Benelli->ke1925 was finding it difficult to proclaim its identity amidst the modern and competitive world, even more after a Chinese firm acquired it. But now, it seems like a thing of the past, more of a ‘myth’ one could say. Benelli has started showcasing us products designed by CentroStile Benelli, and slowly their reputation seems to have gotten back to its original charm.

The Italian marquee Benelli, which after raking in some interesting numbers with its range of naked streetfighters, is now coming up with its first fully faired motorcycle in the entry-level segment, the 302R. With what is supposed to just be a 'fairing slapped on' issue with the naked TNT 300, the 302R promises more than that.

First showcased at the at the 2015 EICMA show as the Tornado 302, this entry from the Italian powerhouse managed to excite the enthusiasts ever since. Although it took more than expected, it is finally being launched for the European and Asian markets as the Benelli 302R.

Even with its subtle design and impressive specifications, it is still not that outrageous as compared to the bigger capacity Benellis’. But the 302R inevitably manages to create a good first impression. The stylish swooping lines, dual headlamps, exposed red trellis frame, brushed steel finish exhaust unit, and a fully faired body manages to get the juices running for every motorcycle aphrodisiac.

You would not be entirely wrong to say that it is just a fairing slapped-on version of the TNT 300. In fact, it is more than just that. Aside from a couple bits and bobs here and there, the motorcycle is all-new.

The 302R is a twin cylinder, 300cc motorcycle that breathes with the same power mill that runs on the naked TNT. The engine pumps out some pretty impressive numbers – 38 hp @ 10000 rpm of maximum power and 20 lb-ft of maximum torque at 9000 rpm. Given its parallel twin layout, this fuel injected, liquid-cooled mill on the bike is refined and has a linear feel in its power delivery, and is of course, Euro IV compliant.

Sporting a low rung handlebar, the Tornado justifies its track spec designs along with the adjustable pegs. Benelli has tweaked the trellis frame and the chassis to suit sporty ride dynamics with an even weight distribution towards both the wheels.

Benelli has equipped the 302 R with the best of hardware, which includes trellis frame, exhaust canister, 41mm inverted hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and centrally mounted preload adjustable mono-shock at the rear.

The Tornado also becomes the first bike in its segment to be adorned with 260mm dual disc brakes at front, while a 240mm single disc brake finds its presence at the rear and a dual channel ABS setup. Supporting this will be fat Pirelli tires on both ends, which make the bike one sweet machine to ride on both straight stretches as well as intimidating corners.

As was the TNT 300, the Benelli Tornado 302 also treads on one automotive’s iconic names: Benelli. The 300cc segment is getting filled with promising machines as we speak, many of which are not terribly enticing and it is good to see Benelli serving us with something like the 302R, a bike someone would want to see in their garage.