SPY SHOTS: Benelli’s BN600 caught on camera. NEW naked set for 2020 release?

Benelli has undergone a serious resurgence over the last few years, with a raft of new models rolling out of Italian factories doors. And now some spy shots have appeared in China which confirm that there’s another on the way. This time it’s a naked sportbike – and it’s called the BN600 (or TNT 600, depending on where you’re based).

Since being bought out by the Chinese motorcycle giant Qianjiang, Benelli has been hard at work developing and manufacturing an eclectic mix of modern machines with a focus on value for money. In fact, back at EICMA in 2017, Benelli unveiled a total of ten brand new motorcycles to the world. And now there’s a new one set to appear; the BN600 naked.

Admittedly, the BN600’s not an entirely new concept. The BN600 was on sale until 2016, before the advent of Euro 4 regulations put a halt to production. But now, spy images from China have confirmed that a new BN600 is coming. At first glance, the new BN600 doesn’t look dramatically different to the previous generation bike; but a closer inspection of the spy shots reveals a few interesting details worth mentioning.

The new front LED headlight is thinner and longer, and is flanked by a pair of LED indicators. The bike still retains its broad should, thanks in part to its chunky fuel tank – but its design is noticeably less angular than in the past. There’s also new radiator covers, there is then a black plastic cover under the tank.

Although the images don’t offer a proper view of the rear of the bike, it would seem that the latest generation BN600 won’t have the same underseat exhausts as the old bike. Instead, it’ll more than likely come with a single unit placed on the right side of the bike. Oh and there’s also a new mudguard and license plate holder mounted directly on the swingarm. Completing the new machine is a swanky TFT colour display – which is a nice touch considering the bike’s ‘budget’ credentials.

At this stage, there’s been no official confirmation from Benelli – so we don’t have much of an idea about the new BN600’s technical specification. We’ll just have to sit tight until EICMA later this year, when we’ll hopefully get a chance to see it in the flesh, ahead of its rumoured 2020 release.