Benelli Leoncino 250 launched in India; priced at Rs 2.5 lakh

- Benelli Leoncino 250 priced at Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
- Gets scrambler-inspired styling and a 249cc single-cylinder engine
- Bookings commenced across India

Benelli has launched the Leoncino 250 in India with a sticker price of Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

As its name suggests, the Leoncino 250 is based on the bigger Leoncino 500 that is also available in India. It gets a scrambler-like styling borrowed from the latter and sports a round full-LED headlamp, cylindrical tail lamp and LED indicators. To complete its visual appeal, the Leoncino 250 sports a single-piece seat, tear-drop shaped fuel-tank, a cropped tail section along with a tyre-hugger mounted number plate holder. 

The Leoncino 250 is built around a tubular trellis frame which houses a 249cc, single-cylinder that produces 26.8bhp at 10,500rpm and 21Nm at 9,000rpm. This motor comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. The bike rides on 17-inch wheels at both ends suspended by 41mm inverted forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear which is preload-adjustable.  Meanwhile, braking is done by 280mm petal disc upfront and a 240mm disc at the rear along with dual-channel ABS. Benelli has equipped with an LCD instrument cluster with a distinctive looking tachometer.  The Leoncino is offered in three colour options of Pearl Brown, Titanium grey and Italian Red. 

In terms of competition, the Benelli Leoncino 250 goes against the Bajaj Dominar 400 and the Royal Enfield Classic 500 and the Thunderbird 500X in India. However, in terms of pricing it will take on the Honda CB300R and the KTM 390 Duke. Bookings for the motorcycle have commenced in dealerships across India with deliveries to take place by end of this month.