The Benelli 302R packs a 302cc parallel-twin engine producing 34 HP, a 182 kg lightweight frame, and an aggressive, sporty design.
Benelli recently launched its brand in the North American market after gaining popularity in Europe and Asia. Its latest sportbike, the 320R, might even enable it to make a dent in the market by appealing to the younger demographic. The entry-level sportbike boasts sleek lines and a full-front fairing, making it look faster than it really is.
The 2021 version gets a refreshed 302cc parallel-twin engine producing a respectable 34 HP; however, that’s lower than the previous-generation model because of the introduction of Euro 5 and BS6 standards. Notably, parent company Qianjiang Motors has been working diligently to update its lineup to comply with Euro 5 and BS6 regulations in Europe and India.
To make up for lost power, Benelli has redesigned the chassis to make it lighter and stronger overall, losing up to 22 kg of weight in the process. The 302R weighs just 182 kg, making it one of the lightest full-fairing bikes on the market.
The previous-gen 302R might’ve been more powerful, but it desperately needed a refresh from its halogen headlights and analog instrument panel. Fortunately, Benelli employed redesigned LED headlight setup and a full-digital TFT display gauge, reinventing the sportbike to suit modern expectations and needs. Besides, the 302R also looks slimmer and sportier.
However, Benelli didn’t stop there, going all-in on the suspension and braking components. Thus, the 302R features preload-adjustable 41mm inverted forks and rear mono-shock, with dual four-piston caliper brakes in the front. The seating position has also been updated with flatter seats to provide a comfortable riding experience, followed by a sharper tail unit.
Aerodynamic modeling is the name of the game in the sportbike business, and like Kawasaki, Benelli has also worked on streamlining the bike. The Benelli 302R will compete with other heavyweights like the Kawasaki Ninja 300, TVS Apache RR310, and the KTM RC 390, all of which rely on the aerodynamic design to boost performance.
Like most bikes coming from China, the Benelli 302R will undercut the competition’s price significantly. Starting at CNY 29,800 ($4,550) in China, the sportbike is quite approachable. Meanwhile, sources say that the company is looking to launch the bike before the end of the year in India, with a price of Rs. 360,000. We still have no information on US pricing, though.
