The Benelli Leoncino scrambler is likely to be the
first motorcycle to launch in India from the Benelli-Mahavir Group joint
venture, according to a report from Zigwheels. The publication states that the
JV is in the final stages of homologating the Benelli Leoncino, while its
launch will reportedly take place in 2019.
Apart from the Leoncino, the company has also
applied for the homologation of the Benelli TRK 502X and the Imperiale 400.
While the TRK 502X is an adventure tourer, the Benelli Imperiale 400 is a retro
classic that will rival the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Royal Enfield
Thunderbird 350. On the other hand, the TRK 502X will compete with the upcoming
KTM 390 Adventure.
Powering the Benelli Leoncino is a 499.6 cc,
parallel twin-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that is mated to a 6-speed
transmission. The fuel injected motor is capable of producing a maximum power
of 46 bhp at 8,500 rpm while developing a peak torque of 45Nm at 5,000 rpm.
Benelli will reportedly launch the standard road-biased version of the bike in India.
Suspension hardware comprises 50 mm upside-down
front forks along with preload and rebound adjustable mono-shock at the rear.
Stopping power is managed by twin 320 mm front disc and a 260 mm rear disc
brake with radially mounted callipers, while dual-channel ABS is standard. The
Benelli Leoncino features 17-inch alloy wheels that run on 120/70 section front
and 160/60 section rear tubeless tires.
The Benelli Leoncino is likely to carry a price tag
of INR 4 lakh (ex-showroom), while the bike will compete with the KTM 390 Duke
and the Kawasaki Ninja 650. The Benelli-Mahavir Group JV will reportedly
announce is product strategy on 6 August, reports Zigwheels.
