VOLUME 58 ISSUE 43 OCTOBER 26, 2021 P91
either. Max torque is
reached at 6000 rpm,
with max power arriving
at 8500 rpm, according
to Benelli's stats. At 70
mph in sixth gear, you'll
see approximately 6000
rpm on the tach with,
again, few vibes sneak-
ing their way through to
your extremities and little
wind punching you in
the chest via a well-
designed windscreen
(which is, by the way,
not adjustable). Fuel-
ing is spot-on, and gear
ratios seem to work in
harmony with the mo-
tor. Shifting is effortless,
and clutch pull is light
enough with good feel.
It's a surprisingly good
motor, which caught me
by surprise.
Unfortunately (well, at
least for some people),
the Benelli is no dirt
bike. Despite its ADV/
dirt bike-ish good looks,
anything more than a
well-maintained dirt
road is a handful on
the Benelli. The Benelli
shows its size and
weight on the dirt, and
the suspension is no
match for any notable
bump or rut in the road,
which you do not want
to ride over at speed.
However, on a perfectly
groomed dirt road, go
for it; the Benelli is just
fine, thanks to the bike's
smooth and predictable
power delivery and de-
cent off-road-performing
tires. The key to having
fun in the dirt on the
Benelli is not to be in
a hurry. Instead, take
your time and enjoy the
scenery.
The large side bags
and top case hold a ton
of stuff which is handy
but they are bulky and
Nothing about
the Italian-
designed China-
built Benelli
looks cheap. The
fit and finish is
quite good.
