Benelli has launched the new scrambler-type roadster Leoncino 500 in India. Here are some top highlights of the neo-retro motorcycle.
Benelli has launched the Leoncino 500 in India, at a price of Rs 4.79 Lakhs (ex-showroom). Leoncino in Italian means Lion’s Cub. It is the third product from Benelli after its new partnership with Mahavir Groups, AARI.
Leoncino is a neo-retro roadster motorcycle drawing inspiration from the old-school Scramblers. The design comes from the headquarters in Italy and the bike is also brought through the CKD unit in India.
With this, Benelli has a total of six bikes in India, the TRK 502 and 502X ADVs launched before this bike. Here are some highlights of the Benelli Leoncino 500:
1. Neo-retro styling
Leoncino 500 gets a scrambler-inspired styling, but also looks a modern retro fusion. That is indicated by the round-shaped headlamps, an off-set round speedometer, the tear-drop shaped fuel tank and the rugged styling. In the global market, the bike is also offered in an off-road friendly version, but we get the Standard variant with alloy wheels.
2. The mid-capacity twin-cylinder engine
The 500cc parallel-twin cylinder liquid-cooled engine comes from the TRK 502 twins. The engine produces 47.5 BHP at 8500 RPM and 46 Nm of peak torque at 6000 RPM. The motor comes paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The acceleration figures of Leoncino will definitely be better than the TRK 502, because it is lighter.
3. Suspension and Braking parts
Benelli Leoncino uses some premium underpinnings, like 50mm USD forks at the front and rebound adjustability mono-shock at the back for suspension. Braking is handled by 320mm dual discs at the front and a 260mm single disc at the back with dual-channel ABS.
4. Features?
Since the bike has a near retro-bike touch, the features onboard would be somewhat lesser. However, Benelli has packed Leoncino with full LED lighting, an off-set fully digital speedometer with information like riding range, trip meter and so, a mild upswept exhaust, a single seat and a fancy rear tire hugger.
5. Competition
None. There is no 500cc Scrambler in this price range of the Leoncino 500. The nearest you can find is the Ducati Scrambler 800, which is priced around Rs 8 Lakhs. However, at a same price range, you can go for the naked street bike, Kawasaki Z650. Of course, you have the Royal Enfield Interceptor as the most affordable twin-cylinder engine motorcycle.
