- Expected to be launched by March 2020
- Likely to be manufactured in India
- Could be priced similar to Royal Enfield Classic motorcycles
Benelli’s modern classic motorcycle, the Imperiale 400, was spotted testing in India for the first time. The motorcycle was first unveiled at the 2017 EICMA show in Milan. As we had reported last month, the Imperiale 400 is scheduled to be launched by March 2020 in India and it will be a direct rival to the Royal Enfield Classic models.
As can be seen in the picture, the motorcycle carries a quintessential modern classic design which is in-line with the styling of Royal Enfield and Jawa models. The circular headlamp, straight handlebar, chrome-finished mirrors, peanut-shaped fuel tank and spoke wheels lend it a retro appeal. The old-school styling is further accentuated by a twin-pod analogue instrument cluster with a tiny digital unit, as we had noticed in the bike which was unveiled at the EICMA.
Underpinned by a steel double-cradle frame, the Imperiale 400 is powered by a 373cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder motor which produces 19.7bhp of power and 28Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by a five-speed gearbox. Featuring a fuel-injection system, this motor will be compliant with the BS-VI emission norms. The modern classic bike rides on 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel which are suspended by telescopic forks at the front and dual spring shock absorbers at the rear. While braking is handled by discs at both ends, ABS will come as standard.
The Imperiale 400 is most likely to be fully-manufactured in India instead of being sold as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) model. This will help the Italian bikemaker to price it aggressively, somewhere in the ballpark of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Classic 500 motorcycles.
Source – AutocarIndia
