you to those who have left such kind comments. A small correction - I had assumed that the chain was an O ring type because of this notice in the Owner's Manual
"NOTICE
Do not use engine oil or any other lubricants for the drive chain, as they may contain substances that could damage the O-rings".
Seems like Benelli themselves didn't know what sort of chain they've fitted!
Now that I have washed it in paraffin, lubed and adjusted it the chain is definitely not O ring. However, in 1100 miles it had hardly stretched at all, just two flats (1/3 of a turn) on each side was quite sufficient. The bit about 'maintaining it and it will give good service' in my article above remains!
28/09/2018 09:10:04 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Benelli will be using a standardised script from all their models. Plus this way if you or a workshop fit a O-ring chain that's covered too.
Or for the foil hat wearing conspiracy theorists Benelli are getting a kickback from the chain lube conglomerate.
28/09/2018 09:24:13 UTC
Peter 64 said :-
Great review, I actually found it very interesting and useful so I'm still looking for the test ride before putting money down but I'm not expecting a race bike. But thanks for taking the time to put it down in words.
15/10/2018 12:46:03 UTC
NigelS said :-
A quick update - the TnT125 exhaust and cat are well known for rusting. As most of my riding is the little back roads of rural Staffordshire I have added a a mudguard extender (eBay £4.95) which keeps the mud and merde off the bottom of the engine and the exhaust system.
31/10/2018 08:53:19 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
You're preaching to the converted here at Bikes And Travels NigelS. If you look around you'll see I like to bodge on bits of used oil containers. While I approve of your desire to create a mudguard that actually guards against mud (the clue is in the name) I find your expensive, smart, well fitting and fitted well fender extender to be frankly too posh.
31/10/2018 10:32:17 UTC
Kevin wilcockson said :-
My tnt125 is only 8 months old and 234 miles on clock but is suffering badly with corrosion on the mail oil cooler pipe also the exhaust and the foot pegs. I asked my local dealer is this normal his answer was I should use it more even though locked in a heated garage. Has anyone else come across this
19/06/2019 12:26:57 UTC
Upt'North said :-
I have no specific knowledge of your STeed but it shouldn't be displaying corrosion at that mileage/age as long as you haven't parked it up covered in salt for weeks on end. The dealer obviously doesn't want to help so speak to Benelli UK and ask their views. I'd be civil, accurate and reasonable, accompany the email with photographs of the corroded areas and ask for acknowledgement of receipt of email and ask for a more detailed response within seven days. Once the areas are remedied consider the use use of a good anti corrosion treatment like ACF50 not the normal WD40 go to.
Hope it helps.
Upt'North.
Oh yes......find another dealer.
19/06/2019 13:39:39 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Have you got any images Kevin? It comes as something of a shock to me to hear about this level of corrosion. It is my understanding the Benellis share quite a lot in common with Sharon's Keeway being owned by the same company and I wouldn't be surprised if they're made in the same factory. The Keeway has seen at worst average levels of corrosion on the frame and exhaust, at best the engine casings are fantastically immaculate.
Either you've somehow inadvertently managed to get something seriously corrosive on the bike or you've had what I could only term "a bad 'un".
20/06/2019 18:54:14 UTC
Henrik said :-
Must admit that I serious consider one sometime in the future
For fun-bike ,... and for bringing it with me on car-trips ,... either in the car or in a little caravan
This way combining MC and Kayak-destinations, and get it all in one trip,...
Pic from own kayak-trip some years ago in Geiranger Norway
Link to casual YT video just to show the roads and nature in the area around Geiranger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP2LDQKTjSc...
21/06/2019 22:57:14 UTC
Henrik said :-
I think the little size opens up some great new possibilityes
I see generally positive reviews, one thing that is common is that the fun-factor is described as very high,..
It makes people smile, and I am sure it will be damm entertaining on the norweigian hair-pins with a set of good tires
It looks well-made, and where I live its dirt-cheap,....
Whats not to like :-)
21/06/2019 23:07:38 UTC
Ian Soady said :-
Ren says I look ridiculous on the Norton so I feel that may be a step too far for me......
22/06/2019 10:52:12 UTC
Henrik said :-
Hmmm, how comes Ren says things like this ,..
Guess I would just be inspired to take it reeeel far :-)
22/06/2019 11:08:36 UTC
Borsuk said :-
Go the whole hog Henrik. Get a Grom or Grom clone. Nothing like a tall person on a tiny bike. Plus they are as nimble as anything according to the Boy.
22/06/2019 11:23:53 UTC
Henrik said :-
Yes Borsuk ,.. on the wishlist for sure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Smkun-wj3Q...
22/06/2019 13:03:01 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Right so we not going LARGE we're all going small? We don't need 1250cc 300kg monsters we just need 2 wheels and a motor, job done. Tell ya what though - there's luggage options and tuning options and all else in between. Sound like FUN!
Except for Ian. He'd look like he'd sat on a child's bicycle and got it wedged between his but cheeks.
22/06/2019 17:42:29 UTC
Upt'North said :-
300 kg is just a weight you go through on the way to a Pan.
300 kg pffft.
Upt'North.
22/06/2019 21:20:23 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
What, like 80kg is just a weight you go through on your way to middle aged spread?
22/06/2019 23:43:20 UTC
Col Butler said :-
Bought a 2018 TNT a few months ago for commuting to work. I have had lots of bikes in the past but never had one that makes me smile so much it's an absolute riot. I can't wait to go to work on it in the morning.
Modded it a little.
27/06/2019 20:25:54 UTC
said :-
27/06/2019 20:26:39 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Glad to hear you're enjoying your TNT Col. I know there's a vast range of aftermarket bling for the Groms, is there a lot for the Benelli?
28/06/2019 07:22:06 UTC
Bones said :-
Great review,ive had my tnt now for a month and what a fun factor bike it is ive never smiled so much.Was talked into getting one by a mate of mine now 6 of us have them.I use to have a rocket 3 but was nearly pushing up daisies due to an idiot overtaking on a brow of a hill so decided to give the bike scene a rest so sold her.But to be honest on the benelli its so much fun Im glad i was talked into it.when i leave for work on a monday i cant wait to get back on a friday to go out on it.Done a few mods to her like full exhaust system tail tidy better tyres and just sorting out an airflow system to compliment the exhaust heres a pic of my baby.
16/07/2019 09:06:01 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Very trick and tres chic Bones. It's a fair old change from a Rocket 3 to a Benelli TNT I bet. Thing is you're enjoying it and that's all that matters :-)
16/07/2019 13:02:51 UTC
Dale C said :-
Nicely written review Nigel. As an ex grom owner (1st gen), it's wet my appetite for another mini bike. I'm 6ft2 and used to get some right looks, but I've never had so much fun on a bike ...and I've had a few. Needed some room, so the grom went...and I've not forgotten what a blast this type of bike is. It's great to see the positive comments and reviews on the TNT ...i'd been put off by the Chinese manufacture...but it sounds as though they've got it sussed now. Particularly like the look of Bones bike above - tail tidy and stainless pipe transform the looks....well cool.
26/02/2020 22:19:32 UTC
Henrik said :-
Must admit that the little monkey apeals much more for a caravan-bike, unfortunately 2-3 times as expensive
28/02/2020 16:24:00 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Henrik, you're right.
BUT......isn't there always a blummin but.
I'd bet that little Honda would be running long after the caravan was used as a chicken coop. And maybe, just maybe cheaper to run in between times. Of course I'm biased, I admit it, I'm a Honda man.
Just think you could leave it to your grandchildren, favourite nephew/nice in about 40 years time.
Or then again you could buy the cheaper one.
Upt'North.
28/02/2020 18:22:00 UTC
Upt'North. said :-
Thank you spell checker.......NIECE!!!!
Tech....blummin.....nolodgy.
Drives you nuts.
Upt'North.
28/02/2020 18:26:51 UTC
Henrik said :-
Upt'North:
I expect Caravan to survive any bike with a big margin, a quality product, to stand dry in winther, (T@B 320 offroad)
Guess the Monkey is expensive for being an exclusive remake, made for nostalgic people that would pay "anything"
Sure, coolest mine-bike, and has also a good feel of quality when you see it IRL, but price rediculess high IMHO
I had the ANF125, was not impressed with the Thai-finish, and had a lot of noisy loose plastic, and rusty screws
So even when the Monkey looks better, more like "japanse quality", I also know that Honda will cut corners, and some times you would only discover the "discountness" over time, THATS why I guess the price is to high.
In case I knew that they had done all they could to match their old level of quality, from the 80´s and 90's, then I guess the price would be OK, but I think the trouth is that this quality is nowhere to be found any longer, no matter the price. I don't expect spareparts for as long either these days.
For the Camparison a CB300r is 59.000 DKR and the toy-Monkey is 43.000 DKR where I live, thats cracy,..
Anyway, got plenty of time, our caravan will be finished week 23 in south germany, and delivered in DK within 2 weeks, this year the trip will be to Lofoten, Norway, not untill the fall, without a bike, so no desision for now
29/02/2020 13:26:41 UTC
Dave E said :-
Picking up a VERY low mileage (31miles only to be precise) 19 plate TNT125 this weekend. Would really like to change the downpipe and remove the cat but I'm told they run rich and won't start or tickover wehen hot? Any advice gratefully received!
19/03/2020 12:28:54 UTC
said :-
Oh and by the way Nigel (if you're still following - I'm in Rugeley Staffs so not too far away from you!
19/03/2020 12:30:56 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Rudgeley, blummin Rudgeley.
Give my best to The Pear Tree.
Upt'North.
19/03/2020 13:54:21 UTC
Mike enticknap said :-
Hi all, just found you, not had any chance to get out on my TNT125 with this lock down in place. But when I did get out for an hour or so, I can only just get to 45mph, 40 on my sat nav. is this normal until the first service? Thanks for your attention Mike,
06/05/2020 21:13:03 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Morning Mike. Are you saying the bike simply will not go faster than 45? You see I presume you have been told to NOT go faster than 45mph until after the first service. As the engine is new unlike most cars the engine will need running in, it needs to be treated gently for the first 600 to 1000 miles to allow all the parts to bed in, settle down. After the 600 mile service you can up the speed a little over the next 500 to 1000 miles to fully "break in" the motor.
There will be something in your manual that will explain the proper running in procedure. Typically something like "keep below 45 to 600 miles, below 55 to 1500 miles" but yours will be different.
OR... or the motor simply will not go faster than 45mph. If after the first service you can't get the speed up to say 50mph then you should have a word with the shop where you got it from. Unless you are a very large chap I'd normally expect at least 55mph from a 125. BUT, if the bike is new don't test this until the engine is properly run in.
07/05/2020 08:18:53 UTC
said :-
17/08/2020 02:37:43 UTC
Julian Lusby said :-
The Benelli tnt 125 is so much fun. I achieved 72mph on duel carriage way.Dragged along by faster moving traffic, great fun
Ī
13/04/2023 15:57:47 UTC
Manjinder said :-
Worst bike. Waste of money. Biggest issue is the battery. No warranty support. Would never buy again and would never recommend anyone. It has been a headache ever since we bought it for my son. One word "disgusting".
22/11/2023 23:20:47 UTC
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