Coming in off the back of a global sales record in 2019, Benelli certainly isn’t resting on its laurels for 2020 with another new model – this time the Benelli BJ1200 tourer – coming into view.
Following on from spy shots of the 600RR and the production version of the TNT 600 naked, images of the Chinese-made Benelli BJ1200 have now emerged.
The machine has been anticipated for some time, ever since a slide from a model presentation gave us a good idea what models to expect from Benelli over the next couple of years.
The Benelli BJ1200 has in effect already been presented in Qianjiang form – its Chinese parent company – with the model it will be supplying to local police forces. That model goes up against the recently-revealed CFmoto CF1250J, the largest motorcycle China has ever made.
However, these shots – though lacking in any badging on the exterior – suggest a Benelli version that could be sold globally is in the offing, due to the tell-tale sign of Benelli badging turning up on the ignition lock.
Under the skin, the Benelli BJ1200 gets an uprated version of the triple-cylinder engine that was once found in the now discontinued Tornado Tre sportsbike.
However, it has been modified to 1209cc to indicate a power output of 136hp and a maximum speed of around 140mph. Compared to the police force version of the bike, the Benelli BJ1200 will get sharper looks, a two-seater saddle and no doubt a lower kerbweight in civilian form. It could also come with a form of radar assistance too.
Whether the machine comes to Europe may depend on whether Benelli can tweak the engine to meet Euro5 regulations but given the gains the Italian firm has made on the mainland over the past couple of years, this would seem logical.
