We recently got our hands on the Benelli Leoncino 250; the manufacturer’s smallest offering from its Leoncino range. Here we bring to you excerpts of the review through this detailed image gallery.
The Benelli Leoncino 250 boasts of top-notch quality. The quality of plastics and components are good. The switchgear feels tactile and is of good quality too. Moreover, the Leoncino also boats of a well finished paintjob.
Benelli has also paid close attention to detail. The motorcycle stands out with the Lion emblem (denotes the Leoncino brand), and the premium-looking Benelli badging on the fuel tank.
Speaking of which, the 12.5-litre tank provides decent support to the thighs once astride the Leoncino 250. The seat is also well-cushioned, but thanks to the slight slope upfront, it can get slightly discomforting on long rides.
The Leoncino offers a mildly aggressive riding position that is good enough for city riding. It feels nimble and flickable in traffic and also provides decent ride quality over small potholes and bumps.
It comes powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder engine that offers a deep, bassy exhaust note. This peppy engine combined with the nimbleness of the Leoncino 250 makes for a fun-to-ride package.
Nevertheless, the bike comes with a clunky, six-speed gearbox which ridden with false neutrals. It could also do better with an upgrade to its braking hardware which seems to lack bite and feel.
In terms of technology, Benelli has equipped the Leoncino 250 with full-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS and an LCD instrument console which displays vital information including engine temperature, fuel-gauge and gear indicator.
The Benelli Leoncino 250 costs Rs 2.5 lakhs (ex-showroom). As compared to the Honda CB300R which offers more premium components, a more powerful engine and is priced at Rs 2.41 lakhs, the Benelli seems like an expensive product.