Benelli BN 600 GT [2014-2017] Review: The Underrated Sport Tourer With Italian Flair

Introduction

The Benelli BN 600 GT occupies a rare niche in motorcycling: a mid-weight sport tourer with an inline-four engine that doesn’t require selling a kidney to own. Produced between 2014 and 2017, this Italian-designed (though Chinese-owned) machine blends touring practicality with a characterful 600cc powerplant. After spending a week with a well-maintained 2016 model, it’s clear this bike deserves more attention than it gets – especially from riders who value long-distance comfort without sacrificing the thrill of a multi-cylinder engine.

Design & Styling: Function Over Flair

The BN 600 GT won’t win beauty contests, but there’s a certain charm to its purposeful design. The semi-fairing with integrated LED turn signals provides decent wind protection without the bulk of full touring fairings. Our test bike’s black/red scheme looked particularly sharp, though the 2017’s charcoal gray option adds sophistication.

Key design elements:
- 27-liter fuel tank (7.13 US gal) dominates the profile but enables 500+ km (310+ mile) range
- Adjustable windscreen (though barely taller than a café racer’s flyscreen)
- Steel trestle front frame paired with aluminum rear casting – an unusual but effective combo
- Underbelly exhaust keeps weight low but robs the bike of a more dramatic soundtrack

The 800mm (31.5") seat height is accessible for most riders, though the 223 kg (492 lbs) dry weight becomes apparent at parking speeds. The optional hard saddlebags add touring credibility but increase the bike’s width to 800mm (31.5") – something to consider for urban riders.

Engine & Performance: Four-Cylinder Therapy

At its heart lies a 600cc DOHC inline-four producing 84 HP (61.3 kW) @ 11,000 RPM and 56 Nm (41.3 lb-ft) @ 8,100 RPM. These numbers don’t scream “hyperbike,” but the delivery is where this engine shines:

• Torque curve feels meatier than specs suggest thanks to 14/46 final drive gearing
• Power builds linearly from 4,000 RPM, hitting a sweet spot between 7,000-10,000 RPM
• Euro 3-compliant exhaust mutes the four-cylinder howl but won’t deafen you on long rides

The 6-speed transmission has shorter ratios than Benelli’s naked TNT models, making highway cruising at 120 km/h (75 mph) a relaxed 6,500 RPM affair. Fuel economy averaged 5.3 L/100km (44 mpg) during mixed riding – impressive for a carbureted four.

Comfort & Touring Credentials

Benelli nailed the ergonomics for all-day riding:
- Seat padding strikes Goldilocks balance between firm support and plush comfort
- Handlebar position creates a slight forward lean – sporty yet sustainable
- Footpegs are mid-mounted, allowing knee bend without cramping

The suspension setup deserves special mention:
- 50mm USD forks with 115mm (4.5") travel handle rough roads competently
- Adjustable rear monoshock (preload only) maintains composure with luggage
- 180mm ground clearance (7.1") avoids scrapping on spirited cornering

While the stock Pirelli Angel GT tires (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear) provide confident grip, upgrading to modern rubber like Michelin Road 6 could transform wet weather performance.

Handling: Surprising Agility

Don’t let the touring label fool you – this Benelli carves corners with unexpected verve:
- Steering geometry (56.3-58.3" wheelbase) strikes neutral balance
- Weight distribution feels centralized despite the large fuel tank
- Brembo-derived brakes (dual 320mm front discs) offer strong stopping power

The soft suspension does wallow when pushed hard, but that’s easily remedied with aftermarket springs and oil. At legal speeds, the BN 600 GT feels planted and predictable – exactly what you want when loaded with gear.

Competition: How It Stacks Up

Kawasaki Versys 650

• Pros: Lighter (216 kg), better fuel economy, superior dealer network
• Cons: Parallel-twin lacks character, smaller 21L tank, less stable at speed

Suzuki V-Strom 650

• Pros: Legendary reliability, 20L fuel capacity, ADV-style versatility
• Cons: Budget suspension, muted styling, buzzy V-twin above 6,000 RPM

Honda CBR650F

• Pros: Sharper handling, Honda build quality, 17% better power-to-weight
• Cons: Cramped ergonomics, tiny 17L tank, harsh suspension for touring

Benelli’s Edge: That glorious four-cylinder engine and massive fuel range make it ideal for riders prioritizing long-haul comfort without sacrificing sporting potential.

Maintenance: Keeping the Italian Stallion Happy

While generally reliable, the BN 600 GT benefits from proactive care:

Critical Service Items
1. Valve Adjustments: Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) – shim-under-bucket design requires patience
2. Cooling System: Flush every 2 years – air pockets can form in the complex plumbing
3. Chain Maintenance: 14/46 sprocket combo wears quickly – upgrade to DID 525VX2 chain

Common Upgrades
- Brake Pads: Swap stock compounds for EBC HH sintered pads
- Suspension: Hyperpro springs transform front-end dive
- Exhaust: LeoVince LV-10 slip-on (keeps catalytic converter for emissions)

MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations
- Our 600cc Maintenance Kit includes NGK CR9E plugs, oil filter, and crush washers
- Try the Premium Chain Care Bundle with PTFE lubricant and alignment tools
- Consider Givi SR2121 Rack for upgraded luggage capacity

Final Thoughts

The Benelli BN 600 GT won’t dethrone class leaders, but it offers something unique: the soulful experience of an inline-four tourer at accessible pricing. Yes, the switchgear feels budget, and the suspension could be sharper. But when you’re carving mountain passes by day and covering 700 km (435 miles) between fuel stops, those compromises fade into the background. For riders seeking character and capability in equal measure, this Italian-Chinese hybrid remains a compelling proposition.

Why It Matters in 2024: As motorcycles grow increasingly complex and expensive, the BN 600 GT reminds us that simple, engaging machines still have a place. Its combination of analog thrills and touring practicality makes it a perfect candidate for customization – something we at MOTOPARTS.store wholeheartedly endorse. Whether you’re upgrading brakes or adding cruise control, this Benelli rewards those who make it their own.

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Specifications sheet

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