Benelli Leoncino 500 Launch Date Revealed — Can This Italian Change Things In The Segment?

The Benelli Leoncino 500 will be launched in the Indian market on 05 August, 2019. Benelli has put out a teaser image that confirmed the launch date of the Benelli Leoncino 500 in India. The Leoncino is one of the most-awaited benelli models this year, and will expand Benelli's product portfolio by entering into a new segment.

Benelli Leoncino 500 Launch Date Revealed — Can This Italian Change Things In The Segment?

The Benelli Leoncino 500 is a neo-retro styled scrambler motorcycle that is much-loved in international markets where it has been on sale for quite some time. It is light-weight, has great power-to-weight ratio and is therefore more fun-to-ride.

In international markets, the Benelli Leoncino 500 is available in two variants and we expect Benelli to follow the same strategy in India as well. One variant is road-biased, that rides on tarmac-gripping tyres shod on 17-inch wheels.

Benelli Leoncino 500 Launch Date Revealed — Can This Italian Change Things In The Segment?

The other variant rides on dual-purpose tyres and at the front is a 19-inch wheel. Both of them are powered by the same engine and both have the same engine tune as well. The Benelli Leoncino 500 is powered by the same engine as the TRK 502 and TRK 502X.

It is a liquid-cooled, 499cc, parallel-twin engine with a maximum power output of 47bhp at 8,500rpm and a peak torque output of 46Nm at 6,000rpm. The engine output does seem a little too feeble compared to its competition.

Benelli Leoncino 500 Launch Date Revealed — Can This Italian Change Things In The Segment?

Even motorcycles that slot in the 300-400cc segment push out almost just as much, case in point being the KTM 390 Duke. However, with the Benelli it is about exclusivity and premium feel.

The Benelli Leoncino 500 will give its buyers lots of that as it is an Italian by blood. The design traits are simple and straightforward, yet elegant and classy. Up front is a circular headlamp unit with a reflector and a projector setup.

Benelli Leoncino 500 Launch Date Revealed — Can This Italian Change Things In The Segment?

The tank is shaped well and the seat comes up to the tank scrambler style. The rear is pretty simple and does not take up much space. The registration number plate holder is placed on the tyre hugger.

The Benelli Leoncino 500 rides on a 45mm upside-down for up front and a monoshock at the rear, Braking duties are handled by dual 320mm discs up front and a single 260mm disc at the rear. ABS comes as standard fitment. The Benelli Leoncino 500 will compete with the Ducati Scrambler Icon once launched.

Benelli Leoncino 500 Launch Date Revealed — Can This Italian Change Things In The Segment?

Thoughts On Benelli Leoncino 500 Launch In India On 05 August, 2019

The Benelli Leoncino 500 is not a mass market motorcycle and will appeal only to a particular audience. It will appeal to the audience that the Ducati Scrambler Icon has done so far, but it will be less expensive.

It is expected to retail at around Rs 4.5 lakh ex-showroom, and that is where Benelli just might win the game. Stay tuned for more updates from the launch.

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Article Published On: Saturday, August 3, 2019, 11:58 [IST]
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