One More Step to Go!
We have also sent a verification link to your email ID:
qabuyer@droom.in
Please verify your email account
Is Benelli’s faired 300cc sports tourer worth your money over the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the Yamaha R3?
On the outside
The 302R is based on the TNT 300 naked bike but is significantly modified. The eye-catching 302R looks fantastic, and thanks to its bulky proportions, it easily stands out in a crowd of bikes. Benelli has used neater graphics on the bike and there are design details like the lion motif along the sides, funky exhaust end can and plastic inserts near the tail section that add to its appeal.
From the saddle
The dials are clear and fairly straightforward – you get all the information you need outside of fuel-efficiency. Fit and finish is decent, however, oddly enough, there’s no hinged fuel filler cap. The bike is powered by the same 300cc, parallel-twin liquid-cooled motor as the TNT 300. Benelli has done a fabulous job with this engine, you can ride around at speeds of as low as 25kph in 6th gear. It’s exhaust note is also great. You can feel vibrations, depending on what speed you’re on, through the pegs, bars and seat pan. They’re never painfully intrusive though.
With 38.8hp, the 302R is as powerful as the Kawasaki Ninja 300, however this bike favours being ridden in a more relaxed manner. Make no mistake, this bike is still a pretty quick machine and it’s happiest cruising on the highway at high speeds, between 110 and 130kph. The relaxed riding position and well-padded seat ensure you’re comfortable on the long haul.
This bike is quite heavy though – at 198kg, it is nearly 30kg heavier than some of its rivals. However, it handles this extra weight well and you only really feel it when you’re pushing the bike around a parking lot or at a u-turn. The bike’s decent turning radius, good heat management and realistic ground clearance aid city riding.
Ride quality is good – it absorbs bad roads well and you feel confident riding it. Handling is better now thanks to the Metzeler M5 Sportec tyres, which are great for both wet and dry weather performance. The 302R is, in fact, the most dynamic handler in Benelli’s current line-up, it’s not as sharp as some of its rivals though. The brakes could have been more effective though, however, this is the first bike in the segment to offer ABS.
Is it worth the money?
The 320R costs ₹.48 lakh (ex-showroom), that’s ₹12,000 less than the Ninja 300 and the company has positioned it more as a sports tourer rather than an outright sports bike. It doesn’t offer the outright thrill of the others, but it has great street presence, is comfy and easy to ride on long journeys. It’s definitely worth considering if long rides are your preference.
Triumph launched its new hardcore Scrambler 1200 XC in India at Rs 10.73 lakhs, to give chance to the bike enthusiasts to ride.
Read MoreThe Revolt RV looks like any other modern-day bike in the market. Revolt has chosen not to give it a conventional electric bike looks.
Read MoreTriumph Motorcycles has its strategy sorted for India’s premium motorcycling segment. It is taking a step by step approach and does not mind experimenting with segments.
Read MoreWe take Triumph Tiger 800 xRx for a long ride through trails and twisties of Himachal Pradesh. Know how this 800-cc motorcycle performs in the lap of Himalayas.
Read MoreThe Pleasure Plus gets an entirely new design theme and an uber retro touch that the new headlamp lends. It is an affordable yet chic looking scooter in its segment.
Read MoreHero has launched the fully-faired avatar of the Xtreme 200R in the form of Xtreme 200S. We got a chance to ride the same at the Buddh International Circuit and here is what we think about this new bike in the 200-cc club.
Read MoreHero has launched the fully-faired avatar of the Xtreme 200R in the form of Xtreme 200S. We got a chance to ride the same at the Buddh International Circuit and here is what we think about this new bike in the 200-cc club.
Read MoreHero has finally launched the Xpulse 200 and 200T in India. The re-entry of the Xpulse brand in the market has got the buzz going. We explain how the new adventure motorcycles will perform against their much-appreciated rival Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Read MoreDroom takes new Jawa 42 out for a spin. Read our detailed review here.
Read MoreIndian motorcycle manufacturer Bajaj rolls out new Dominar.
Read MoreBenelli has launched two new adventure-touring motorcycles in the Indian market
Read MoreThe Apache RR 310 is the flagship motorcycle from TVS.
Read More