Benelli BN 251

The Benelli BN 251 is a stylish and well-built motorcycle that draws its design cues from its bigger sibling, the TNT 300. It features a 249cc single-cylinder engine that produces 25.47 bhp and 2.16 kgm of torque, making it decently powerful. The bike has a steel trellis frame, a 6-speed transmission, and dual-channel ABS. The design is sleek, with good-looking fasteners and a solid build quality that gives it a premium feel. However, the engines lack of refinement, poor braking performance, and intrusive ABS system are significant drawbacks. The riding position is comfortable, with an 800mm seat height and well-placed footpegs, making it suitable for city riding. Despite its shortcomings, the BN 251 remains a visually appealing option, but it needs significant improvements to match its competitors in terms of performance and value.

The Benelli BN 251, while stylish and well-built, falls short in several key areas that are crucial for a satisfying riding experience. The bikes engine, though powerful with 25.47 bhp, lacks refinement and feels buzzy, especially at higher revs. This vibration is palpable through the handlebars, footpegs, and seat, making long rides uncomfortable. The gearshifts are not smooth and require careful handling, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the braking system is a significant letdown, with weak and wooden brake feel, and an overly intrusive ABS system. For its price, the BN 251 needs to address these issues to compete effectively in the market.

The TRK 251 is equipped with modern technology, including a digital instrument cluster and LED headlights. These features enhance the bikes usability and visibility, especially during night rides. Additionally, the bike has a USB charging port, which is a convenient feature for long-distance travelers.

Market speculation suggests that the Benelli TRK 251 could pose a significant challenge to other adventure bikes in the Indian market, such as the KTM 250 Adventure and the Royal Enfield Himalayan. The TRK 251s competitive pricing and robust features are expected to attract a substantial number of buyers.

Benelli India has commenced pre-bookings for the TRK 251, marking the entry of this adventure bike into the Indian market. The TRK 251 will be available in three color options – Glossy White, Glossy Black, and Glossy Red. This move is expected to attract adventure seekers and touring enthusiasts. I think this is a great step by Benelli to tap into Indias growing adventure biking segment.

The Benelli TRK 251 is expected to be priced competitively in the Indian market, with an anticipated price tag of around Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh. This pricing strategy aims to make the bike accessible to a wider audience. The bike features a 249cc single-cylinder engine and is known for its off-road capabilities. I believe the pricing will be a key factor in its success.

The company has also announced plans to offer various accessories for the TRK 251, including panniers, crash guards, and engine guards. These accessories will further enhance the bikes touring capabilities and provide additional protection during off-road excursions.

In India, the Benelli BN 251 is priced around Rs 2.5 lakh ex-showroom, which places it in a competitive segment. However, when you factor in the on-road costs, including registration, insurance, and other taxes, the price can escalate to around Rs 3 lakh or more, depending on the state. Given its features and performance, this pricing seems a bit steep, especially when compared to other bikes in the same segment that offer better refinement and performance. For buyers looking for value, the BN 251 might not be the best choice unless Benelli addresses the underlying issues and justifies the premium pricing.

The mileage of the Benelli BN 251 is a mixed bag. While it has a decent power output, the fuel efficiency is not as impressive as some of its competitors. With a larger 18-litre fuel tank, it can cover longer distances, but the actual fuel efficiency figures are not as high as expected. This means that while it can go further on a tankful, the overall fuel economy might not be as economical as other bikes in the segment. For buyers concerned about running costs, this is something to consider carefully.