Benelli’s new 302R has been on the India radar since it first broke cover last year. The new 302R has now started arriving at Benelli dealerships in China, with a showroom price tag of CNY 29,800 that roughly converts to Rs 3.43 lakh. The new 302R will be BS6/Euro 5 compliant and will get a whole set of new features that will set it apart from it predecessor. It is likely that the new 302R will launch in India by the end of 2021, so let’s take a closer look as see what this faired entry spec Benelli has to offer.
The new 302R’s design is a swift departure from what we had seen on the earlier motorcycle. In its BS6 avatar the 302R is sharper and now gets the ultra-cool vertical stack for the front headlight with LED tail-lights. Under the skin to the 302R has been completely revitalized with a heavily revised frame that contributes to a much lighter 302R that now tips the scales at 182kg, losing 22kg in this avatar.
The 302cc parallel twin will make 34bhp losing a little power in the transition to Euro 5/BS6 compliance. Although, any loses here should easily be offset by gains from a lighter overall motorcycle. The 302R now gets 41mm front forks and a rear mono-shock both adjustable for pre-load.
Benelli India is likely to launch the new 302R in the months to comes, once launched the new 302R is likely to be priced aggressively going by Benelli India’s strategy, as a value for money alternative to the Ninja 300.
