Benelli's new 2010 model Café Racer 899 has begin making its way into European dealerships, a new middleweight offering from the Italian brand.
Based on the TNT 1130 Café Racer (which is currently offered in Australia) but with a smaller engine, the Benelli Café Racer 899 gets plenty of trick gear from Italy.
First unveiled at EICMA late last year, the CR 899 gets gold Marzocchi front forks and also 320mm front brake discs clamped by Brembo calipers.
The engine is a three-cylinder inline layout, with an 899cc capacity, and features a new cylinder head, ignition mapping, plus pistons and updated camshafts, all of which are designed to deliver more refinement, better power delivery and more precise throttle response.
Peak power is rated at 120hp (88kW) and the bike weighs 199kg dry and to keep costs down Benelli opted for a steel subframe instead of an aluminium one, and the same holds true for the handlebars.
It will rival the likes of the new Ducati Monster 796 and the Triumph Street Triple. The Benelli 899 CR is offered in standard trim with a black colour scheme, or in 899 S trim which adds a carbon fibre front fender and side panel and is offered with an orange colour scheme.
Update: A spokesperson for the Australian importer of Benelli motorcycles, Motorsport Importers, told the Bikesales Network that at this stage there were no plans to bring the Benelli 899 CR to Australia.