Benelli Leoncino to Be Launched in 2017 in India

While offering something different with each of its four newly unveiled offerings, Benelli missed out on the much awaited Leoncino motorcycle that was first showcased at the EICMA Motorcycle Show last year and was expected to be one the bikes slated to arrive in India. However, the Italian motorcycle maker has pushed the Leoncino's launch to 2017.

Also Read: Exclusive: Benelli TRK 502 to Be Priced Between Rs. 6-6.5 Lakh in India

In conversation with Carandbike.com, Shirish Kulkarni, Chairperson, Motorwheels stated that the company has three products planned for next year and one of them will be the Leoncino scrambler. The company's new model looks impressive and will be offering something different in the middleweight segment compared to the current set of models. The model will also serve as a more affordable option to the equally fun looking Ducati Scrambler.

That said, the Benelli Leoncino is expected to command a higher price tag when launched in India. As Shirish puts it, the scrambler despite sharing the same engine as the TRK 502, is based on a completely new platform and also carries a more premium design language. In addition, a lot of components are of higher quality that contribute to the premium asking price on the model. As a result, the Leoncino is likely to carry a price tag between Rs. 6.5-7 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Benelli Leoncino turned out to be quite the stunner when first unveiled in Milan last year and will bring a lot of enthusiasts to the company's dealerships solely for its looks. The retro styled round headlamp with the U-shaped LED DRL, LED turn indicators and tail lamp compliment the minimal bodywork, bolted on the steel trellis frame. The scrambler gets a digital instrument console, twin twp exhaust muffler, neatly crafted seat and knobby tyres that add to aesthetics of the model.

In terms of power, the Benelli Leoncino uses a newly developed 499.6cc twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine tuned to produce 47.6hp at 8500rpm and 45Nm of torque at 4500rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission. Furthermore, the bike gets meaty 50mm USD front forks and a pre-load adjustable monoshock suspension at the rear, whereas braking performance comes from 320mm front and 260mm rear disc brakes with radial mounted calipers, while ABS is offered as standard. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels complete the package.

Also Read: Auto Expo 2016: Benelli Unveils TNT Naked T-135, BX 250, Tornado 300, and TRK 502 in India

Benelli unveiled four very different products including the Tornado 300, TRK 502, BX 250 and Naked T-135 at the 2016 Auto Expo that will be introduced throughout the course of the year. 2017, on the other hand, will see the company launch three models including the Leoncino and the other two models will be announced later in the timeline.