Benelli BKX 300 - a mini review
Hello!
The Benelli BKX 300 launched some time ago without much fanfare from Benelli or the parent company, QJ Motors. And it's a shame really, because it’s one of the best motorcycles in the 300cc class. This of course considering the price of 3980 Euros at the moment of writing this mini review.
I first tested the motorcycle 2 months ago and really liked it. First it’s the design, it does not look like any other motorcycle on the market. Second, the price is very good for what it offers. And third I have been testing it for over 10.000km from my home town of Bucharest to Baghdad in Iraq on every surface imaginable (appart from snow). The only thing I have changed are the tires, I fitted some Metzler Karoo 4 that cost me 200 Euro. Other than that the motorcycle is stock.
What I learned after 10.000km? Well the negatives first;
- the handguards design is a bit off. They need reinforcing with some glue on the screws and some zip ties.
- the screw holding the bodywork needed some Locktite because they were unscrewing because of the vibrations.
- it does not like to play ball with 87 octane fuel. 92 is a bit of a strech.
- the clutch is a bit rudimentary, it needed some adjustment.
- the motorcycle is a bit vibey between 7k-8k rpm.
- if the front wheel was a 21” it was amazing.
- no ability to turn off ABS on the rear.
- the seat is a bit hard for long distance travel.
But for the money you receive so much more. Like for example
- the motorcycle will cruise without effort at 105km/h, even 110km/h and the fuel consumption is between 3.4 to 3.5l at that speed (with 70kg rider and moderate luggage).
- the rpm at 100km/h on GPS is about 5.7k. So more than adequate for a single cylinder that can rev up to 10.5k rpm.
- it puls quite nicely because of it’s weight. It’s 152kg with fuel and oil so easy to manuver and ride on any terrain.
- it might seem the 12 liter tank is small but with the fuel consumption beeing so low if you do not over rev it you can manage at least 300km between fil ups.
- the seat can be changed very easy from the Benelli website with around 70 Euros.
- the front and rear lights are awesome during the night. Did not feel the need for any spot lights.
- it comes with ABS front and rear and the ABS really works nicely onroad.
- it comes with a rear rack. Awesome.
- the underseat storage is very tidy and easy to work on if needed.
- it has two radiators, perfect for the middle east heat.
- the brakes are quite strong and they do a very good job.
- the design makes it look like a more expensive motorcycle that it really is. In fact, it does not feel as a budget motorcycle. The wiring, fairing and quality of the build is on par with more expensive brands but with half the cost.
- the sound from the exhaust is lovely. Not to loud, not to tiny, just right amount of bass and a lovely small single cylinder thump.
Would I recomend this motorcycle to anyone. Yes, of course. I am an experienced rider with more than 200k on many motorcycles from various brands and I have to say this little gem gets overlooked a lot. One of the problems is that QJ does not invest eny money into marketing. I know the price will differ if they did so but it’s pity. Either way this motorcycle is awesome for what it is and I will make an update at 20.000km. By the way this is my personal bike, I paid my own money for it so my opinion is as honest as it gets.
Cheers.