Benelli Leoncino scrambler has modern-retro styling with a striking visual appeal; uses a 499.6 cc twin-cylinder engine producing 48 PS
Under the new management, Benelli appears to be lining up new premium launches as 10-12 models are in the pipeline by next year while some of the less desired motorcycles from the current fleet could be shown the doors. The 300 to 500 cc segments could be targetted the most as Benelli already has an exciting range internationally.
The talks of Leoncino and TRK making domestic debuts have been there for over a year and due to the difficulties faced with previous partners, Benelli could not implement the new strategy as early as it anticipated. The Leoncino’s platform could spawn a lower displacement variant as well for India.
The all-new Leoncino Scrambler could become the most affordable in its segment but we suspect the Continental GT 650 to take that honour when it goes on sale courtesy of local production. Benelli hosted the world premiere of the Leoncino Scrambler three years back at the 2015 EICMA show and it features a myriad of advanced features.
The middleweight Scrambler blending the retro-modern attire has striking visual elements such as 3D lion mascot on the front fender, round-shaped projector headlamp with black housing, cantilevered tailpiece, LED turn indicators, dual exhaust unit merging into a single outlet, a clean overall profile, etc.
We can expect the Leoncino to make its market debut towards the end of this year. The vintage styling pays homage to the original Leoncino and is constructed on a steel trellis frame with bare minimum body panels. USD forks are used up front with monoshock at the rear while dual channel ABS will be offered as standard fitment.
It measures 2,100 mm in length, 800 mm in width and has height of 1,160 mm with seat height of 815 mm. It is powered by a 499.6 cc liquid-cooled four-stroke twin-cylinder engine producing a maximum power output of 48 PS 8,500 rpm and 45 Nm of peak torque delivered at 4,500 rpm. It weights nearly 170 kg and has 15-litre fuel tank.
Benelli will likely launch only the road focussed Leoncino in India as it’s also available with studded tyres in international markets for off-roading use. Initially, the company will focus on bringing the Leoncino via CKD route and may consider local manufacturing in the near future based on the response.