A bike that’s loud, bold, and refuses to fade out of style
Okay, so let’s just admit this up front — the tnt 600i is not a perfect bike. It’s a bit heavy, maybe too dramatic for some folks, and sure, it drinks fuel like a thirsty camel in the desert. But still, even in 2025, this thing has a cult following that just won’t die down. Why? Because it sounds like a legit race bike from MotoGP, and when it rolls down the street, people look. Like full neck-turn, helmet-tap, jealous-stare kind of look.
Let’s rewind a bit though, especially if you’re new to the TNT gang.
The moment you hear it, you kinda fall in love
No joke, the first time I heard a 600i pull up at a traffic signal back in 2018, I legit thought it was some superbike from Europe. The growl this thing makes? Unreal. Not your typical single-cylinder whine or muted four-stroke hum. It’s a proper 4-cylinder opera, full-throated and slightly angry, like it’s challenging everyone else on the road. This bike talks — and everyone listens.
It’s like walking into a room with a leather jacket and boots while everyone else is in office formals. You don’t need to do much, your presence says enough.
The not-so-secret sauce: Inline-four magic
Now, if you’re wondering what makes the tnt 600i sound like that, it’s the inline-four engine. This is the kind of setup you usually find in much more expensive bikes — think Ninja 650s, older Yamaha R6s, and the like. The 600i runs a 600cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine, and that’s rare in the mid-range segment, especially at the price it once launched in.
That engine doesn’t just produce noise. It delivers pretty solid performance too. Around 85 horsepower at 11,500 RPM and about 54 Nm torque. It’s not the fastest in its class anymore, but it’s definitely not a slouch either. And the way the power builds is addictive. You twist the throttle, the revs climb like a mountain goat on Red Bull, and suddenly you’re in a completely different mood.
It’s heavy, yeah — but solid too
Alright, let’s be honest. This bike isn’t exactly lightweight. We’re talking about 231 kg wet weight. That’s a chunk. Especially if you’re used to the nimbleness of a Duke 390 or even a Yamaha MT-15. But that weight comes with a certain planted feel. When you’re cruising on highways, this bike feels like it owns the road. Wind buffeting? Minimal. Highway stability? Pretty damn good.
It’s like riding a tank that also knows how to salsa. Heavy, sure, but it’s got moves if you know how to control it.
Aesthetics: Love it or hate it — but never ignore it
Design-wise, the TNT 600i is… bold. Let’s put it that way. The exposed trellis frame, twin under-seat exhausts, and beefy front forks scream aggression. It’s not a subtle bike. If you’re the kind of rider who likes minimalist, clean lines, this one might feel like a bit much.
But if you’re the sort who wants people to notice your bike before they notice you? Then yeah, the 600i delivers on that drama. Plus, those twin pipes — they’re not just for show. They amplify that sound in a way that makes every gear shift feel cinematic.
Reliability? Hmm… mixed bag
Let’s not sugarcoat this. The tnt 600i doesn’t have the most spotless reliability record. There have been complaints over the years about inconsistent service support, part availability issues, and occasional electronic hiccups. Especially during its early days in India, Benelli’s service network was patchy at best.
But it’s gotten better. Now with newer dealers and communities forming around the brand, things are improving. Plus, once you know a reliable mechanic (or join one of those WhatsApp groups where riders help each other source parts), owning a 600i becomes a bit easier.
And when it does run well — oh man — it’s pure joy.
Real talk: Is it still worth buying in 2025?
Depends on what you want from a bike. If you want practical, fuel-efficient commuting? Nope. If you want track-level performance? Probably better options out there now. But if what you want is a bike that makes you feel alive every time you ride — something that looks badass, sounds wild, and still turns heads even though it’s been around for a while — then yeah, the 600i still hits hard.
And with parts like the Benelli 600i TNT600i handle batha now available from legit dealers like RKD, keeping your beast in good condition is easier than before. Just finding a trusted supplier like RKD for essentials and spares makes a huge difference in long-term ownership.
Social media still loves it — memes, reels, and rev battles
Check out Instagram or YouTube reels — the 600i is still all over bike content in India. Rev battles, tunnel runs, group rides — it’s almost always the loudest and most hyped-up bike in the crew. There’s this whole aesthetic of “if it’s not loud, it’s not fun” and the 600i delivers that every single time.
I’ve seen TikToks of people comparing the exhaust note of the TNT 600i with that of bikes twice the price. Guess what? Half the viewers can’t tell the difference. Some even prefer the Benelli’s raw growl over more refined European tones. There’s something charming about its slightly wild, untamed sound.
One time, a kid at a signal said “Is it a Ferrari bike?”
Okay, this was peak 2023. I was at a red light near Lajpat Nagar, and this kid on a scooty pulls up, stares at the bike for a few seconds, and then asks if it’s a “Ferrari bike.” I laughed so hard I nearly missed the green light. But that’s the kind of impression this bike leaves. Loud, red, dramatic — it feels exotic, even if it’s not from Italy’s car world.
Final word? It’s a love story, not a checklist
Look, there are faster bikes now. Lighter ones too. You’ve got the KTM RC 390, the Ninja 650, and even the Aprilia RS 660 if your wallet’s been hitting the gym. But the tnt 600i isn’t trying to be the best at everything. It just wants to be that bike you remember. The one with the sound. The presence. The weight. The drama.
