QJ Motor has patented a new parallel-twin 900cc unit that appears could be used in a new range of Benelli motorcycles - with hints at a TNT 899 being on the way in the future.
But the Chinese super-manufacturer appears to have taken inspiration from the KTM LC8c parallel-twin motor. Compare images of the two and they seem nigh on indistinguishable from one another, so much so, you wonder if there has been a collaboration of sorts.
Unlikely, as Motorrad explains that CF Moto will already have a licence to use the LC8c in its machines….
So, if QJ Motor has just got the tracing paper out, they were seeking to replicate a seriously popular twin found in (for example) the KTM 790 Adventure & Adventure R, one that they know would do the job in a new TNT.
A clue to the TNT possibility is on the engine patent itself - you can see the ‘TNT’ logo on the cylinder cover.
Listed in patent documents under ‘QJ288MW’, eagle-eyed readers may be able to dissect this as a hint to the characteristics of the motor. QJ = QJ Motor. 2 = number of cylinders. 88 = bore, as the LC8c has an 88mm bore, again pointing to the homage being paid by this patent. MW = your guess is as good as mine.
A little more stroke, or a slightly larger bore, and we find ourselves looking at a patent for a possible 900cc motor following the listed ingredients for an LC8c recipe.
Is the Benelli TNT 900 on the way?
If the patent stays true to the possible inspiration, that means a 900cc Benelli TNT with around 95bhp could be on the way, and with the Chinese rendition of an LC8c, this could prove a budget alternative with serious bravado.
In any case, the emergence of this motor patent does draw attention to the possibility for a new Benelli TNT to compete in the middleweight market, and at a budget.
We’ll keep our eyes peeled for a reveal or announcement which could be on the cards for 2022.
