Benelli’s Upcoming 600cc Supersport Likely To Get Two Variants

The latest set of leaked images of the QJ SRG600 indicates that the bike will be offered in two variants. The standard variant comes with an inverted front fork and 4-piston radial calipers whereas the higher-end variant features an inverted fork finished in gold, which is likely to be an adjustable unit. This variant also gets 4-piston axial calipers from Brembo, like the Triumph Speed Twin.

For those who aren’t in the know, Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Group is Benelli’s parent company. This brand sells motorcycles in China under the sub-brand QJ Motor. Since QJ Motor is an affiliate of Benelli, there’s a high possibility of the SRG600 being rebranded as the Benelli 600RR for international markets. If that materialises, it will be the first large capacity faired supersport from Benelli after the now-discontinued Benelli Tornado 1130. The SRG600 was in fact spotted for the first time back in May 2020 and this motorcycle is essentially the faired version of the QJ SRK600 (Benelli TNT 600i facelift) that was launched in China earlier this month.

The QJ SRG600’s ergonomics are a lot more aggressive than its naked sibling thanks to the low-set clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs, and split seat setup. The higher-end variant appears to have a frame slider, but that’s likely to be a part of the official accessories list. Other notable features include an all-LED lighting system and an aluminium swingarm. The bike is also likely to pack a full-colour TFT instrument cluster and keyless ignition like the naked version.

The QJ SRG600 is expected to pack the same engine as the QJ SRK600. In the streetfighter, this 600cc inline-four liquid-cooled motor churns out 81.5PS of peak power at 11,000 rpm and 55Nm of torque at 8000 rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Expect the engine to be tuned differently in the supersport to suit its sporty character. It currently complies with Chinese emission norms, so a Euro 5/BS6-compliant version is still some time away.

At 215kg kerb, the bike is on the heavier side compared to the Kawasaki Ninja 650’s 196kg kerb weight. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the switch to BS6-emission norms in the country, expect Benelli to launch this bike only around mid-2021. It is likely to command a price tag of around Rs 6.50 lakh (ex-showroom), comfortably slotting between the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the more premium Honda CBR650R.

Source: weibo.com