Benelli is gearing up to widen its portfolio in India by introducing a new scrambler-styled offering, the Leoncino 500. The motorcycle is expected to be officially launched on 5 August. While the launch might be just around the corner, we tell you what to expect from this Italian machine.
Design
The Leoncino 500 is a modern motorcycle but it carries an old-school scrambler appeal with its round headlamp crowned by a single-pod instrument cluster. The curvy fuel tank blends with the under seat cowl and a sweeping tail section which holds a single-piece seat. The lion cub emblem sitting on the front fender is a nice add-on to the design. Deprived of a rear fender, the motorcycle gets a tyre hugger carrying the license plate which gives the rear a neat look. In terms of ergonomics, the Leoncino gets an easy-to-reach, wide handlebar along with centre-set footpegs which should translate into a comfortable riding position.
Features
Despite giving the Leoncino a retro-inspired design, Benelli has bestowed its middle-weight scrambler with basic modern features. The round headlamp integrates LED lights accompanied by a radical-looking, horseshoe-shaped LED DRL. The turn indicators and tail lamp also incorporate LED lighting. Furthermore, all the necessary information is displayed on a fully-digital, LCD instrument cluster.
Engine
Powering the Leoncino 500 is a 499cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine which does duty on the TRK 502 siblings as well. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, this mill churns out 47bhp of power at 8500rpm and 45Nm of peak torque which comes in at 4500rpm.
Cycle Parts
The Leoncino is built around a steel trellis frame and the standard version, which is likely to come to India initially, rides on 17-inch wheels shod with road-biased Pirelli tyres. It comes equipped with 50mm upside down forks with 125mm of travel at the front and a monoshock with 112mm of travel at the rear. Braking hardware comprises of 320mm dual discs with four-piston radially-mounted calipers up front and a 260mm single disc with floating caliper at the rear. Weighing at 185kg dry, the motorcycle gets a 12.7-litre fuel tank.
Pricing
Benelli will peg its new scrambler lesser than the TRK 502 and the TRK 502X which are priced at Rs 5.10 lakhs and Rs 5.50 lakhs, respectively. In that case, expect the scrambler to carry a sticker price ranging from Rs 4.60 lakhs to 4.80 lakhs in India. The motorcycle is offered in the colour schemes of red, black and grey in the international markets. What colour options Benelli introduces in India remains to be seen.
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
