When it comes to small-displacement motorcycles, the Honda Grom and Benelli TNT are two standout choices that often leave riders debating which one to pick. Both bikes offer a unique blend of style, performance, and affordability, making them popular among new riders and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
I’ve had the chance to experience both, and there’s a lot to consider beyond just their eye-catching designs. Whether you’re looking for a daily commuter, a weekend fun machine, or something to tackle urban traffic with ease, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each can help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into what sets these two mini-motos apart.
Overview Of Honda Grom And Benelli TNT
The Honda Grom, introduced in 2014, offers a fun, nimble ride suited for both city commuting and casual cruises. It’s powered by a 125cc single-cylinder engine delivering around 9.7 horsepower. Riders appreciate its fuel efficiency, with averages of about 134 miles per gallon. The Grom’s lightweight design, at 231 pounds, makes it easy to maneuver through traffic and tight spaces.
The Benelli TNT, on the other hand, debuted with a slightly larger engine, a 135cc single-cylinder producing approximately 11.3 horsepower. With a similar use case as the Grom, the TNT caters to those seeking a bit more power and a distinctive Italian design flair. It weighs around 256 pounds, providing a stable ride while maintaining agility. Fuel economy is also impressive, averaging about 110 miles per gallon.
Both bikes target a similar audience but offer distinct features. The Grom’s compact size and extensive aftermarket support make it a favorite for customization. Many owners modify their Groms with aftermarket exhausts, suspension upgrades, and cosmetic enhancements.
The TNT stands out with its aggressive styling and solid build quality. Riders often choose it for its slightly higher power output and unique aesthetic. Benelli’s bike has also garnered praise for its comfortable seating and smooth handling on varied road conditions.
These compact motorcycles appeal to a broad range of riders. The Grom’s playful nature promises excitement for newer riders while still being a practical choice for veterans. The TNT offers a blend of power, design, and comfort, making it a strong contender in the small-displacement category.
Design And Aesthetics
The Honda Grom and Benelli TNT both boast distinct design elements catering to different rider preferences. Here, I’ll break down the key design features of each model.
Honda Grom Design Features
The Honda Grom stands out with its compact yet bold design. A high handlebar setup offers an upright, comfortable riding position. The minimalistic bodywork highlights the naked bike aesthetics, making it both stylish and easy to maintain. LED headlights and taillights provide modern touches that enhance visibility, adding both style and safety. The LCD digital display offers a clean, functional interface, showing speed, fuel level, and other crucial information. Available in various vibrant colors, the Grom presents opportunities for personalization through an extensive range of aftermarket parts, catering to customization enthusiasts.
Benelli TNT Design Features
The Benelli TNT exudes an aggressive, sporty look characteristic of Italian design. Its muscular tank and sharp lines give the bike a robust appearance. The dual exhaust setup amplifies its bold presence while offering a more throaty sound. Superior build quality is evident in the fit and finish, reflecting its high standards.
An ergonomic seat design provides comfort during longer rides, contrasting the Grom’s more compact structure. The TNT also features a simplistic instrument panel displaying essential metrics in an easy-to-read format. Its striking colorways and sharp detailing make it an eye-catcher, appealing to those who want performance coupled with head-turning aesthetics.
The Honda Grom prioritizes simplicity and customization potential, while the Benelli TNT focuses on aggressive styling and a premium feel. Both have their unique visual appeal that resonates with different riding styles and preferences.
Engine Performance
Engine performance is a critical factor when comparing the Honda Grom and the Benelli TNT. These bikes offer distinct characteristics and power outputs suited to different riding styles.
Honda Grom Engine Specs
The Honda Grom comes with a 125cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It produces approximately 9.7 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. This engine offers a torque output of 8.04 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm, ensuring a spirited ride. Honda’s fuel injection system helps optimize fuel efficiency, offering around 134 miles per gallon. The 4-speed manual transmission is smooth, making gear shifts seamless and enhancing overall riding experience.
Benelli TNT Engine Specs
The Benelli TNT, on the other hand, features a 135cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It generates roughly 11.3 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. The torque output stands at 7.4 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm. The extra displacement and power output provide a slight edge over the Grom in terms of raw performance. Benelli incorporates a fuel injection system designed to balance power and efficiency, delivering about 110 miles per gallon. Its 5-speed manual transmission offers an additional gear, allowing for better speed management and control.
The Honda Grom and Benelli TNT have engines tailored for different experiences. The Grom focuses on fuel efficiency and ease of use, while the TNT leans towards enhanced power and riding dynamics. Both present valid choices depending on riding priorities.
Riding Experience
Riding the Honda Grom and Benelli TNT brings unique experiences, catering to different rider preferences. Let’s explore their comfort, ergonomics, handling, and maneuverability.
Comfort And Ergonomics
The Honda Grom offers a compact, upright seating position that suits various rider sizes. Its lightweight frame (231 pounds) ensures easy balance and reduces fatigue during long rides. The seat height of 30 inches provides stability, making it beginner-friendly. Additionally, the minimalist bodywork and high handlebar setup contribute to a comfortable riding stance.
Meanwhile, the Benelli TNT focuses on delivering a more aggressive and sporty ergonomic feel. Its ergonomic seat design supports longer rides with a slightly forward-leaning posture, ideal for experienced riders seeking dynamic riding. At 256 pounds, the TNT’s heavier build offers increased stability but may feel more demanding for beginners. The seat height of 30.7 inches provides a balanced ride, accommodating taller riders comfortably.
Handling And Maneuverability
The Honda Grom excels in urban environments, thanks to its nimble handling and lightweight design. Its 125cc engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission offers quick acceleration and responsiveness. The compact wheelbase enhances maneuverability, making tight turns and navigating traffic a breeze. Riders can easily weave through city streets, enjoying the Grom’s playful nature.
In contrast, the Benelli TNT offers a robust handling experience suited for varied terrains. The 135cc engine and 5-speed manual transmission provide smooth power delivery, ensuring dynamic performance. Its solid build and slightly wider wheelbase contribute to a stable and controlled ride, even at higher speeds. The TNT’s suspension setup absorbs road imperfections, maintaining comfort during spirited rides.
Both bikes present distinct riding experiences. The Grom’s lightweight agility is perfect for urban commuters, while the TNT’s powerful performance and stability cater to those seeking versatility on various roads.
Pricing And Value For Money
The Honda Grom and Benelli TNT offer competitive pricing in the small-displacement motorcycle market. The Honda Grom’s MSRP starts at around $3,399, making it an affordable entry-level option. This price includes standard features such as an LCD digital display and LED lighting, which enhance its value. With minimal maintenance costs and outstanding fuel efficiency, the Grom proves to be cost-effective over time.
In comparison, the Benelli TNT is priced slightly higher, starting at approximately $2,899. This higher cost reflects its larger engine capacity, additional horsepower, and superior build quality. While the fuel efficiency is lower at around 110 miles per gallon, the TNT compensates with features like aggressive styling and a dual exhaust setup, which many riders find appealing.
Both bikes offer significant value for money, but their appeal varies based on buyer preferences. If affordability and fuel efficiency are top priorities, the Grom stands out. It also benefits from extensive aftermarket support, allowing riders to customize without breaking the bank. Conversely, the TNT attracts those seeking more power, distinctive design, and robust build quality, which justify the higher initial investment.
When considering long-term ownership costs such as insurance and parts availability, the Honda Grom often presents lower expenses, thanks to its widespread popularity and established dealer network. The Benelli TNT might incur slightly higher costs in these areas due to its niche market presence but balances this with its performance and style advantages.
Pros And Cons
Digging into the details, each bike offers distinct advantages and drawbacks that can influence your purchasing decision.
Honda Grom Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Fuel Efficiency
The Honda Grom shines with an impressive fuel efficiency of about 134 miles per gallon. This makes it economical for daily commuting. - Maneuverability
Weighing only 231 pounds, the Grom’s lightweight design facilitates easy maneuvering in heavy traffic. - Aftermarket Support
The extensive aftermarket support for the Grom allows limitless customization options, appealing to enthusiasts looking to personalize their bikes. - Affordability
With an MSRP starting around $3,399, the Grom is an affordable entry-level option with low maintenance costs.
Cons:
- Limited Power
The 125cc engine produces around 9.7 horsepower, which may feel underwhelming for experienced riders seeking more power. - Basic Features
While functional, the Grom’s features are relatively basic compared to some competitors, focusing on simplicity over premium feel. - Smaller Frame
The compact size might not be comfortable for taller riders during extended rides, limiting its appeal to a broader audience.
Benelli TNT Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Enhanced Power
With a 135cc engine generating approximately 11.3 horsepower, the Benelli TNT promises a more powerful ride, catering to those seeking extra punch. - Aggressive Styling
The TNT’s bold, sporty design and dual exhaust setup provide a distinctive, attention-grabbing appeal. - Build Quality
Superior build quality and ergonomic seat design offer exceptional comfort and durability for longer rides. - Versatility
The heavier build and robust handling make the TNT versatile for various terrains, delivering stable, smooth rides.
- Fuel Efficiency
At around 110 miles per gallon, the TNT consumes more fuel compared to the Grom, potentially increasing running costs. - Higher Weight
Weighing approximately 256 pounds, the TNT’s heavier frame might pose challenges in tight traffic for some riders. - Price Point
Priced at roughly $2,899, the TNT is slightly more expensive, justified by its enhanced performance and design but potentially less accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
Analyzing these pros and cons should help you weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the Honda Grom and Benelli TNT, ultimately leading to a more informed decision based on your riding preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Honda Grom and the Benelli TNT ultimately comes down to personal preferences and riding needs. Both bikes offer unique strengths that cater to different rider priorities. The Grom stands out with its exceptional fuel efficiency, lightweight design, and extensive customization options, making it a fantastic choice for urban commuting and new riders.
On the other hand, the Benelli TNT impresses with its powerful performance, aggressive styling, and solid build quality. It’s ideal for those seeking a more dynamic riding experience and a distinctive look. Whether you prioritize affordability and ease of use or power and design, both the Grom and the TNT have a lot to offer. Ultimately, your choice will depend on what you value most in a small-displacement motorcycle.