Introduction
Benelli, a legendary Italian motorcycle brand with a history dating back to 1911, has gained massive popularity in recent years for its powerful yet affordable motorcycles. Among its lineup, the Benelli 600i has stood out as a compelling choice for riders who seek a balance of performance, style, and affordability. This mid-range streetfighter motorcycle has been widely appreciated for its aggressive looks, powerful engine, and thrilling riding experience.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the Benelli 600i, exploring its design, performance, features, specifications, and overall value proposition. If you’re considering buying this bike or just want to learn more about it, this article will give you all the insights you need.
Design and Aesthetics
One of the first things that catch your eye about the Benelli 600i is its bold and muscular design. It features a naked streetfighter stance with sharp lines, giving it a robust and aggressive appeal. The twin under-seat exhausts add to its unique styling, making it stand out from the competition.
The bike sports an LED headlamp, LED turn indicators, and a sculpted fuel tank that enhances its sporty look. The split seat design ensures a comfortable yet aggressive riding posture. The exposed trellis frame not only adds to its aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in handling and stability.
The 600i comes in multiple color options, including Red, Black, and White, allowing riders to pick one that matches their personality.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Benelli 600i lies a powerful 600cc, inline-four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. This engine produces around 85.07 BHP @ 11,500 RPM and 54.6 Nm of torque @ 10,500 RPM, making it a thrill to ride on highways as well as city roads.
The bike comes with a 6-speed gearbox, offering smooth and precise shifts. The linear power delivery ensures that even new riders can handle it without feeling overwhelmed. However, once you rev it past the mid-range, the bike unleashes its true potential, providing an exhilarating riding experience.
The fuel injection system ensures optimal fuel delivery, enhancing both performance and efficiency. While not the fastest in its category, the 600i’s top speed of around 210 km/h makes it a great companion for long highway rides.
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Ride and Handling
The Benelli 600i is designed to offer a balanced riding experience, suitable for both daily commuting and weekend rides. The steel trellis frame provides excellent rigidity, ensuring precise control and stability at high speeds.
The bike features USD (Upside Down) front forks and a monoshock at the rear, which together absorb bumps well, making it comfortable even on uneven roads. The 17-inch alloy wheels and Pirelli Angel GT tires offer superb grip, further enhancing confidence while cornering.
The seat height of 800mm makes it accessible to a wide range of riders, and the slightly aggressive riding posture ensures an engaging experience without causing excessive strain.
Braking and Safety
Braking is one of the strongest points of the Benelli 600i. It comes equipped with dual 320mm petal disc brakes at the front and a 260mm disc at the rear. The braking system is further enhanced by dual-channel ABS, ensuring safety in emergency braking situations.
The ABS system prevents wheel lock-ups, making it easier for riders to control the bike under sudden braking. This feature is crucial, especially for those who ride in heavy traffic or unpredictable road conditions.
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Features and Technology
While the Benelli 600i doesn’t boast cutting-edge electronics like some of its premium rivals, it does come with a decent set of features, including:
- Digital-Analog Instrument Cluster: Displays speed, tachometer, fuel level, and other essential information.
- Adjustable Rear Suspension: Allows riders to tweak settings for better comfort and handling.
- LED Lighting: Improved visibility with modern LED headlights and indicators.
- Split-Seat Design: Enhances comfort for both rider and pillion.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
For a 600cc inline-four motorcycle, the Benelli 600i delivers a mileage of around 18-22 km/l, depending on riding conditions. While not the most fuel-efficient bike, it offers a reasonable balance considering its performance. The 15-liter fuel tank ensures a decent range, making it suitable for long-distance touring.
Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 600cc, Inline-4, Liquid-Cooled |
| Max Power | 85.07 BHP @ 11,500 RPM |
| Max Torque | 54.6 Nm @ 10,500 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | ~210 km/h |
| Mileage | 18-22 km/l |
| Front Suspension | USD Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Brake | Dual 320mm Discs (ABS) |
| Rear Brake | 260mm Disc (ABS) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 Liters |
| Seat Height | 800mm |
| Kerb Weight | ~231 kg |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Powerful and refined inline-4 engine
✅ Aggressive and muscular styling
✅ Great exhaust note with twin under-seat setup
✅ Stable and confident ride quality
✅ Dual-channel ABS for safety
Cons:
❌ Heavy weight affects city maneuverability
❌ Limited electronic features compared to competitors
❌ Fuel efficiency could be better
Pricing and Availability
The Benelli 600i is available in select markets, with a price tag that places it in the mid-premium segment. The price varies by region, but in India, it was previously priced around ₹6.50-7.00 lakh (ex-showroom).
For those looking for a powerful yet relatively affordable inline-four motorcycle, the Benelli 600i remains an excellent choice. However, with newer models coming into the market, it’s always good to check for updated versions or competitors before making a final decision.
Conclusion: Is the Benelli 600i Worth It?
The Benelli 600i is a fantastic choice for riders who crave a middleweight, inline-four motorcycle with an aggressive design, solid performance, and affordability. While it may not be the most advanced in terms of electronics, its thrilling engine, comfortable ride, and striking looks make it a value-for-money offering.
If you’re a fan of inline-four motorcycles and want a unique, head-turning streetfighter, the Benelli 600i is definitely worth considering. However, if you prioritize the latest technology and lightweight handling, you may want to explore newer models in the segment.
Let us know in the comments—Would you consider buying the Benelli 600i, or do you prefer other options in this category?