Benelli India is expected to launch the 2021 Leoncino 500 on February 18. The Leoncino 500 will be the third BS6 compliant Benelli to go on sale in the country, following the Benelli Imperiale 400 BS6 and TRK 502 Adventure motorcycle.
- Expected to feature similar styling as before
- BS6 engine should make the same peak power and torque as the BS4 engine
- Features the same chassis
Benelli Leoncino 500: Style
The BS6 Benelli Leoncino 500 is expected to feature similar styling as the BS4 model, carrying forward the neo-retro design that gives it a unique identity, replete with the tiny 'Lion of Pesaro' ornament on the front mudguard.
While the Benelli Leoncino 500's styling is a definite stand out, as we thought during our review of the BS4 motorcycle, we hope to see better finish levels on the BS6 motorcycle.
Benelli Leoncino 500: Engine and chassis
The BS6 Benelli Leoncino 500 is powered by a 500cc inline-twin engine and the peak power (47.5hp) and torque (46Nm) are expected to be the same as that of the BS4 engine. While the performance is pretty decent, what made the Leoncino 500 feel special was the exhaust note. Whether the tighter BS6 emission norms have quietened the sound to some extent is what we shall find out after testing the motorcycle.
The chassis and brake components are also expected to remain unchanged. From our experience with the BS4 motorcycle, the Leoncino 500 should remain a stable and confident motorcycle, whether in a straight line or in the bends, albeit with a heavy front end to contend with while entering a corner. The brakes, on the other hand, were one of the strongest and sharpest we'd ever tested with a sub-15m stop from 60kph. Expect the same from the BS6 Leoncino 500.
Benelli Leoncino 500: Price and availability
Benelli India is expected to throw open bookings for the BS6 Leoncino 500 on February 18, across all dealerships. While the BS4 motorcycle retailed at Rs 4.79 lakh, expect the BS6 Leoncino 500 to be priced competitively, going by what Benelli has managed with the pricing of the TRK 502.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
