If you love cruising around the neighborhood, the Benelli Leoncino 500 will not disappoint you. Moreover, this motorcycle can really surprise.
Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail
We applied the principle of the engineer Mamonius from the movie “Cruise”: “I like the melodies that I once heard” to the Benelli Leoncino 500. We already wrote about it before, but now we got our hands on a scrambler built on its basis, in Trail versions.
“Built” sounds proud, but this, of course, is a slight exaggeration. Well, the Italian-Chinese team increased the suspension travel (135/145 instead of 125/112 mm). In addition, the Trail has - like the standard version - an upside-down Marzocchi fork (50 mm stanchion diameter) and a Sachs central shock absorber. On both hinges you can adjust the spring preload and rebound damping. The wheels now have spokes, and the diameter of the front wheel has been increased to 19 inches. Two-phase calipers now work with discs, rather than four-phase ones. In addition, the overall gear ratio was reduced and the sofa was repurposed.
Stefano Casanova - Leoncino's main stylist - did a great job!
Electronics? It's not here!
The effect of these changes? Contrary to popular belief, it is noticeable. First of all, the bike is more comfortable (you will feel it!), in addition, the clearance in the assembly has increased, which I really like. Thanks to this, Metzeler Tourance tires could show what they are capable of on the asphalt. And they can do a lot! The inline twin engine loves the mid to high rev range (2000 to 8000 rpm). However, despite the balancing roller, it vibrates noticeably.
The lion silhouette on the front fender is a reference to the first ever Leoncino (1952). To drive it, two 5.5 liter engines were used. With.
You might like the sound from the exhaust. This is normal for an inline twin with a footproof tank.
The inverted fork features large-diameter legs, armor-like flanges and adjustable rebound damping
The control panel has been improved - it is more visible in the Trail than in the regular Leoncino. Moreover, the fuel level readings are now correct
I learned the hard way that you need to check the screws from time to time so that they do not loosen: I almost lost my license plate with the bracket... So Loctite is a “must have” for a Leoncino owner. Luckily, the vibrations don't bother you while riding, unless you're planning a marathon ride (over 300km), in which case you might not be happy.
Compared to the standard version, the readability of the control panel has been improved - it is now better visible in the sun. The developers also paid attention to the fuel level indicator, which is now less messy than in the standard version.
With a displacement of just under 500 cc, the engine produces 48 hp, and the inline twins are easily brought to full power. The price for this is fuel consumption, which can exceed 6 l/100 km. Throttle response is crisp and immediate, despite the fact that the throttle is open/closed rather than ride-by-wire. There are no electronic gadgets here. And rightly so, because predictable throttle response and not very ambitious power do not require this.
Very good engine flexibility and a fairly easy to operate clutch handle will be very useful when driving on gravel. The six-speed gearbox works quite well, but you have to reduce it with surgical precision because you like to engage. The half-liter capacity is enough for both city and gravel driving, and you won’t get stuck on the highway. The maximum speed is around 160 km/h, but it will be much better if you reduce the speed to 120-140 km/h.
The fashion for scramblers is growing. This is not surprising because they are a lot of fun to drive. Metzeler Tourance tires, 48 hp. and the longer suspension is a gentleman's package for gravel road driving.
Benelli premieres at EICMA 2022
The influence of the Chinese Qianjiang Group clearly benefited the Italian Benelli - against the background of its competitors, the company most clearly and fully made its mark at the exhibition in Milan, presenting seven hot new products in completely different form factors.
While world-famous brands were content with the pompous presentation of one, two or three new products at EICMA 2022, Benelli put on public display a whole “battery” of modern motorcycles that decorated one of the spacious rooms of the Fiera Milano exhibition center.
Benelli Leoncino 250
Next year, the Leoncino 500 scrambler, or “Scrambler killer” as some experts call it, will be accompanied by its younger brother Leoncino 250, presented in Milan.
Benelli Leoncino 250 2018
The motorcycle is built on a steel tubular frame, which houses a rather peppy twin-shaft “single-barrel” engine with fuel injection, with a maximum power of 25.8 hp. and torque 21 N.m.
The “small” scrambler also boasts LED optics, inverted forks, a digital instrument panel and a four-piston front brake caliper with ABS.
Benelli Leoncino 500 Sport and Trail
The older model Leoncino 500 will receive two modifications in 2022 – Sport and Trail. The first is a neoclassical cafe racer, equipped with spoked wheels, a compact windshield and matte gray cladding.
Factory neoclassic Benelli Leoncino 500 Sport 2018
The second modification, Leoncino 500 Trail, features spoked wheels shod with dual-purpose tires. A 19″ wheel was installed at the front and a 17″ wheel at the rear. In addition, for the dual-sport version the front fork was changed: pipes with a diameter of 43 mm were replaced by an adjustable fifty-millimeter “upside-down” one.
All modern technical developments such as the anti-lock braking system and LED optics are similar to the Lioncino 500 model
Benelli 752 S
Created by Pierluigi Marconi in 2000, the project finally came to life in the form of the Benelli 752S. The Italians were unable to bring this model to market for a long time due to the priorities of the Qianjiang Group, which “advised” that they direct their efforts to developing small-capacity models for the Asian markets.
Benelli 752 S 2018
The spectacular naked bike is equipped with an in-line two-cylinder engine with a power of 81.5 hp. The motor is placed in a steel tubular frame and “seasoned” with tuning components from world famous manufacturers: a fifty-millimeter Marzocchi fork and Brembo brakes. Like all other models of the brand, it complies with Euro-4 environmental standards, and the brakes are equipped with an anti-lock braking system.
Benelli Imperiale 400
The classic that debuted in Milan is reminiscent of motorcycles produced by the Pesaro factory in the middle of the last century and is a direct competitor to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 in the Indian market. It is equipped with a rather old single-shaft engine with a displacement of 373.5 cm3, fuel injection and a power of 19 hp.
Benelli Imperiale 400
The retro styling is emphasized by a classic design, an analogue instrument panel, cloth saddlebags, a simple telescopic fork and a pair of shock absorbers. This full-fledged two-seater motorcycle with center stand and drum brakes is expected to hit the Indian market next year.
Benelli 402 S
Some models from Benelli's new product line are aimed at competing with their compatriots from the Bologna factory. For example, the aggressive cruiser Benelli 402 S, with its shape and design, is very similar to the Ducati XDiavel S.
The appearance of the Benelli 402 S 2022 clearly shows references to the Ducati xDiavel
In technical terms, motorcycles have little in common. The Benelli 402 S is powered by a modern fuel-injected 399.3 cc parallel twin engine producing 39.4 PS. and 35 N.m. The chassis is no frills: a steel, tubular frame, a monoshock absorber and an inverted fork, 17-inch wheels and simple brakes with ABS - rather weak by the standards of American power bikes, but impressive for Asians. The motorcycle is a two-seater, but compared to the wide, molded driver's seat, the passenger's seat looks like a perch.
Benelli TRK 251
Another new product from Milan was the small-capacity touring bike Benelli TRK 251, created according to the same recipe as the TRK 502. The motorcycle is built on the same platform as the newly-minted Leoncino 250, but differs in touring design and extended wind protection. It sits on street-legal 17-inch wheels and is likely equipped with the same suspension as the Scrambler. The single-cylinder engine of both motorcycles is identical.
Benelli TRK 251 2018
The prospects for the appearance of new products on the domestic market have not yet been reported: Benelli’s former partner, Velomotors located near Moscow (Stels brand), has focused its efforts on off-road and snowmobile equipment.
Review of the Benelli stand at EICMA 2017:
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Photos in the article – Benelli
Cover photo – Benelli Lioncino 500 Trail
Pendants give advice
Longer suspensions won't break on gravel or easy terrain. We didn’t even get there when landing while jumping, and I weigh more than 100 kg. Except I didn't race motocross, but tightened the shock's tension spring and increased its rebound damping. It was also possible without increasing the wide handlebar. This, along with the narrow fuel tank and removable rubber on the footpegs, made it easier to ride standing up. In these conditions, the ABS off button is what you need. Important: despite the smaller number of pistons (2, not 4), the brakes (steel braided wires) have practically not lost their effectiveness.
Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail
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Motorcycle Benelli Leoncino 800 2022 review
The description of the Benelli Leoncino 800 2022 motorcycle is in the queue for publication of the article. Announcement: Today, for almost every new motorcycle that comes into being, marketers strive to carve out their own niche. This one is a road sport, this one is a recreational enduro. But what class should we include a motorcycle that has a little bit of everything? A good bike should have a reliable engine, comfortable ergonomics and simple controls...
Benelli Leoncino 800 is a motorcycle not sold in Russia, equipped with a high-power 80 hp engine. Despite the fact that good models of motorcycles have a very respectable price, and the season for their use is relatively short, the motorcycle market is developing rapidly. And if you believe the words of dealers, then some models of recently released motorcycles are selling like hot cakes at the beginning of the season, and the models brought to Russia are clearly not enough to fully satisfy consumer demand.
A motorcycle has long ceased to be an alternative to a car, and the times when this equipment was bought only because there was not enough money for a full-fledged car are forgotten. Nowadays, two-wheelers can be called technological marvels in many cases, and their cost can be compared with that of prestigious cars.
Many people have started buying motorcycles for hobby purposes as riding or even collecting them has become a good pastime for many people. Many motorcycles, for example the Benelli Leoncino 800, whose technical characteristics make it possible to call the model a prestigious brand, are in demand among both beginners and experienced motorcyclists.
Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 754 cc / 46.0 cu-in. see, appeared as a result of long work of inventors who sought to create a model that was not inferior in characteristics to other versions of the motorcycle. In some cases, these models are not only not inferior, but also ahead of other motorcycles, as they have minimal fuel consumption and other excellent parameters.
Motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 400 kb. cm, which includes the Benelli Leoncino 800 - this category of motorcycles simply cannot claim the title of “motorcycle for a beginner.” On the contrary, this is already a serious technique that requires certain control of motorcycle equipment with a smaller engine capacity. Yes, she attracts more attention, she is the most beautiful, fast, interesting and there is a huge selection of models. But as power increases, the weight of the motorcycle inevitably increases. In this class you are unlikely to find motorcycles lighter than 180 kg, unless they are the latest motorcycle models.
Go to the entire range of Benelli motorcycles, on this page you can find Benelli Leoncino 800 motorcycles from other years of production and information about them
