The Benelli Leoncino 800 and Leoncino 800 Trail are here. The two models were first showcased at EICMA 2019, and now, the manufacturer has revealed the production iterations of both bikes.
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Benelli Leoncino 800, Leoncino 800 Trail revealed
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Powered by a 754cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine
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Trail variant gets Marzocchi suspension and 19-inch front wheel
Benelli Leoncino 800 vs Leoncino 800 Trail Chassis and design
Visually, the Leoncino 800 stays true to the design language its lineage follows – a retro theme with sharp, sculpted lines following an overall simplistic approach. At first instance, it looks like a beefier Leoncino 500, albeit with more prominent scrambler-like cues.
Of the two, the Leoncino 800 is the road-going iteration while the Leoncino 800 Trail has a few off-road oriented aspects, even though it isn’t a full-on off-road motorcycle. Both motorcycles are equipped with the same tubular steel trellis frame, but it is suspended on different suspension set-ups.On the standard Leoncino 800, the front end comprises a wide 50mm Marzocchi USD fork that offers rebound, compression, and preload adjustment. The rear, meanwhile, is a preload-adjustable monoshock. The bike is equipped with Brembo brakes and 17-inch wheels at either end.
The Leoncino 800 Trail, on the other hand, gets Marzocchi suspension at either end and a larger 19-inch front wheel, tyres are different as well, with knobbies in place of road going tyres. The different suspension has also resulted in the Trail version having a taller seat height.
Starting with the road-biased variant, the Leoncino 800 a tubular steel trellis frame topped with a traditionally-shaped 3.9-gallon gas tank and throwback tail section and seat. Leoncino branding on the side plates adds a touch of modernity while the brand’s long-established lion mascot adorns the front fender and the Benelli seal on the gas tank. The oval headlight and center stand also contribute to the mix of old and new.
Benelli Leoncino 800 engine
Powering the Leoncino 800 and Leoncino 800 Trail is a 754cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 76hp and 68Nm of torque. This Euro 5-compliant engine comes paired to a six-speed gearbox that is assisted by a slipper clutch.
Benelli Leoncino 800 launch
Benelli has not revealed a pricing for this motorcycle yet, but now that the two models are here, a launch in the near future is certain. Unfortunately, there is no indication that these bikes will make their way to India anytime soon.
Azaman Chothia
