Benelli Leoncino 500: What else can you buy?

Benelli has introduced a new offering in the middle-weight segment which goes by the name Leoncino 500. Sharing its powerplant with the TRK 502, the Leoncino is a heritage-inspired scrambler-styled motorcycle. The company has competitively priced it at Rs 4.79 lakhs and we tell you what else can you consider around a similar price range. 

Benelli TRK 502

Shell out Rs 33,000 more over the Leoncino’s pricing and you can buy the TRK 502 from the Benelli’s line-up itself. What you get for that premium is a big-burly adventure tourer which has oodles of presence. With the beak-like front end, compact split LED headlamp, tall windscreen, knuckle guard and the beefy fairing, the motorcycle is not just appealing but also purposeful. The TRK runs the same 500cc parallel-twin motor which powers the Leoncino. This mill churns out 46.8bhp and 46Nm and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. 

Kawasaki Versys X-300

If the size and weight of the TRK 502 intimidate you, Kawasaki offers the friendlier Versys X-300 which is also an adventure tourer. It rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels which are shod with off-road tyres. However, the Versys features a lower displacement mill which is a 296cc, parallel-twin engine which produces 38.7bhp and 25.7Nm. Priced at Rs 4.69 lakhs, it is more affordable than the Leoncino 500 and more so than the TRK 502. 

CFMoto 650MT

In case you want a touring bike with a bigger engine than the TRK and Versys, the newcomer CFMoto has the 650MT. The motorcycle gets a tall windscreen, knuckle guards, large engine and radiator guard and pannier frames, all of which signify its touring purpose. It runs a 649cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor which makes 60bhp and 56Nm while it comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. Priced at Rs 4.99 lakhs, the motorcycle is Rs 20,000 dearer than the Leoncino. 

Kawasaki Z650

Contrary to the aforementioned bikes, if you are looking for an aggressive streetfighter, the Kawasaki Z650 makes for an ideal option. Boasting of a similar displacement as the CFMoto 650MT, this bike churns out more power at 67.2bhp and 65.7Nm. Featuring the brand’s Sugomi design theme, the Z650 looks aggressive with sharp and muscular body panels. All of that demands a hefty premium of Rs 50,000 over the Leoncino as the Z650 costs Rs 5.29 lakhs

Kawasaki Ninja 400

If a fully-faired sportsbike suits your liking, Kawasaki offers the Ninja 400. The motorcycle takes inspirations from the bigger Ninja’s which is exemplified by the compact split LED headlamps, angular fairing, sculpted fuel tank and a svelte tail section similar to its litre-class sibling. The motorcycle is propelled by a 399cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled mill which belts out 47.5bhp and 38Nm and its six-speed gearbox is assisted by a slipper clutch. Despite being such an attractive proposition, the Ninja 400 is Rs 10,000 cheaper than the Leoncino.