Benelli showcased the 302S in Thailand at the recently concluded Thai Motor Expo 2018. The 302S made its global debut at the EICMA 2017 in Milan, Italy.
The Benelli 302S is the replacement for the moderately successful Benelli TNT 300, that is on sale in India. According to market speculation, the 302S is to be launched in India in the coming months. The model showcased at the Thai Expo is finished in a fluorescent yellow and matte grey paint scheme.
The Benelli 302S is underpinned by the chassis of the TNT 300 but features a different design and bodywork. Up front, the motorcycle is equipped with a KTM 390 Duke-like full-LED headlight with twin LED DRLs. It gets a redesigned fuel tank, tank-extensions and an updated tail section.
The motorcycle features a slightly flatter seat, and an all-digital instrument cluster completes the modern design of the bike. The underbelly exhaust on the older model is replaced by a 2-into-1 side-mounted muffler on the new version. Mechanicals and the engine remain unchanged.
The 41 mm USD front forks receive steel finish while the rear mono-shock unit is retained as well. The Benelli 302S will rival the KTM 390 Duke, BMW G 310 GS and the upcoming 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400. As compared to the competition, the 302S is relatively on the heavier side with a 206 kg kerb weight.
As mentioned, there are no changes to the engine mechanicals on the Benelli 302S. The 300 cc, parallel-twin motor comes with liquid cooling and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The fuel-injected engine delivers a maximum output of 38.26 bhp at 11,500 rpm while developing a peak torque of 26.5 Nm at 9,750 rpm.
The Benelli 302S will receive standard dual-channel ABS from the get-go. As far as the Indian market is concerned, the Benelli 302S will be the only motorcycle in its segment to feature dual front discs. The 302 is well packaged with stickier H-rated tyres as standard.
Also Read: India-bound Benelli TRK 251 at the Thai Motor Expo 2018 - Live
Benelli India is set to introduce the Leoncino 500 scrambler, while the launch timeframe for the 302S is unknown. The bike is expected to be priced around INR 3.60 lakh (ex-showroom).
