Test Ride | The Benelli TNT125 with its small diameter tires is also an interesting option for the Honda Grom and Kawasaki Z125pro. - Motopeek - Latest Motorcycle News, Reviews & Updates

Benelli TNT125…from 368,500 yen

"What an aggressive style!" was my first impression upon seeing the Benelli TNT125. It's a compact model with 12-inch tires front and rear, but its body design is reminiscent of a 4MINI streetfighter. Its glaring face, sturdy trellis frame, and slash-cut dual-exit up-pipe exhaust all contribute to its unique styling. 
Mini bikes with 12-inch tires first appeared in the 1980s, during the boom in racer replicas. Models like the Suzuki GAG, Yamaha YSR (later TZM), and Honda NSR all featured compact racer replica styling and were popular, even being raced. Meanwhile, superbiker-inspired models like the Yamaha TDR and Kawasaki KSR also emerged and became popular. Since then, mini bikes with 12-inch tires (now called 4MINIs) have become firmly established, with races held frequently across the country. 
Looking at the present, the rival models to the Benelli TNT125 are probably the Honda GROM, Kawasaki Z125PRO, and Brixton Crossfire125SX. In any case, the biggest point of the 4MINI is that it is easy to ride, so I think it would be a good idea to own a TNT125 as a second bike.

Compact yet not cramped position

The 4MINI's small body size, light weight, and short wheelbase make it easy to handle. Its easy-to-reach ground clearance also makes it easy for even small-framed women to handle. On the other hand, taller riders may find the riding position a bit cramped. At 178cm tall, I wasn't expecting a comfortable riding position. However, when I actually rode it, I found my upper and lower body to be completely comfortable. While it's not exactly roomy, I didn't feel like the riding position was too tight. 
The TNT125's body size is actually slightly larger than the GROM and Z125PRO. It's also about 20kg heavier, which is a significant drawback for a 4MINI. However, that's only a comparison; considering the TNT125 alone, it's easy to ride. The seat height is 780mm, so not only is it easy to reach the ground, but it's not too low and cramped for the knees. This position should be sufficient for longer distance touring.

Foot reach (rider height 178cm)

When I got into the compact body, it felt a bit unbalanced for my build, but this is one of the features of the 4 Mini.

Even though the bike is small, the riding position is not cramped. The upper body is upright, so it is more comfortable than you might imagine.

The seat height is 780mm, and the slim body makes it easy to reach the ground with your feet. Even petite women can handle it without any worries.

It’s also nice that the steps don’t get in the way when you put your feet down. Also, the vehicle weighs just 124 kg, so it’s easy to handle.

An oil-cooled single engine that provides a light response and energetic riding experience

The engine at its heart is a 124cc oil-cooled SOHC 4-valve single-cylinder with a maximum output of 8.2kW at 9500rpm and a maximum torque of 10.0Nm at 7000rpm. These figures are slightly higher than those of rival models like the GROM, Z125PRO, and Crossfire125XS, and it's also a high-revving bike. With that in mind, I took it for a spin. 
While its small 124cc displacement doesn't feel particularly powerful, it responds smoothly from low rpm, and the lively sound emitted from the dual exhaust system adds to the excitement, making for a lively ride. Regardless of actual speed, the engine's smooth acceleration and powerful delivery provide a thrilling feeling of acceleration. This lively engine is a perfect match for the bike's aggressive style, offering a sporty ride even in urban areas. While I didn't ride it on mountain roads this time, the excellent acceleration when negotiating tight curves in the suburbs suggested that this engine would be quite enjoyable on winding roads as well. 
However, there is one thing that bothers me. If the side stand is down, the engine will not start even if the gear is in neutral. This means that you cannot get ready while the bike is warming up. Well, it is possible to deal with this in winter by starting the bike immediately and warming it up slowly, but it is still inconvenient to leave the engine running and not be able to turn it off.

The oil-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve single-cylinder 124cc engine is equipped with an oil cooler. It has high rotation characteristics.

The slash-cut dual exhaust contributes to the aggressive styling. The sound is also quite impressive.

The high mobility that only a 4MINI can offer allows you to drive sportily anywhere

The reality is that small 12-inch wheels are easily affected by the road surface and lack stability. This is certainly true compared to bikes with 17-inch or 18-inch wheel sizes, but as you can see from the aggressive riding in minibike races, there's no sense of insecurity when riding on public roads. In fact, the short wheelbase makes for a nimble ride. 
Straight-line stability is also no problem, and combined with its nimble handling, it makes for a sporty ride that's easy to enjoy. The steel trellis frame is also extremely strong, so it won't budge even when swung around. I think it also achieves a fairly high level of maneuverability. The 
Φ35mm inverted front forks and monoshock rear suspension have ample stroke, and although there was a slight stiffness in their operation, they seemed to work well with the 12-inch tires. Braking effectiveness is also excellent. The single disc brakes with 210mm front and 190mm rear rotors don't have ABS, but the front and rear linked braking system allows for stable braking operation. One thing that bothered me was that there was almost no play in the operation of the front brake lever. Well, this may be an individual issue, but to be honest, I found it a little difficult to use.

　The TNT125 is easy to handle and approachable in terms of both performance and size, but its price of around 300,000 yen is also a big attraction. I think it's the perfect bike for beginners, women, and even as a second bike for veteran riders.