Benelli Leoncino is going to be launched by May 2019, as confirmed by the officials. It is a modern-day Scrambler, which will be available in 2 variants.
Benelli has confirmed that it will launch new bikes in India, with a couple of them scheduled for 2019 itself. The first one will be the Leoncino, which is a modern-day Scrambler-type bike.
It recently launched its first ADV in India, Benelli TRK 502. In 2017, Benelli split with DSK Motowheels, which use to retail Benelli bikes in India. Last year, Benelli entered into a partnership with Adishwar Auto Ride India to launch new products in India.
Benelli Leoncino is scheduled to launch by April-May period, this year. Following which, Imperiale 400 cruiser and TRK 251 ADV will also be launched in 2019.
Also Read: Benelli TRK 251 launching in 2019; will rival Royal Enfield Himalayan
Leoncino will be offered in two variants in India – 500 and 500 Trail. While the former will be a road-biased version, 500 Trail will be focused on off-roading. While the 500 will be offered with alloy wheels and road-spec tires, 500 Trail will be offered with dual-purpose tires and wire spoke wheels.
For engine purposes, Benelli Leoncino will use a 499.5cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin cylinder engine with 8-valves and DOHC. The motor is tuned to produce 47 BHP and 46 Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Premium highlights of the bike include a kidney-shaped fuel tank, LED headlamps, U-shaped LED DRLs, a single long seat, a fully digital instrument cluster and of course, the ‘Raw’ and aggressive looks.
Also Read: Benelli Imperiale 400 and 502C launching in 2019
Most of the parts on this bike will be taken for TRK 502. Leoncino 500 comes equipped with 50mm USD forks and rear mono shocks for suspension. The suspension travels have been adjusted for this bike.
For braking, it uses Twin 320mm semi-floating discs with radial 4 piston calliper at the front and a 260mm Single disc with single-piston floating calliper, paired to a dual-channel ABS support.
We expect the prices of Benelli Leoncino 500 to range between Rs 4 Lakhs to Rs 5 Lakhs. The competitive pricing will ensure that it is seen as a cheaper alternative to Ducati Scrambler and Triump Street Scrambler.
Also Read: Benelli TRK 502 launched in India – Get Prices and Specifications
It will compete with the likes of Royal Enfield 650 Twins and probaly KTM Duke 390. Leoncino will find its future competition with Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 and Kawasaki Z400.
