TWO new lightweight adventure motorcycles look set to hit the trails very soon, as the Benelli BKX 250 and BKX 250 S get set for launch.
The new BKX comes in two flavours, the more road-focused S model, featuring cast wheels and 150mm of suspension travel, and the fruity-looking stock bike, with spoked wheels, knobbly tyres, and a hand 220mm of suspension travel.
Sharp-suited Benelli BKX 250 adventure motorcycle set for launch
Both bikes are built around a trellis frame and 249cc, single-cylinder four-stroke engine. The unit is reported to be producing 26hp and 16lb-ft of torque. The engine features double overhead camshafts with 4 valves and electronic injection with a 37 mm diameter throttle body. Power is delivered via a wet clutch and a 6-speed gearbox.
The chassis of the two bikes is the defining feature, and it looks as though both feature non-adjustable USD forks and a rear shock mounted to a progressive linkage, the rear shock appears to feature mechanical pre-load only. The braking comprises a single 280 mm diameter floating disc with a four-piston calliper on the front and a 240 mm diameter disc with a single-piston floating calliper on the back.
Benelli is claiming that the 13.5-litre fuel tank of the bike provides it with a maximum range of 400km or around 250 miles. That puts the Benelli right in the mix with the leader in the lightweight adventure class, the KTM 390 Adventure which has a maximum range of 240 miles.
The new Benelli BKX 250 and BKX 250 S are expected in dealerships in the middle of this year (2023). Pricing is not yet confirmed and Benelli has advised a 125cc model will be available in some markets.
