- Sports a retro appeal with extensive use of chrome.
- Powered by a 373cc, single-cylinder engine.
- Likely to be priced around Rs 2 lakhs.
Benelli is scheduled to launch the Imperiale 400 in India in 2019. The bike was unveiled at the 2017 EICMA.
The design of the Imperiale harks back to the 1950’s with the round headlamp teardrop-shaped tank and split seat. To further boost its appeal, it gets extensive use of chrome on components like the mudguards, mirrors, wheels, engine, twin-pod instrument cluster and the long exhaust. The bike shown at the Expo also featured canvas saddlebags which could be offered as optional accessory.
Powering the bike is a 373cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 19.7bhp and 28Nm of torque. The unit is fuel-injected and is mated to a five-speed gearbox. The power and torque figures are similar to its biggest rival, the Royal Enfield Classic 350. However, the Benelli benefits from a fuel-injection system. The Imperiale 400 has a dry weight of 200kg. For reference, that is 8kg heavier than the kerb weight of the Classic 350. It rides on telescopic front forks and twin shocks at the rear. Braking duties are taken care of by a 300mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc brake with a dual-channel ABS as standard.
Benelli will bring in the Imperiale 400 as a CKD (Completely knocked down) unit with assembly done at the upcoming plant near Hyderabad. The bike will be positioned as a premium product in India, resulting in a price tag slightly higher than its rivals. We can expect the Benelli Imperiale 400 to retail around Rs 2 lakhs.
