After switching Malaysian distributors from Benelli
Keeway Malaysia to M-Force Malaysia, Benelli has introduced the 2017 Benelli RFS150i. Priced at RM 7,407 for
the base RFS150i and RM 7,778 for the RFS150i SE (including GST), this is
Benelli’s entry in to the 150 cc supercub segment.
Popular in the region, especially Malaysia and Indonesia, the supercub category is currently dominated by the Yamaha Y15ZR and
Honda RS150R. For the Benelli RFS150i, power comes from a liquid-cooled single
cylinder 149 cc power plant that produces 15.5 hp at 8,500 rpm and 13 Nm of
torque at 7,000 rpm.
Unique to the RFS150i is a three-spark plug cylinder
head configuration – called B3SP – that, in conjunction with the bike’s ECU and
fuel-injection system, is designed to optimise fuel efficiency and produce
optimum power, while reducing emissions. Power gets to the ground via a
six-speed gearbox with wet clutch, as is typical in this class of machine.
As “RFS” means “Riders For Speed” in Benelli
terminology, the RFS150i comes with proper racing-style upside-down forks along
with a monoshock rear-end. Braking is with hydraulic disc front and rear, with
the front carrying a 240 mm petal brake disc, and a 220 mm diameter disc at the
back.
Fuel for the RFS150i is carried in a 4.8-litre tank
under the seat, and dry weight is claimed to be 115 kg. Seat height is set at
787 mm, and top speed for this new supercub is claimed to be 100 km/h, but, we know that supercubs are somewhat faster than this.
There are three colour options for the 2017 Benelli
RFS150i – yellow, red and blue – while the RFS 150 SE comes in matte grey, with
availability in local Benelli showrooms starts immediately. Competitors to the
RFS150i in Malaysia are the Yamaha Y15ZR at RM 8,210, and the Honda RS150R goes
for RM 8,213 for the standard model, and RM 8,372 for the advanced in Respol
racing livery.
